Zoological Sciences

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Abundance of Rodent on Different Land Management Intervention in Simien Mountains National Park, North Ethiopia
(Addis Ababa University, 2018-10-04) Deksios Derbe; Jebessa Habte (Professor)
This study deals with the abundance rodents in different land management intervention. Overgrazing is one of the conservation challenges of the Simien Mountains National Park . Overgrazing has been devastating the fragile afro-alpine Ecosystem. The objective of this study was to identify habitat quality and abundance of rodent by recording the new rodent hole and the common mole rat hill between May, 2017 (wet season) and January and February 2018 (dry season), assessed thirteen transect lines in average 2-4 km each. In more rodents captured were investigated in six major sites (within twelve) sub sites and the grids were established within representative vegetation covers.During dry season, five species of rodents Lophuromys flavopunctatus, Arvicanthis abyssinicus, Stenocephalemys grisiecauda, Otomys typus,Mus mahomet and one species of insectivores, Crocidiura baileyi, were recorded. There was significance variation in habitat quality among different land management intervention fresh rodent holes and common mole rat hills (p<0.002 and P<0.003), respectively. ANOVA analytical test result also indicated that rodents’ distribution were significantly different with different land management such as moderate, slightly grazed and overgrazed habitats across afro-alpine ecosystem of Simen Mountains National Park. There was also variation in species abundance in grazed, unglazed and completely grazed land management system. The highest abundance was Arvicanthus abysinicus 56% six major sites; in twelve subsets no rodent was recorded in overgrazed Wezahla one low abundance C.baileyi 0.6%. Density of rodents highest in Alchemilla plant species 8/km2and 0 in overgrazed Hypericum revolutum plant species. There was significant different in rodent abundance (P<0.04) in different land management intervention. In general, grazing pressure were negatively affected the habitat quality of rodent and common mole rats' abundances. . Therefore, to reduce overgrazing, it is recommended to strength habitat conservation to gain habitat quality. To follow participatory conservation reduce overgrazing allowing rotational cut and carry system with limited time bound exclude core area and it should be applied in local bases.
Activity Pattern, Feeding Ecology and Population Survey of De Brazza’s Monkey (Cercopithecus Neglectus) in Bilo Nopa Woreda, Ilu Aba Bor Zone, Oromia Regional State, South Western Ethiopia.
(Addis Ababa University, 2018-08-08) Chewaka Diriba; Jebessa Habte (PhD)
The present study was conducted on the population status and behavior of De Brazzas monkeys in the Bilo Nopa Woreda, Ilu Aba Bor Zone, Oromia Regional State, South-Western Ethiopia, from October 2017 to May 2018. The objectives of this study were to assess the population survey, determine activity pattern, examine feeding ecology and of de Brazza’s in Bilo Nopa woreda. Materials used during the study period included digital camera, geographic positioning system (GPS), and note books. Activity pattern, feeding ecology and population survey were studied for 5 minutes with 15 minutes interval scan sampling. The result was a total of 25 de Brazza's monkeys in 3 groups and 1 solitary; including 16 adults, 4 youngsters and 5 infants. The overall activity time budgets of the De Brazza’s monkeys were given in figure 8. De Brazza’s monkeys in spent 47.91% of their time in feeding, 19.97% moving and 20.65% resting, 3.51% of its time playing, 2.33% aggression, 5.13% grooming and 0.5% sexual activities. Individuals in average spent more time in feeding (48.97%) during the wet season than during the dry season (48.64%). They spent more time moving (19.84%) and resting (20.74%) during the wet season than during the dry season (16.94%) and (21.37%), respectively. They spent more time in social activities such as playing (33.61%) and aggression (2.4%) during the dry season than during the wet season, where they spent (2.74%) playing and (1.66%) aggression. More time was also spent on other activities such as grooming (6.78%) during dry than during wet season (5.67%) and sexual activity (0.37) during the wet season than during dry season sexual activity (0.36%). De Brazza’s monkeys depended most on fruits, which accounting for 76.95% of the overall diet (n= 1332 feeding records), young leaves (13.13%) made the second largest parts of their diet. Other important food items consumed were matured leaves (3.34%), seeds and gums (2.43%) and blossoms were (1.25%). Of the 21 plant species that contributed for the overall diets of de Brazza’s, based on total percentage contribution of plant food items, Ficus species were the most consumed species. All individuals in spent more time feeding on fruit during the dry season (80.32%) than during the wet season (77.37%). Deforestation by the local people for coffee plantation, agricultural expansion, trapping, over grazing and commercial purposes could impose threat to the de Brazza’s monkey populations in the future. Therefore, it is recommended that management action should be taken to conserve the most important food resources such as Ficss species and S. guineense plant trees and further investigation should be conducted to determine the sustainable and beneficial level to integrate the local people in the conservation of wildlife.
Activity Pattern and Feeding Behaviour of African Jacana (Actophilornis Africanus) in Lake Hawassa
(Addis Ababa University, 2018-06-04) Ameha, Kidest; Afework, Bezawork (PhD)
The present study documents activities and diet of African jacana (Actophilornis africanus) in Lake Hawassa. Data were collected during the wet (July- August) and dry (January- February) seasons in 2017 using scan and focal sampling methods. Repeated observations were administered to collect data on activity pattern and foraging behaviour of African jacanas. Activity patterns including feeding, scanning, flying, preening, resting and others were observed. African jacana feed primarily on insects (63.7%). They also feed on worms (16.2), larvae (5.4), snails (5%), seed (3.7%) and other (6%) during the wet season and during the dry season insects (55.6%), worms (12.2 %), larvae (8.2%), snails (7.1%) seed (6.5%) and other (10.3%) There was significance difference in the type of food consumed by African jacana during the wet season (F1 39 = 7.86, P< 0.05) and during the dry season (F1 39 = 3.11, P< 0.05). There was no significance difference in the type of food consumed between seasons (F1 39 =1.48, P> 0.05). Major activities of the species were mainly feeding 95.8 ± 5.6 and 149.3 ± 8.9 during the wet and dry seasons respectively. Feeding activity was intensive and reached its peak in the morning (6:00 - 9:00) and late afternoon hours (4:00 – 6:00). Resting was more during the mid-day (12:00 – 1:00). During the dry season, there was significant difference in the rates of feeding (F0.05, 118 = 15.24, P < 0.05) in the three time periods. The mean feeding rates were significantly higher in the morning than late afternoon (Post hoc Tukey HSD, p < 0.05). There were significant differences in the mean rates for scanning (F0.05, 118= 6.9, p < 0.05), flying (F0.05, 118= 5.03, p< 0.05), resting (F0.05, 118=4.33, p < 0.05) during the different periods. Further ecological studies on African jacana should be conducted to get more information about the bird and facilitate conservation measures in the study area.
Activity Patterns and Feeding Ecology of the Gelada Baboon (Theropithecus Gelada Arsi) and Human – Gelada Conflicts in Amigna, Eastern Arsi, Ethiopia
(Addis Ababa University, 2018-04-03) Abu Kelil; Balakrishnan M. (Professor)
Activity Patterns and Feeding Ecology of the Gelada Baboon (Theropithecus gelada arsi) and Human–Gelada Conflicts in Amigna, Eastern Arsi, Eethiopia Kelil Abu, PhD Dissertation, Addis Ababa University, 2017 Geladas are Old World monkeys found almost exclusively in the Afroalpine grasslands of the northern and central highlands of Ethiopia. However, a single cluster of gelada populations does exist south of the Great Ethiopian Rift Valley in the Arsi Region. This population was studied during June 2015–July 2017, focusing on activity patterns, diet, ranging ecology and Human–Gelada conflicts in the Amigna, eastern Arsi. Activity types and dietary data were gathered using instantaneous scan sampling method on an average of 10 consecutive days per month. Home range and day range length were determined for each unit based on point to point movements of the units between consecutive GPS locations recorded. These were calculated from the map using measuring tools in the GIS software ArcGIS’9. Human–gelada conflicts in the present study was carried out by means of questionnaire, field observation, and focus group discussions. The gelada baboon faecal dropping samples were also collected to compare the results with the questionnaire survey. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics and responses compared using Chi-square test and one-way ANOVA. Logistic regression model was used to analyze the attitude of respondents towards gelada baboon and to determine the factors that cause crop loss by gelada baboon. The activity patterns observation showed that, feeding accounted for 40.31% of the activity budget, followed by movement (20.16%), rest (16.56%) and social (22.98%) activities. Geladas spent significantly more time in feeding (P < 0.05) and moving (P < 0.05) during the dry season compared to the time spent in the wet season. They spent significantly more time in resting (P < 0.05), playing (P < 0.05), grooming (P < 0.05) and aggression (P < 0.05) during the wet season compared to the dry season. Geladas diet mainly included grass blades (48.07% of feeding scans), iv though they also consumed grass roots (18.14%) and leaves of forbs (10.96%). Arsi geladas consumed a total of eight plant species. Among these, the top four accounted for 81.16% of their overall diet. Hyparrhenia hirta contributed for 64.76% of the overall diet of gelada baboons. Ipomoea hildrbrandii ranked second, Euclea racemosa third and Ficus vasta fourth accounting for 10.84%, 5.56% and 4.53% of the overall diet, respectively. There was significant differences in the total time spent in feeding on Ipomoea hildrbrandii (P < 0.05) and Opuntia strcta (P < 0.05) between dry and wet seasons. The average daily range lengths during the wet seasons was 792.60 m and during the dry seasons was 1022.87 m. The home range areas of gelada groups over the course of the study period was 3.26 km2 and 5.44 km2 during wet and dry seasons, respectively. Among the respondent, 79.85% reported that crop damage faced by gelada baboons were increasing from time to time. As distance from the gelada habitat increased, crop damage by gelada baboons was decreased and vice versa. There was a direct relationship between the type of crops grown and the type of crops damaged by geladas (r = 0.23, P < 0.05). Among the respondents, 25.84% had negative attitude towards gelada baboon, whereas 74.16% had positive. As crop loss by gelada baboon increased, good attitude of respondents towards gelada baboon was decreased and vice versa. In general, there was strong conflict between gelada baboon and the surrounding people in most parts of the study area. Narrow ecological niche, limited geographic distribution, and conflict with local people place Arsi gelada at the risk of extinction. To ensure long-term survival of Arsi geladas, appropriate management actions should be taken to conserve the species and to minimize human–wildlife conflict.
Age Sex Malaria Prevalence Plasmodium Falciparum, Plasmodium Vivax
(Addis Ababa University, 2015-06) Mulugeta, Solomon; Getu, Emana(Professor)
is one of the deadly disease caused by four main species of protozoan: P.Vivax P.falciparum, P.ovale and P.malariae. The 5th species P. knowlesi also infect human being occasionally. Malaria is transmitted by female anopheles mosquito. The aim of this study was to assess and analyze the trends of malaria prevalence from 2006 to 2015 G.C. at Atat primary hospital and associated risk factor to malaria infection. For this study data were taken from the hospital registration log book for a period of ten years from 2006 to 2015 G.C. Moreover, data for risk factors were collected from randomly selected households to which structured questionnaires were provided. Among the recorded malaria cases there is no clear trends idea as to which sex is more affected by malaria. In 2006, 2007 and 2011 roughly, 4%, 3%, 5%, , males were, respectively infected by malaria. Conversely in 2008, 2009, 2012, 2013, 2014, 2015 about 3%, 4%,2%, 4%, 1% and 4% females were, respectively infected with malaria. As to which species of Plasmodium dominantly infect heman being in the study hospital in 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011, and 2013 over 50% of malaria was caused by P. vivax, while in 2012, 2014, 2015 the highest proportion was caused by P. falciparum. Among malaria cases in different age groups, there is no clear trend as it varies from year to year. The highest record of malaria was in October to December followed April- June and the least was from January to March for all years. The prevalence of malaria with regard to sex, and age are statistically insignificant (P>0.05), The prevalence of malaria with seasonal variation is statistically significant P<0.05. Improper utilization of long lasting insecticidal bed nets, insufficient indoor residual spraying, the presence of mosquito breeding area were identified as the associated risk factors. All the above risk factors were found to be significantly associated with the risk of getting malaria parasite (P<0.05). It can be recommended that proper use of net should be practiced by all members of the households and indoor residual spraying should be done regularly. key words: Age, Sex, Malaria Prevalence, Plasmodium falciparum, Plasmodium vivax
AIDS Arsi zone HIV Prevalence woreda
(Addis Ababa University, 2015-03) Tsegaye Kibebe; Belay Gurja (PhD)
The aim of this study was to assess the HIV prevalence rate of the selected hospitals and health centers in Arsi zone, Oromiya region, Ethiopia. Out of the 25 woredas found in the zone, 14 of them (56%) were selected by purposive or convenience sampling method.17 Health institutions, three Hospitals (out of the five Hospitals found in the zone) and fourteen Health centers were used for sampling. All the data was collected by tally method from the “Voluntary Counseling and Testing Registration Log Book” and from the “monthly reporting format” of the health institutions taken as a sample and analyzed using SPSS version 20. A total number of 269,398 individuals were tested for HIV in 14 woredas of the zone (Asella, Tiyo, Digelu and Tijo, Lemu and Bilbilo, Robe, Lode Hetosa, Dodota, Diksis, Jeju, Shirka, Ziway Dugda, Munesa, Hetosa and Sire). A 10 (ten) years annual clinical data record from Asella Hospital, 3 years annual clinical data record from Rehoboth hospital, 8 years annual clinical data record from the Family Guidance Association of Ethiopia (FGAE) - Asella branch clinic and a one to nine years data from each of the other 13 woredas was collected to show the average annual HIV prevalence rate in the areas. The assessment of the retrospective clinical data record showed HIV/AIDS to be about 1.74% average annual prevalence. The data record also showed that HIV prevalence decreased from 11.14% in 2006 to 1.74% as compared to that of 2015. Furthermore, HIV prevalence among sexes showed 2.75% of the HIV positive individuals were females and 1.79% was males. According to the study, 38.94% of the HIV positive individuals were males and 61.06% were females. The data also showed that the disease is more prevalent in the age groups of 15-49 years of age. Furthermore, the recent decrease in the prevalence of the disease seems to be promising but there is still a need to further enhance disclosure and condom use and using different mechanisms like mass health education and face to face counseling and the need to take the control of the disease more seriously in the community. Keywords: - AIDS, Arsi zone, HIV, prevalence, woreda
Analysis of Prosopis Juliflora (Sw.) Dc Seeds in Animal Dropping and Its Germination Capacity in Amibara Woreda of Afar Region, Ethiopia
(Addis Ababa University, 2018-08-12) Hailu Kassahun; Bekele Tamrat (PhD)
Prosopis juliflora is a perennial shrub introduced in the 1970’s to the Amibara woreda of Afar National Regional State and now became highly invasive in the study area, due to equipped with a number of biological characteristics. The aim of this study was to identify the possible role of domestic and wild animals for dispersal of P. juliflora seeds in the study area. The samples of animal dropping were collected from animals selected purposely to meet the intended goals of the study. A sample of dropping from domestic animals (cattle, camel, sheep, goats and donkey) and wild animals (warthog) were collected from five villages randomly selected from four kebeles of Amibara Woreda. The study conducted on analysis of P. juliflora seeds in animal dropping and its’ germination and seedling emerging capacity, to determine contribution of animals for dispersion of P. juliflora seed after the passage through the intestinal tract. The experimental result reveals that the average number of P. juliflora seedling emerged per 1.25kg sample of donkey, cattle, warthog, goats, camel and sheep dropping were 160, 86, 46, 16, 3, & 2 respectively. Depending on the results, all of the targeted animals consumed seed pod of Prosopis as food and capable to disperse seeds through their dropping from parent tree/shrub to other new area for about 20km. Because of this case, domestic animals of pastoralist play the highest role to foster the rapid invasion of P. juliflora than wind, flood, humans and birds. But the degree of contribution among selected animals as a dispersal agent of P. juliflora seeds per 1.25kg dropping after 50 days, the percentage of P.juliflora seedling emergence are significantly different (P≤ 0.01). Finally from those animals where sample dropping was collected for analysis, the level of animals as a dispersal agent of P. juliflora was forwarded in the order of donkey, cattle, warthog, goat, camel and sheep.
Analyzing the Effect of Armed Conflict, Agriculture and Fire on the Movement and Migratory Behaviour of White Eared Kob and Roan Antelope in the Boma-Gambella Landscape of Ethiopia and South Sudan
(Addis Ababa University, 2018-06-03) Abera Kasahun; Bekele Afework (Professor)
Wildlife migrations are indicators for functionality and connectivity of land or seascapes. A species movement promotes nutrient cycling, seed dispersal, prey predator interaction, as well as species fitness and survival. The disruption of wildlife migration phenomena are alarms to an underlying and complicated socio-political and environmental crisis yet to come. In this thesis I evaluated the disturbance on White eared kob (Kobus kob leucotis) and Roan antelope (Hippotragus equinus) generated by the armed conflict, livestock encroachment and agricultural investments in the Boma-Gambella landscape. Four years of wildlife telemetry data was collected to analyse and detect the movement and migratory behaviour of White eared kob and Roan antelope against armed conflict, agriculture, fire, livestock and settlements in the landscape. The telemetry data was complemented by the data from five systematic reconnaissance aerial flights. Kernel density estimates, overlay analysis, statistical derivatives and GIS illustration methods were applied to produce results. Migratory kobs have shown behavioural response to the ongoing armed conflict and livestock encroachments by shrinking their former home ranges and making sudden displacements away from conflict hotspot areas. Human footprints and their effect on wildlife conservation in the landscape are evident. The home ranges and movement patterns of resident roan antelopes overlap with the major agricultural concessions and their cropping seasons. The key wildlife core areas, the main migration routes and home ranges exist outside of formal protected areas. The migration route analysis resulted with the longest terrestrial mammal migration and the second largest wildlife migration in the continent.
Anemia among Pregnant Women in Kelela Health Center, South Wollo, Northeast Ethiopia
(Addis Ababa University, 2016-09) Mohammed Aragaw; Mamo Hassen (PhD)
Anemia is a significant health challenge in both low- and high-income countries with major consequences in public health as well as socio-economic development. It is regarded as a major risk factor for unfavorable outcome of pregnancy both for the mother and the fetus. Current setting-specific information on this formidable threat is essential to design and implement appropriate control interventions. However, there is lack of adequate information on the magnitude of anemia among pregnant women in Kelela, northeast Ethiopia. This study was, therefore, done to determine the prevalence of anemia and associated factors among pregnant women attending Kelela health center (KHC). A cross-sectional study was carried out among pregnant women who came for their antenatal care follow-up between January and May 2016. A pretested questionnaire was used to gather socio-economic, demographic and clinical characteristics of the participants. Hemoglobin (Hb) was measured using the Sahli-Hellinge method and anemia status determined (Hb<11.0g/dl). Univariate and multivariate logistic regression analysis were used to test the association between anemia and socio-demographic variables (p<0.05). The prevalence of anemia was 58.8% (n=243); mild 40.8%, moderate 59.8%, and no severe cases. Women having birth interval of <2 years were twice likely to be anemic than those with ≥2 years birth interval (adjusted odds ratio (AOR) 2.235, 95% confidence interval (CI) 8.427-8.677, p 0.001). Moreover, anemia was significantly higher among the multigravidae (AOR 0.212, 95% CI 0.048-0.941, p 0.041) and those in their third trimester of pregnancy (AOR 6.582, 95% CI 1.851-23.401, p 0.004). The prevalence of anemia in the study was high, although there were no severe cases, calling for immediate intervention. Keywords: Anemia, pregnancy, prevalence, maternal, KHC
Aquaponics Productivity Response for Niger Seed Cake (Guizotia Abyssinica) Inclusion and Increased Level of Mineral Supplementation in Fish Diet
(Addis Ababa University, 2017-03) Tadesse, Abebe; Getahun, Abebe(Professor)
This study was conducted at Addis Ababa University aquaponics research facility to determine level of Niger seed cake inclusion and mineral supplementation on aquaponics diet to improve Tilapia-Lettuce productivity in aquaponics system. Three main studies were conducted to determine the efficient level of Niger seed inclusion for tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus L.) growth, effective Niger seed dietary level on lettuce (Lactuca sativa L.) growth and effective mineral supplementation level for tilapia and lettuce growth. Mineral supplementation level was studied by taking the best Niger seed cake inclusion level for tilapia and lettuce growth. Five levels of Niger seed cake (NC) inclusions with different level of fish meal (FM) (NC:FM); 0 (Negative control diet; D1), 0.29 (D2), 0.83 (D3), 2.14 (D4), 3.4 (D5) and Hydroponics system(H) (Control 2; Positive control for nutrients) were tested against tilapia and lettuce growth and water quality attributes for 28 days. After decision on the best Niger seed cake inclusion level five mineral supplementation levels 0% (D1), 1.2% (D2), 2.3% (D3), 3.5% (D4) and 4.6% (D5) on fish diet were tested against aquaponics productivity taking the best diet from previous experiment as negative control. Impact of Niger seed cake inclusion level brought significant variation (p < 0.05) on water quality parameters but remain within the range suitable for growth and development of lettuce. Most tilapia and lettuce growth performance measures were significantly quadratic with NC:FM ratio in fish diet (r2 > 0.25, p<0.1). Highest Specific growth rate (SGR), Relative growth rate (RGR), Protein productive value (PPV), Crude protein content, Mineral retention (K, Ca, Fe and N) and feed efficiency response of tilapia were measured from D4. Similarly highest lettuce; Yield, Fresh biomass per plant, Leaf fresh weight, Root fresh weight from experimental diets were recorded from D4 that is statistically not different with H treatment (p > 0.05). Increased NC:FM composition resulted in quadratic decrease of Dry matter (DM) and mineral content. Mineral iv retained in lettuce was significantly correlated (p < 0.05) with diet mineral composition and resulted in increased mineral level recovered by lettuce and in water. Fish tank water mineral content response was also significantly quadratic with NC:FM ratios (r2 > 0.25, p < 0.1). Mineral supplementation performance on tilapia and lettuce growth was found to be significantly comparable among treatments and numerically lowest and highest RGR, and Protein efficiency ratio (PER) were achieved from treatment D1 and D5, respectively. Increased mineral supplementation level on fish diet brought significantly linear RGR, FCR, PPV and PER response (r2 > 0.5, p < 0.05). Among experimental diets significantly highest Absolute growth rate, Relative growth rate, Leaf weight ratio and lettuce yield were achieved from 2.3% mineral supplementation level (p < 0.05). Hydroponics mineral supplemented diet with a level of 2.3% resulted in significantly highest (p < 0.05) total (tilapia and lettuce) biomass yield and suitable growing environment for tilapia and lettuce. Aquaponics productivity can be improved through hydroponics mineral inclusion in fish diet which contains 2.14 NC:FM ratio supplemented with 2.3% hydroponics mineral
Aquatic Sciences, Fisheries and Aquaculture Stream Assessment of the Ecological Condition of Aba Samuel Reservoir Using Water Quality and Trophic Status Indices
(Addis Ababa University, 2019-06-06) Retea, Badatu; Fetahi, Tadesse (PhD); Mengistou, Seyoum (Professor)
Aba Samuel Reservoir (ASR) has been degraded by various types of environmental pollution released from domestic, industrial and agricultural activities. This research aimed at evaluating the ecological condition of ASR using water quality and trophic status indices. In situ measurements of physicochemical parameters (DO, Temperature, EC, and pH) were taken from five sampling sites using portable Multimeter. The major inorganic nutrients (NO3-N, NO2-N, NH4, PO4, and TP) were analyzed in the limnology laboratory using APHA methods and microbial analyzed in biomedical laboratory at AAU. Relationships between plankton and environmental variables were analyzed using Principal Component Analysis (CANOCO for Windows 4.5). Water quality indices of ASR calculated using National Sanitation Foundation Water Quality Index (NSFWQI) had overall mean + SE values of turbidity (105.94 + 39.27 NTU), TSS (745.73 + 222.74 mg L-1), pH (7.96 + 0.049), Temp. (21.9015 + 0.29 °C), DO (3.4615 + 0.25 mg L-1), NO3- N (0.25 + 0.015 mg L-1), TP (0.12 + 0.008 mg L-1) and FC (225 CFU 100 mL-1). According to NSFWQI, bad ecological condition of 37.14, WQI was calculated for ASR recorded from all sampling sites. Trophic status index was calculated by Lamparelli (2004) and Cunha et al., (2013) methods proposed for tropical environments. The overall mean phytoplankton biomass as chlorophyll a was (Chl a, 15.08 + 0.94 μg L-1) and Total phosphorus (62.92 + 0.42 μg L-1). Overall ASR WQI is poor and TSI (56.81 _ 61.80) state that sites has TSI values ranging from eutrophic to supereutrophic and that the overall TSI is in the eutrophic category. Lack of industrial and municipal wastewater treatment plants of the Addis Ababa towns and cities in the basin has caused serious pollution to Aba Samuel Reservoir.
Aspects of Reproductive Biology, Growth Performance and Survival of the African Catfish, Clarias Gariepinus (Burchell, 1822) in Captivity for Enhancing Aquaculture
(Addis Ababa University, 2018-12-12) Yalew, Alayu; Getahun, Abebe (Professor)
Being a potential species for the development of Ethiopian aquaculture, some aspects of the reproductive biology, larval rearing and growth performance of the African catfish, C. gariepinus had never been addressed. Hence this research aims to compare the performance of different size classes on their reproductive biology different z the artificial propagation, larval rearing and table size production of the African catfish, C. gariepinus in captivity. Different sizes of broodstock groups were injected with pituitary extract and compared for fecundity, number of fertilized eggs and the number of survived early larvae produced. The larvae were provided with zooplanktons multiplied in ponds at different feeding intervals to determine the best feeding frequency. The African catfish were cultured in extensive, semi intensive and intensive systems at different stocking densities and the best performing stocking rate was determined for each system. The income return of the different practices was compared and evaluated t identify the best practice for Ethiopia. The result indicated that fecundity of 500-600g weighed broodstocks was 51,800 eggs/kg bodyweight but only 47,000 eggs/kg was spawned from 1000-1200 g weighed broodstocks. The percentage survival of early larvae from small sized broodstocks and larger ones was 81% and 76%, respectively. The larvae fed on local zooplankton performed successfully and zooplankton multiplied in ponds replaced imported Artemia nauplii effectively. At feeding frequency of four times a day (every three hrs), larvae showed an average daily weight gain of 18.9 mg/day which was 19% more compared to those fed fewer times and less frequently. The percentage survival was 95% for the group fed four times a day and 75%, 93% and 87% for larvae fed twice, three times and five times a day, respectively. The most preferred stocking density in terms of weight gain and survival was 1fish/m2 for extensive, 5 fishes/m2 for semi-intensive and 90 iv fishes/m3 for intensive system. And the final harvest or yield was better in ponds or tanks at higher stocking density; 2fish/m2 for extensive, 10 fishes/m2 for semi-intensive and 100 fishes/m3. The average yield was 0.66kg/m2 for extensive pond culture, 4.77kg/m2 asemi-intensive pond culture and 53.4 kg/m3 in intensive culture during 8 months period. Hence, for a better productivity, fish should be stocked at a rate of 2 fishes/m2 in extensive and 10 fishes/m2 in semi-intensive pond culture and 100 fishes/m3 in intensive tank culture. Comparison of the different culture practices for economic benefit (considering fish sale), indicated that semi intensive culture system benefitted more with a profit index value of 13 compared to intensive culture with 9.28. In conclusion, African catfish female parent with 500g and more live weight can be used as a broodstock in a hatchery rearing. Feeding live zooplankton cultured in plankton ponds could be the most consistent technique for Ethiopia since importation of Artemia cyst is not sustainable. For the sake of alternative fisheries and to run profitable business, catfish farming in a semi intensive pond using feed formulated from local ingredients would be a solution.
Assessement of Prevalence of Bars Khat and Shisha Houses and Substance Use Practices by School-Age Adolescents Around High Schools in Gullele Sub City Government
(Addis Ababa University, 2021-12-13) Tesfaye, Mesfin; Wube, Tilaye ( PhD)
The study assessed the prevalence of school-age adolescents substance use (alcohol, khat and shisha) within vicinities of three high schools in Gullele sub-city. The study was an effort to assess availability and accessibility of addictive substances and the extent of adolescents of school-age use of such substances. Data were through counting, direct observations, random sampling and conducting interview. A total of 210 bars, khat shops and shisha houses were identified around the studied high schools. Of these, 114 were bars, 72 khat shops and 24 were shisha houses. On the other hand, 772 (589 males and 183 females) alcohol users, 416 (319 males and 97 females) khat users and 117 (85 males and 32 females) shisha users of school-age adolescents were recorded. Most substance users were identified around Dilber High school followed by Miraf High school and Kechene Debereselam High school. The number of houses, and substance user school-age adolescents increased as the distance from the school increases. As far as sex is concerned, females were less involved in substance use than males. In the categories of time of the day, substance use practice by school-age adolescents was highest during the late afternoon and lowest during the morning.
Assessing Facters Associated With Honey Production in Wombera Wereda, Metakel Zone, Benishangul- Gumuz Region, Ethiopia
(Addis Ababa University, 2018-08-08) Fikadu, Tilahun; Getu, Emana (Professor)
In Ethiopia, honey production is a traditional occupation widely practiced by farmers as a complementary income generating activity. However, an inefficient agricultural marketing system together with traditional production systems hinders beekeepers to benefit optimally from honey supply. So, this study was conducted out in selected districts of Metakel Zones, Benshangul regional state, Wombera district. The objective of the study was to assess factor associated to honey production in Wombera districts. For this study four Keble were selected purposely focusing on climate variability and their focus on honey production in which 98 respondents were purposively selected by discussing with experts in case of the farmer household who derive their livelihood on honey production. Primary and secondary data were collected from the respondent by using structured questionnaires, survey, interviews and observation. Data was processed and analyzed using computer software packages such as Ms Excel 2007, SPSS. All of the beekeeper in the study area have owned only traditional hives and produce honey for home consumption. The beekeeping practice was dominated by male. despite the long history of honey production in the area honey bee colony and income from honey production was decreasing from time to time due to lack of the beekeeping knowledge, shortage of trained man power, shortage of beekeeping equipments, pests, predators, fires, use of pesticide, lack of properly managed apiary area and feeding, inadequate research work to support developmental programs. Despite all the constraints, there is a great potential to increase the production and quality of honey in the districts .Strong extension and technical intervention, proper pesticide application, establishing beekeepers cooperative and enhancing bee forage plantation through introducing multipurpose trees should been encouraged to increase honey production.
Assessing Invertebrate Biodiversity in Gullele Botanic Gardenduring Wet Season.
(Addis Ababa University, 2019-09-09) Abdissa, Shoma; Mengistu, Seyoum (Professor)
Gullele Botanic Garden contains diverse types of invertebrates. The diversity, distribution, frequency, density and abundance of these invertebrates were investigated using 28 quadrats which were located at different habitat types. The study found that Gullele Botanic Garden support the presence of invertebrates in large quantity in mixed forest habitat. A total of 2854 invertebrate specimens belonging to 42 families were collected and recorded in the Gullele Botanical Garden. Higher diversity and evenness of invertebrates were observed in the mixed foresthabitat. On the other hand, the least evenness and diversity of invertebrates was observed in the grassland forest habitat in the study season. Based on jaccard's similarity index, the highest similarity was observed between mixed forest and grassland forest habitats.. The lowest similarity was observed between natural forest habitat and artificial forest habitat. Abundance of food on species of vegetation, stability of the habitats, human activities and settlement inside determined invertebrate diversity in the study areas.During data collection in Gullele Botanic Garden, careful observation showed that invertebrates had both positive and negative effect for humans, animals and insects. The positive effects were increasing soil fertility(earthworms),nutrient cycling(ants),increasing the rate of soil nutrient cycling(beetles) and indicators of environmental change and habitat disturbance(insects). Conversely, the negative effects were plant drying(termites) and attacking roots,trunks,stems,leaves, flowers ,seeds ,fruits and saps of vascular system(phytophagous invertebrates).
Assessing Lepidopteran Diversity in three Selected Land-Use Types in Chebera Churchura National Park and its Surroundings South Western Ethiopia
(Addis Ababa University, 2021-06-30) Hailay, Gebreegziabher; Getu, Emana (Professor)
Following the order of Coleoptera, the Lepidoptera is the second largest order of insects. Currently, Lepidoptera (moths and butterflies) comprise about 46 superfamilies, 126 families, and 180,000 species. Lepidopteran biodiversity in three selected land-use types was studied from January 2020 to June 2020, 2020, and around Chebera Churchura National Park, in the southern Nations, Nationalities and People’s region, Southwestern Ethiopia. Three selected land-use types: riverine forest, wooded grassland, and Mosaic habitats were studied. The effects of the diversity of plants on the diversity and abundance of lepidopterans were also studied. Metrological data trend analysis was also studied to investigate the effect of rainfall and temperature on population fluctuations. A sweeping net was used to collect adult butterflies and a light sheet trap was used to collect adult moths. The results showed that 184 species (79 butterfly species and 105 moth species) in 16 families (five families of butterflies and 11 families of moths) were recorded. The Nymphalidae were the most numerous of the five butterfly families studied, while the Hespariidae were the least numerous. Moth families Crambidae, Erbidae and siphingidae were the dominant and Pyralidae was the least. Species richness, composition, and abundance were variable in the different land-use types. Thus, the riverine forest had the highest number of lepidopteran species with 147 species and 5,203 individuals, followed by wooded grassland with 106 species and 3174 individuals and Mosaic habitat with 52 species and 1610 individuals. The Chi-square test results showed that the diversity of butterflies and moths differed significantly between the three habitats. Linear regression was calculated to study the role of the diversity of plants on the diversity of moths and butterflies and the results showed that the effect was not significant. The diversity of Lepidoptera captured varied with the month of sampling and the highest number was recorded in January and the least was recorded in June and the trend of rainfall showed increments and the temperature decreased from January to June. The Sorensen index of similarity and Jaccard’s index of similarity were observed among the three habitats and the highest similarity was found between riverine forest and wooded grass land with 70% for moth habitat and the highest similarity was found between wooded grass land and mosaic habitat with 34% for butterfly habitat. Generally, the habitat was good for moth and butterfly diversity.
Assessment of anthropogenic impacts in Gulla River using macro invertebrates and physicochemical parameters
(Addis Ababa University, 2017-08) Minas, Haileyesus; Warkineh, Bikila(PhD)
Gulla River is one of the rivers impacted by anthropogenic activities. The most important factors affecting the river were land use modification, small scale irrigation system, town runoff, dumping of household wastes and organic debris. Data were gathered two times in December and May to observe the seasonal effects on macro invertebrates. Three sampling sites were selected to gather data through habitat, physicochemical and biological assessments. The habitat scores showed differences between the impacted and reference sites. The scores 52.92 and 51.25 put site-3 and site-2 into very poor category while the score 72.5 puts the reference site into good. There were significant differences (p<0.05) in most of the physicochemical parameters between stressed and reference sites. However, the value of EC, NO3 and DO were within the permissible limit set by WHO (1996) and Ethiopia EPA (2003). In this study the value of H-FBI also showed differences among the three sampling sites -Site-1(good), site-2(fair) and site-3(very poor) categories. A total of 297 macro invertebrates belonging to 25 families were collected and identified to compare the stressed sites to the reference site. The highest taxa were recorded in the reference (site-1) whereas the least was recorded in site-3.The BMI, percent EPT and percent Coleopterans tend to decrease as perturbation increased downstream in site-3 and site-2, but they increased in the reference site. On the other hand percent Chironomidae, Diptera, Oligochaeta, non-insect taxa, CLI and dominant taxa increased downstream as perturbation increased. Thus, macro invertebrates are good indicators of anthropogenic perturbation. Keywords: Macro invertebrates, Water pollution, physicochemical parameters, Aquatic ecosystem, anthropogenic activities.
Assessment of Biological Integrity Using Physico-Chemical Parameters and Macroinvertebrate Community Index Along Sebeta River, Ethiopia
(Addis Ababa University, 2007-07) Tassew Admasu; Assefa Fassil (PhD); Mengistuo Seyoum (PhD)
The level of water pollution and ecological disturbance of Sebeta River was evaluated using some important physico-chemical and biological parameters. The Physico-chemical parameters were: flow velocity (m/s), dissolved oxygen (DO) (mg/L), pH, temperature (0c), electrical conductivity (EC) (μs/cm), nitrate-nitrogen (mg/L) and phosphate (mg/L). The mean flow velocity and nitrate-nitrogen measures showed no significant difference between the study sites of Sebeta River (P > 0.05). DO records of the river at the upstream rural sites above Sebeta Agro-industry (SR1 and SR2) were significantly higher than the DO records of the downstream sites (P < 0.001). The mean pH values of SR3 (3.60 ± 0.81) (immediately downstream from Bale Zaf Alcohol and Liquor Factory and Soap Factory) and SR4 (4.75 ± 0.88) (downstream of National Alcohol and Liquor Factory and Blue Nile Tannery) were significantly lower than the pH values of the rest of the sample sites (P < 0.001). The mean temperature and EC records of SR3 (33.83 ± 1.17 0c, 16050.00 ± 2270.77 μs/cm) and SR4 (27.63 ± 0.68 0c, 15400.00 ± 316.60 μs/cm) were significantly higher than the respective records at the rest of the study sites (P < 0.001). Phosphate concentration at SR3 (8.59 ± 1.16 mg/L) was significantly higher than the phosphate concentrations recorded from the other sites (P < 0.001). Flow velocity and nitrate-nitrogen of Sebeta River were in the natural range, except for extreme values at sites SR3 and SR4. Habitat integrity assessment was done according to the US Environmental Protection Agency Rapid Bioassessment Protocol. Percent comparability of habitat scores classified the upstream reference sites to good, while it categorized the entire downstream sites to very poor. The mean chlorophyll ‘a’ measures of upstream reference sites (SR1 and SR2) showed significantly higher values than those of the impacted downstream sites (P < 0.001). Macroinvertebrate community index of Sebeta River (MCISR) was developed using selected metrics. The MCISR score classified both of the upstream sites (SR1 and SR2) to very good biological integrity, while it classified all the downsteam sites to very poor biological integrity, but SR8 (further down in Atebela peasants association) to poor.
Assessment of Challenges and Opportunities of Small Scale Irrigation Utilization: (the Case of Tahtay Maychew Woreda, Central Zone, Tigray, Ethiopia
(Addis Ababa University, 2019-09-09) Assefa, Mawch; Warkineh, Bikila (PhD)
Irrigation has the potential to stabilize agricultural production and ease the negative impacts of variable or insufficient rainfall in Ethiopia. This study was designed to assess challenges and opportunities of utilization of small-scale irrigation. The objectives of the study is to assess the opportunities to use irrigation, factors that influence Irrigation Utilization by small-scale farmers, the role of the extension workers towards confirming the desirable Utilization of Irrigation by the farmers and weigh up existing infrastructure of the SSI and its accessibility. It adopts quantitative and qualitative research approach. To serve these objectives, data was collected from 169 sample respondent farmers from four purposively selected Kebeles by distributing questionnaire by collectors and this was also supplemented by semi-structured interview and focus group discussion and field observations. Descriptive type of research like, participants answer questions administered through interviews or questionnaires and field observation to analyze the data. From the sampled respondents, FGDs (22) that is 4 females and 18 males and 10 key informant interviews, different challenges and opportunities were forwarded. The result of the research indicates that there was potential for the development of small-scale irrigation specially availability of favorable agro-ecology, availability of labor, and supportive of government policies and reserve underground water. The research result also identified that the challenge of small scale as Shortage of water that relates with shortage of ponds and diversion shortage of agricultural inputs specially improved seed and pesticides, high cost of irrigation, shortage of water pump technologies, spare parts, technical problems such as maintenance of motor pumps, presences of diseases and pests, insufficient market information and market networks, infrastructure specially road, weakness of local FTCs and low of price of products. In conclusion, to alleviate these constraints and utilize the opportunities towards SSI, the concerned bodies should attempt to minimize those factors that hinder productivity of irrigation in the study area. If SSI schemes are to play their role, an integrated effort of all development partners such as government (specifically BOARD), cooperative promoters, private sector and the society at large is crucial to address the problems faced. Additionally, farmers should establish viable and strong linkages with development /extension agents and other cooperative societies in the areas of irrigation, finance, marketing and technology adoption
Assessment of Domestic Solid Waste Composition and Generation Rate, in Shambu Town, Oromia, Northwest Ethiopia
(Addis Ababa University, 2018-08-08) Huluka Fille; Jebessa Habte (PhD)
Improper household solid waste management has becoming a major environmental and public health problem in Shambu town as other towns of Ethiopia. The town has been experiencing very poor domestic solid waste management system, due to the absence of proper household solid waste collection and transfer services, absence of communal dumping containers and in-sufficient and inappropriate placement of landfill sites. Despite all the problems, there was no study conducted so far. This study is thus conducted to fill the existing gap. The study was conducted at Shambu town, Horo Guduru Wollega zone, Oromia Regional State, West Ethiopia, from March 10, 2018 to April 10, 2018. Systematic random sampling technique was used to select 80 households that are estimated to represent residents with different socio economic levels. This study was aimed to assess the quantity, composition and generation rate of domestic solid waste of the study area. The daily solid waste generated from those sampled households of the study site were collected and sorted in to its component. The weight of each component was recorded for seven consecutive days to determine the quantity, composition and generation rate of each household. Data analysis was made by using averages, percentages and ratios. Results of this study showed that on average a household generates 0.148Kg/cap/day. By taking the total population of the study area in to account, the annual household solid waste generation rate of the town was estimated to be 4296.05 tons. As field survey analysis illustrates; in this study area there is improper domestic solid waste management systems. The residents dispose domestic solid wastes along the road side, on open areas, near the residential sites, around burial sites, within plantation sites, etc… The Municipality office and authorities responsible for waste management of the town are very poorly equipped materially, financially and in terms of human resources to provide the expected services appropriately. This study recommends that the Municipality office and authorities responsible for waste management have to take considerable measures to alleviate the problem of waste management by allocating enough budget on the sanitation of the town, by giving regular campaign, education, and training programs at grass root level to create public awareness on waste management and by discussing with other levels of government and NGOs for sustainable improvement of waste management.

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