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Map of Kakamega Forest and associated forests with the official forest boundary gazetted in 1933 (dashed line), the Buyangu National Reserve in the north, the Nature Reserves Isecheno and Yala in the middle and south. The study sites within the forest are indicated in grey lines. The grey shaded area represents the extent of mature forest as derived from visual interpretation. UTM projection: transverse mercator, grid: UTM Zone 36, Unit of measurement: meters. Source: G. Schaab, E02 (Karlsruhe).
Source publication
An annotated checklist of the Kakamega Forest in Kakamega District is presented. The checklist includes the plants found mainly in Buyangu National Reserve, and the Nature Reserves of Isecheno and Yala. It also includes the adjacent forest fragments of Malava, Kisere and Kaimosi. Nine hundred and eighty six (986) plant taxa (including 36 introduced...
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Aim: To provide a global assessment of turnover in vascular plants across geographical settings and taxonomic and functional groups. We tested whether turnover and its spatial and environmental drivers are affected by the geographical setting and whether taxonomic and functional groups exhibit specific turnover patterns that are associated with the...
Citations
... and the epithet in the species name ''longispicata'' alludes to its possession of ''a long spike'' [11]. The species is widely distributed in tropical countries including Kenya, Ethiopia, Benin, Nigeria, Uganda, Burundi, Congo, Sudan, Tanzania, Mozambique, Rwanda, Cameroon, Zimbabwe and Malawi [11][12][13][14][15]. ...
Gouania longispicata Engl. (G. longispicata) is one of the understudied medicinal lianas used in Africa for the treatment of more than 40 ailments, including oxidative stress-induced conditions. We herein report for the first time on the total polyphenolic content, antioxidant potential and acute toxicity of G. longispicata aqueous and methanolic leaf extracts. The extracts were assessed for their total phenolic content (TPC) and total flavonoid content (TFC) using Folin-Ciocalteu method and aluminium chloride colorimetric assay, respectively. The antioxidant potential of the extracts were quantified using the DPPH, ferric reducing antioxidant power and hydrogen peroxide scavenging assays while acute toxicity test followed the Lorke method. The highest TPC (75.26±0.420 GAE µg/g DW) and TFC (60.12±0.012 QE µg/g DW) were for the methanolic extract (P<0.05). Antioxidant activity was highest for the aqueous extract, with minimum inhibitory concentration of 187.12±0.08 μg/mL. Our results showed that the median lethal dose of all the extracts was higher than 5000 mg/kg, suggesting that they were not potentially toxic. We recommend further studies should perform phytochemical studies on the leaf extracts of this species to identify the responsible bioactive compounds.
... Such widespread invasions may be explained by a combination of species attributes (invasiveness), multiple introductions (propagule pressure) and environmental degradation (Kueffer, 2017;Simberloff, 2010;Witt et al., 2018). Notable among the widespread plant invaders considered problematic is Lantana camara L. This erect and hardy evergreen perennial shrub belonging to the Verbenaceae family originates from Central and South America (Fischer et al., 2010;Germishuizen & Meyer, 2003;Kipkoech et al., 2020). It grows best in open, unshaded environments where there is more light availability (Carrión-Tacuri et al., 2011;Day & Zalucki, 2009;. ...
... bipartita (a scrambling subshrub <3 m), P. maximum (a large tufted perennial grass, up to 2 m tall) and C. gayana (a perennial grass forming tufts, 0.5 to 1.5 m tall), are known to be tolerant to shading and to various soil types (Fischer et al., 2010;Ludwig et al., 2008;Synnott, 1985) and thus may be able to persist over time after L. camara has been removed. These species were also common in uninvaded areas (Appendix 2). ...
Lantana camara L. (Verbenaceae) is recognised as a problematic invasive alien plant species in many parts of the world. To eradicate or control this global invader, we need to understand the drivers of its spread and impacts and the potential for native recovery after the invader has been removed.
Here, we tested for species associations between L. camara and native plant species and large herbivores in Queen Elizabeth National Park, Uganda. We inventoried 40,100‐m² nested plots spread over a 1 × 1‐km grid cell in the park's savanna landscape, with 11 plots located in uninvaded areas. Most of the plots (30 of 40) had been affected by fire.
Lantana camara covered 29 (73%) plots, 11 (38%) of which were in open grassland. Of the large herbivores that frequented areas free of L. camara, the Ugandan kob Adenota kob thomasi Sclater tended to avoid the areas invaded. The floristic composition of invaded areas differed significantly from that of noninvaded areas, with several palatable species rare or absent from L. camara‐invaded areas.
Practical implication: These observations indicate the presence of potential recovery constraints that will need to be overcome after L. camara has been removed. Sustained efforts will be needed to suppress the invader and subsequently enrich and bolster native recovery.
... Description of the genus Saba (Pichon) in the Apocynaceae family was first conducted in 1849. The genus is considered native to mainland Africa, Comoros, and Madagascar [1,2]. However, the wider distribution of three species of this genus in Sub-Saharan Africa [namely Saba comorensis (Bojer ex ADC.) Pichon, S. senegalensis (ADC.) ...
The fruit of Saba senegalensis is respectively known among local folks in Ghana, Senegal, and Burkina Faso as εsononantin, maad and weda. The plant has been used traditionally, ethno-botanically, and medicinally in most West African countries. The phytochemicals that have been discovered in various extracts of S. senegalensis parts include alkaloids, coumarins, anthracene glycosides, anthocyanosides, anthocyanins, coumarins, flavonoids, saponins, saponin glycosides, sterols, condensed tannins, tannins, triterpenes, and triterpenoids. Presently, isolation and characterisation of phytochemicals from various parts of S. senegalensis has not been fully explored since scientists have isolated only two steroidal alkaloids from the stem of the plant namely Irehine and Homoandrost-9-ene-17β,17aβ-diol-3β-(methylamino)-17aα-methyl-12-one. The phytochemicals have shown biological properties such as anti-oxidant, anti-inflammatory, anthelmintic, anti-microbial, analgesic, larvicidal, ovicidal, myostimulant, hypotensive, anti-diabetic, anti-lipid peroxidation and anti-mycobacterial effects. Additionally, isolation and characterisation of medicinally beneficial phytochemicals from various parts of the plant, namely latex, leaf, stem, flower, root, fruit, and bark should be comprehensively investigated. Thus, this current review summarises the traditional uses, phytochemicals, and biological properties of various parts of the plant.
... Description of the genus Saba (Pichon) in the Apocynaceae family was first conducted in 1849. The genus is considered native to mainland Africa, Comoros, and Madagascar [1,2]. However, the wider distribution of three species of this genus in Sub-Saharan Africa [namely Saba comorensis (Bojer ex ADC.) Pichon, S. senegalensis (ADC.) ...
The fruit of Saba senegalensis is respectively known among local folks in Ghana, Senegal, and Burkina Faso as εsononantin, maad and weda. The plant has been used traditionally, ethnobotanically, and medicinally in most West African countries. The phytochemicals that have been discovered in various extracts of S. senegalensis parts include alkaloids, coumarins, anthracene glycosides, anthocyanosides, anthocyanins, coumarins, flavonoids, saponins, saponin glycosides, sterols, condensed tannins, tannins, triterpenes, and triterpenoids. Presently, isolation and characterisation of phytochemicals from various parts of S. senegalensis has not been fully explored since scientists have isolated only two steroidal alkaloids from the stem of the plant namely Irehine and Homoandrost-9-ene-17β,17aβ-diol-3β-(methylamino)-17aα-methyl-12-one. The phytochemicals have shown biological properties such as anti-oxidant, anti-inflammatory, anthelmintic, anti-microbial, analgesic, larvicidal, ovicidal, myostimulant, hypotensive, anti-diabetic, anti-lipid peroxidation and anti-mycobacterial effects. Additionally, isolation and characterisation of medicinally beneficial phytochemicals from various parts of the plant, namely latex, leaf, stem, flower, root, fruit, and bark should be comprehensively investigated. Thus, this current review summarises the traditional uses, phytochemicals, and biological properties of various parts of the plant.
... Many areas of the forest are used regularly by the forest-adjacent community as a source of fuelwood and building poles, with cattle grazing in some of the glades [16][17][18]. While Mitchell et al. [14] provide a useful summary, other important references about the forest's composition and history include [15,16,[19][20][21]. ...
Simple Summary
From the perspective of a field research team comprising members of the local community around a rain forest in western Kenya, we describe the relationship between local people and their local primates. The local community tends to have little knowledge about the natural history of the monkeys living nearby, and a negative attitude toward these animals which sometimes forage on maize, an important food crop. A minority of people value the meat of these monkeys, which they believe to enhance human health. However, attitudes are changing, along with people’s lifestyles. The local community today has less direct experience of the forest than previous generations, as more children go to school and more people find paid work. As a result of more widespread education, it appears that a more tolerant attitude, recognizing the role of wild primates in the forest ecosystem, is beginning to emerge.
Abstract
From the perspective of a field research team comprising members of the local community near a rain forest in western Kenya, we describe the relationship between local people and local primates. Local people generally have little knowledge about the natural history of the monkeys living nearby, with people living closer to the forest knowing more. Most have a negative attitude toward monkeys because they occasionally forage on agricultural crops. A few people value monkey meat, which they believe to enhance human health. Participating in research on the behavioral ecology of blue monkeys allowed the author team to learn a great deal about these animals, including their role in the forest ecosystem and their behavioral similarities to humans. This experience differentiates their attitudes from most other members of their local community. However, the attitudes of local people are changing along with lifestyles. With more children in school and adults finding paid work, local people today generally have less experience of the forest than previous generations. A more tolerant attitude toward monkeys, recognizing their role in the forest ecosystem and their similarities to humans, is emerging among those who have been taught about biodiversity. This perspective is likely to contribute to their successful conservation.
... The later focused on analysing the vascular plants in Kenya (Mutangah, 1996). Similarly, in Kakamega 986 spp were recorded (Fischer et al., 2010) Previously in the same forest, a survey had revealed about 400 vascular taxa (Althof 2005). One weakness with the study of Fischer et al. (2010) was that it took a long (8 years) to conclude (p.138 par.2), ...
... Similarly, in Kakamega 986 spp were recorded (Fischer et al., 2010) Previously in the same forest, a survey had revealed about 400 vascular taxa (Althof 2005). One weakness with the study of Fischer et al. (2010) was that it took a long (8 years) to conclude (p.138 par.2), hence it was subject to fail in recognizing newer names and concepts. ...
... A comparison with recent studies confirms that the forest is sixth countrywide in plant species richness only inferior to Kakamega, Mt. Kenya, Aberdare and Shimba forests (Fischer et al., 2010;Luke, 2005;Zhou, 2018). This demonstrates that Cherangani with other water towers are spp. ...
The availability of accurate and sufficient information on plant taxonomic groups and similarity measures is crucial for making informed conservation decisions. In many forests, due to human population pressure, many species face the risk of extinction, some of which could be possessing solutions to numerous problems facing mankind. However, due to inaccessibility caused by extreme isolation and harsh conditions, little research has been done in this field on plants in Cherangani forest station. This study focused on the numbers of various plant taxa and their distribution in Cherangani done in blocks with a view of developing a management database. Standard botanical inventory and Herbarium protocols were used and analysed using a Microsoft Excel spreadsheet. Eight hundred and fifteen (815) species in 129 families and 450 genera respectively were identified. This is an indication that this flora is one of the richest in the country hence a priority conservation spot. Additionally, the blocks vary in species numbers and growth forms, therefore, necessitating varied management.
... The later focused on analysing the vascular plants in Kenya (Mutangah, 1996). Similarly, in Kakamega 986 spp were recorded (Fischer et al., 2010) Previously in the same forest, a survey had revealed about 400 vascular taxa (Althof 2005). One weakness with the study of Fischer et al. (2010) was that it took a long (8 years) to conclude (p.138 par.2), ...
... Similarly, in Kakamega 986 spp were recorded (Fischer et al., 2010) Previously in the same forest, a survey had revealed about 400 vascular taxa (Althof 2005). One weakness with the study of Fischer et al. (2010) was that it took a long (8 years) to conclude (p.138 par.2), hence it was subject to fail in recognizing newer names and concepts. ...
... A comparison with recent studies confirms that the forest is sixth countrywide in plant species richness only inferior to Kakamega, Mt. Kenya, Aberdare and Shimba forests (Fischer et al., 2010;Luke, 2005;Zhou, 2018). This demonstrates that Cherangani with other water towers are spp. ...
The availability of accurate and sufficient information on plant taxonomic groups and similarity measures is crucial for making informed conservation decisions. In many forests, due to human population pressure, many species face the risk of extinction, some of which could be possessing solutions to numerous problems facing mankind. However, due to inaccessibility caused by extreme isolation and harsh conditions, little research has been done in this field on plants in Cherangani forest station. This study focused on the numbers of various plant taxa and their distribution in Cherangani done in blocks with a view of developing a management database. Standard botanical inventory and Herbarium protocols were used and analysed using a Microsoft Excel spreadsheet. Eight hundred and fifteen (815) species in 129 families and 450 genera respectively were identified. This is an indication that this flora is one of the richest in the country hence a priority conservation spot. Additionally, the blocks vary in species numbers and growth forms, therefore, necessitating varied management.
... The comprehensive angiosperm checklist of Kenya was compiled based on the data from the Flora of Tropical East Africa (FTEA;Zhou et al., 2017). We gathered detailed distribution information of each species from FTEA, local checklists and other published sources (Agnew & Agnew, 1994;Fischer et al., 2011;FTEA editors, 1952FTEA editors, -2012Girma et al., 2015;Luke, 2005) and then transformed them into county-level distributions following the contemporary administrative divisions of Kenya. In addition, we collected the species occurrence data of angiosperms from RAINBIO (Dauby et al., 2016) and the Global Biodiversity Information Facility (GBIF, https://doi. ...
Aim
This study aimed to investigate the distribution patterns of plant diversity in Kenya, how climatic fluctuations and orogeny shaped them, and the formation of its β‐diversity.
Location
Kenya, East Africa.
Taxon
Angiosperms.
Methods
We quantified patterns of turnover and nestedness components of phylogenetic β‐diversity for angiosperm species among neighbouring sites using a well‐resolved phylogenetic tree and extensive distribution records from public databases and other published sources. We applied clustering methods to delineate biota based on pairwise similarities among multiple sites and used a random assembly null model to assess the effects of species abundance distribution on phylogenetic β‐diversity.
Results
The phylogenetic turnover of the Kenyan flora, intersecting with the biodiversity hotspots Eastern Afromontane, Coastal Forests of Eastern Africa, and Horn of Africa, shows a non‐monotonic pattern along a latitudinal gradient that is strongly structured into volcanic and coastal areas. The other areas are mainly dominated by phylogenetic nestedness, even in the eastern part of the equatorial region parallel to the volcanic area. Phylogenetic diversity and phylogenetic structure analyses explain the mechanism of the observed phylogenetic turnover and nestedness patterns. We identified five phytogeographical regions in Kenya: the Mandera, Turkana, Volcanic, Pan Coastal and West Highland Regions.
Conclusions
Variations in turnover gradient and coexistence are highly dependent on the regional biogeographical history resulting from climatic fluctuations and long‐lasting orogeny, which jointly shaped the biodiversity patterns of the Kenyan flora. The nestedness component dominated climatically unstable regions and is presumed to have been caused by heavy local species extinction and recolonization from the Volcanic Region. The high turnover component in climatically stable regions may have preserved old lineages and the prevalence of endemic species within narrow ranges.
... belonging to the family Dracaenaceae, is a tree of about 25 m high with a single stem of up to 45 cm in diameter comprising a branched crown. Leaves are clustered at branch ends, leathery, narrowly lanceolate, sessile, 40 to 130 cm long and 4 to16 cm wide with a narrowed and clasping base bearing attenuated apex towards the acute tip (Fischer et al., 2010). This plant is commonly known as bush night fighter locally known as Sangalyanjovu among Busoga in Uganda. ...
... As a result, in Uganda for example, the species is on the brink of extinction (Mujuni, 2008). E. angolense is also threatened with genetic erosion in the near future and is considered to be under threat in Ghana and Uganda (Tchinda, 2008) and close to extinction in Kenya (Fischer et al., 2010). E. candollei, whose timber is somewhat less valued, is nevertheless being logged in many areas on a probably unsustainable basis (Nyunaï, 2008). ...
Because of the quality of their wood and their many traditional uses, species of the Entandrophragma genus are being intensively logged, and this is likely to compromise their survival unless sustainable management is introduced. This study reviews the current status of the five main commercial Entandrophragma species: Entandrophragma angolense, E. congolense (often confused with E. angolense), E. candollei, E. cylindricum and E. utile. We suggest directions for research to improve sustainable management strategies for this genus. The study draws mainly on published scientific data, economic data (production and export statistics) and on relevant laws and regulations, but also on existing management plans and inventory reports. Although these species are reported as vulnerable on the IUCN Red List, knowledge on their management is still patchy. Industrial and artisanal logging is intensive and does not always follow a validated management plan or abide by the minimum rotation period, both of which would help to ensure the renewal of these resources. Managing them to ensure that logging is sustainable in the long term requires management measures to be developed and complied with. Sustainable use has to be based on appropriate management of natural stands and on reforestation and conservation measures. Research studies to be developed should encompass the growth rates of the species in the light of the changing climate, assessments of stocks (timber, biomass and carbon), updates of their spatial distribution, improvements to natural regeneration, reproduction processes and the anatomical and technical properties of each species. All these research topics are necessary to ensure the permanence of these Entandrophragma species.
