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Tanzania: |
ACM Tanzania Program Field Projects |
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Fall 2005 Titles and abstracts of field projects completed by participants in the fall 2005 ACM Tanzania Program. These papers are not available for distribution. Go
to Project directory |
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Ecology
Archaeology
Medical Anthropology
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Ecology East
to West Clinal Gradients of Morph Frequencies in the Polymorphic
East African Butterfly Danaus chrysippus (L.): Refining the
East African Hybrid Zone to the Lake Victoria Region The butterfly Danaus chrysippus is polymorphic throughout its range and is the most common butterfly in Africa. East Africa (Uganda, Rwanda, Kenya, and Tanzania) is unique in that it harbors the greatest diversity of polymorphism within the range. The polymorphism is dynamic and implies the existence of a hybrid zone in East Africa. The polymorphism is proposed to have evolved through allopatric subspeciation resulting from habitat fragmentation and regeneration during the Pleistocene ice ages and frequent world climate changes. Smith proposes that the entirety of East Africa is the hybridization zone. There exist five modern monomorphic areas throughout Africa thought to be remnants of palaeo-refugia, which facilitated allopatric subspeciation. Smith and colleagues have measured morph frequencies through population sampling within the supposed hybrid zone in several areas but no change in location during collection occurred. The monitoring of the morph frequencies at various points between Dar es Salaam and the Serengeti National Park reported in this investigation provides data that could further refine the borders of the hybrid zone. In addition, the results give support and insight into the processes allopatric subspeciation and gusto to the theory of evolution in a modern context. Sex
differences in juvenile Olive Baboon behavior in Tarangire National
Park The purpose of this study was to determine whether juvenile behavioral sex differences would be found in the wild Olive Baboon (Papio cynocephalus anubis) populations in Tarangire National Park, Tanzania. My hypothesis was that male and female juvenile baboons would display behavioral differences due to the different sex roles that are assumed when they mature. I performed focal observations of 14 male and 17 female wild juvenile baboons for four weeks. There was a significant difference between male and female baboons' climbing behavior; females climbed more. But the differences in other observed behaviors were overall not statistically significant. However, even though it was not significant, only female baboons were involved in social grooming. This lack of significant difference is probably due to the baboon troops constantly being on the move. It was difficult to follow a juvenile for even a short time because of the troops' continuous traveling.
Potential sources of invasive plant species
in Tarangire National Park This study surveyed certain areas of Tarangire National Park to determine their role as potential introduction sites of invasive plants. It includes of a list of all identified invasive plant species at Sopa Lodge, the park's main entrance, the Tarangire River banks and the former site of Oliver's Camp. It also investigates the question of whether or not these species are dispersing beyond these areas. Through the use of transects extending from each of the locations, an assessment was made of whether or not these plants were establishing beyond the localities. Based on the data collected, the large-scale dispersal of invasive plants from these heavily frequented areas did not appear to be a major problem. Many invasive plants were identified, some of which were purposefully planted for decorative purposes at a few of these locations. Because there were not many invasive plants found along the transects, however, the problem is still controllable if action is taken.
Seed dispersal by African Elephants in
Tarangire National Park Elephants have been found to be important seed dispersers for a number of different habitats, yet savanna habitats have not been completely investigated. It has been hypothesized that a number of species in savanna type habitats gain benefits through seed dispersal by elephants, including Adansonia digitata, Balanites aegyptiaca, Sclerocarya caffra, and Ricinodendron rautanenii. In this study dung boli of elephants were collected to determine the species dispersed. The dung pile density per 100 m2 was estimate to determine the average dispersal of seeds through out the microphyll habitat. Germination experiments were conducted to determine whether S. caffra and A. digitata had increased germination rate after seed passage through elephant gut when compared to seeds gathered underneath parent trees. Twelve species were found to be dispersed by elephants. Of the species hypothesized to gain benefits from elephant seed dispersal Adansonia digitata, Balanites aegyptiaca, and Sclerocarya caffra were dispersed by elephants in Tarangire N. P. The average density of dung piles per 100 m2 of microphyll habitat was 2.15 (SD 1.77). The germination experiments were inconclusive with only one seed of S. caffra (passed through elephant) germinating. The results of this study suggest that elephants are dispersal agents for a number of species during the dry season, but further investigation is need to understand any benefits those species might derive from that dispersal.
Effects of Macrotermes termitaria on small
mammal abundance and biodiversity in Tarangire National Park Termite mounds provide habitat heterogeneity in the East African grasslands. The vegetational and physical heterogeneity provided by the termite mounds increase the number available niches. Greater heterogeneity and, thus, more niches may increase the abundance and diversity of small mammals in the ecosystem. My study was designed to compare the small mammal abundance and diversity at termitaria within the northern section of Tarangire National Park, Tanzania, and at sites within the surrounding grassland 40 m away. Despite low species diversity (only three species caught) and 24 animals captured, the study supported the hypothesis that significantly more small mammals would be present at termite mounds than in the adjacent grassland. |
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Temperature
and time constraints on the display behavior of Red-headed Rock
Agamas Agama agama is an ectothermic species of lizard that live in hierarchical social groups. The purpose of this study was to determine if these lizards show a difference in the frequency of their display behaviors because of the time of day or the temperature in their thermal environment. This study looked at time of the day, air temperature, shade temperature, and basking surface temperatures as possible factors that may contribute to the frequency of displaying behaviors found in A. agama. Air temperature was found to a stronger influence on the frequency of displaying behaviors than the other temperatures. These observations also showed that time of day affects displaying behaviors more than shade and basking temperatures for females and subordinate males.
Vigilance and the association between zebra
and wildebeest Zebra and wildebeest share many characteristics. Both species need a steady source of water, they both face the threat of predation from the same predators, and they have similar grazing areas with zebra eating the tall grass and wildebeest following to the same pastures to eat the shorter grass left behind. Previous studies have noted that these two species occur in the same region. This study investigates the potential association of zebra and wildebeest in single groups during the dry season in Tarangire National Park. It was predicted that the two species would associate more often near water sources then away from water. An association between the two species may be strategy against predators and would therefore affect vigilance frequency. This study observed groups of zebra and wildebeest at waterholes, near the Tarangire River, and along roadsides. These observations were used to calculate an index of association score for the two species. Additionally, scan samples were taken of groups of zebra and of groups of zebra and wildebeest measuring the frequency of zebra vigilance. Zebra and wildebeest have a low overall association, but they do associate more frequently at water sources. Additionally, the two species associate more often at different times of day. No significant relationship was observed between vigilance and group size and no change was found between the vigilance frequencies for zebra in interspecies groups verses in groups of zebra only.
Does traffic level affect numbers of
galliforms and raptors in Tarangire National Park? The effects of traffic throughout the world have been shown to have many consequences on different avian populations. The increase in traffic, coupled with habitat loss and destruction has exacerbated the problem and research is needed in many areas to discover the effects of human presence in certain ecosystems. This study aims to look at the effect of traffic on the raptors and galliforms in Tarangire National Park in Tanzania, East Africa. Roads within the park were split into 17 different road segments and throughout the month of October 2005 these segments were used to conduct raptor and galliform counts. Traffic load was recorded for each road segment as vehicles per hour and correlations between traffic and number of individuals was performed. The number of species recorded on each segment was counted and a regression was done between the species number and the length of the given road segment. The residuals from this regression were used to see any effect traffic has on expected number of species and species actually recorded. No correlation was seen between the galliforms and traffic (r=0.221, p=0.393). There were significantly higher numbers of raptors recorded along roads with higher levels of traffic (r=0.492, p=0.045). When the raptors were split up into vultures and non-vulture raptors, we see no significant correlation in the non-vulture raptors (r=0.400, p=0.182), while the vultures are found in significantly higher numbers along roads with higher levels of traffic (r=0.509, p=0.037). There was a trend showing fewer species along roads with higher levels of traffic (r=0.423, p=0.091).
Maternal investment differences in Vervet
monkey offspring This study investigated the maternal investment strategies of wild vervet monkeys (Cercopithecus aethiops) in Tarangire National Park, Tanzania. According to the parental investment theory, a parent should give the most parental care to the offspring that will benefit the most from the investment and have the best reproductive payoff. I proposed two alternative hypotheses for the vervets' maternal investment strategies. First, the Daughter Hypothesis states that daughters should receive more care because they remain in their natal troops and continually benefit from the mothers' care. Second, the Son Hypothesis states that sons should receive more care because they must be strong to leave the troop and compete for rank. Because of previous research on captive vervet monkeys, I predicted that mother vervets would give more maternal care to their daughters. I conducted focal studies of male offspring (N=12) and female offspring (N=10) and analyzed the maternal care that each received. Two significant results were discovered. Mothers held their daughters more than their sons, and mothers ignored their sons more than their daughters. Because daughters received more maternal care, daughters may benefit more from the investment than sons, so my results support the Daughter Hypothesis. Sons may benefit more from their freedom by increasing their skills as competitors. |
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Archaeology
An archaeological survey of stone tools
in northern Tarangire National Park There are many areas in northern Tanzania containing lithic artifacts that have yet to be studied (Phillipson 1985; Klein 1999). Among these undocumented sites is Tarangire National Park, which is located west of Arusha and just east of Lake Burungi in the Manyara basin. A ground survey was conducted of three sites within northern Tarangire National Park, which verified the presence of lithic artifacts from the Middle Stone Age as well as later stone tool traditions. Of the 64 stone tools found and analyzed, 61 were characteristic of the MSA tradition. The other three tools were most likely of a later tradition. Nearly all the tools found were made of either chert or quartzite, both of which are found exposed within the park. One tool was made of obsidian, a material not found within or in the immediate vicinity of Tarangire National Park. It was determined that this area has potential for further studies and/or excavations. |
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Medical Anthropology
Investigating DOT (Directly Observed Therapy)
as a tuberculosis treatment method in the Tarangire area TB is one of the three leading causes of mortality among adults in Tanzania. The treatment is a long process requiring several months of daily medication. Many small health facilities do not provide TB treatment services and thus money and transportation are a problem for those seeking such treatment. Tanzania has begun utilizing the Community-Based DOT (Directly Observed Therapy) program, under which community members act as the treatment supervisors, eliminating lengthy travel. A research project in South Africa included traditional healers in the existing CB-DOT program, and had great success in completion rates. My research was carried out in the Tarangire National Park area, to examine the opinions of a similar project in their area. Fifty-eight traditional healers, health care workers, and community members were interviewed on their knowledge of TB, the problems faced in accessing and completing treatment, as well as their opinions on the inclusion of traditional healers into a DOT program in the area. It was found that transportation and money do indeed pose major problems for TB patients, and that traditional healers were the overwhelming treatment supervisors of choice. As Tanzania continues to develop its nationwide DOT programs, traditional healers should be included to more effectively battle this disease.
What are the best HIV/AIDS education programs
for the Tarangire area? Many efforts have been made by the Tanzanian Ministry of Health to decrease the instance of HIV/AIDS in the country, but too much focus is placed on treatment for patients who have already contracted HIV. In order to decrease the spread of HIV/AIDS, Tanzanians must be educated about the disease and how to prevent it. To determine what would be the best way to educate people about HIV/AIDS in the Tarangire area of the Manyara Region in northern Tanzania, I interviewed 64 people concerning HIV/AIDS and what types of education programs they would prefer. I found that there is a great need for education programs on HIV/AIDS in the Tarangire area, and that all people interviewed would like to attend education programs on STDs and HIV/AIDS. Statistical tests revealed that the main reason that people do not seek medical help is due to a lack of money and that men know more about HIV/AIDS than women. The two most popular ways in which people wanted STD and HIV/AIDS education programs to be provided were 1) formal seminars taught by professionals from outside the community presented to anyone who wants to attend, and 2) formal seminars taught to village leaders only, who would then teach people in their villages about HIV/AIDS. I also found that videos about HIV/AIDS should be a part of HIV/AIDS education programs to show people what the disease is like. |
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to Project directory Go to projects from: fall 2006 ... fall 2005 ... fall 2004 ... fall 2003 ... fall 2002 ... fall 2001 ... fall 2000 ... fall 1999 ... fall 1998 |
updated 5/25/07
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