Communities' awareness of afforestation and its contribution to the conservation of lizards in Dodoma, Tanzania

Study area

The study was carried out at the University of Dodoma (UDOM) and specifically at College of Natural and Mathematical Sciences (CNMS) and College of Education (COED) (Fig. 1). These two sites were considered because they have both afforested and non-afforested areas. Furthermore, unlike other places where afforestation is uncoordinated, the selected study area has proper management and records for the afforestation program that is taking place. The study area is located at latitude of 6° 57´ and 3° 82´ and longitudinal of 36° 26´ and 35° 26´. Its elevation is estimated to be 1120 m above the sea level. The site is semi-arid area dominated by sandy loam soil classified as Oxisol. The average annual rainfall of the areas is 447 mm. Temperatures vary depending on the season, with average minimum and maximum of (18^circ{rm C}) and 32 (^circ{rm C}) respectively.

The bush is leafless and dry during the dry season, but comes to life during the rainy season, when the entire countryside turns a vibrant green^19,20 The remaining land is covered in woodlands, with the highest concentrations in hills (URT 2014). The vegetation consists of dry savanna shrub-thicket areas with scattered trees and grassland patches interrupted by trees and shrubs.

Study design on abundance and diversity of lizards

Data on lizard abundance and diversity were collected at two sites, namely the CNMS and another site located at COED. These areas were purposely selected because the afforestation program is taking place. In the selected areas, trees have been planted for the past three years, which are 2019–2021. More effort is being made to plant more trees. Also, the areas have natural vegetation characterized by thickets, shrubs, and nature trees with species as described above in the study area. This makes the areas ideal for making comparisons between the afforested and un-afforested areas. In each site, two blocks were established, in which one block consisted of an afforested area while the other block was a non-afforested area.

Data collection

Documentation of planted tree species

The plants observed in the study areas were recorded. In addition to that, we worked with the restoration team, which provided the list of tree species that are grown in those study areas. Secondary data was collected from the restoration team regarding the tree species and how much has been planted in the last 5 years in the study areas.

Sampling of lizard for abundance and diversity determination

Pitfall traps

Each block had a size of 60 m by 60 m (2600 m²). In each block, two transects were established, each with a length of 60 m and a spacing of 20 m. In each transect, 4 points were identified, whereby 10 pitfall traps of 5 L each were set at an interval of 12 m. This makes 40 pitfall traps and eight walking transects. Emptying was performed every morning for 10 consecutive days in each pitfall. Thus, a total of 800 samples were collected from pitfall traps, with 400 samples being collected at each site.

Direct searching

General direct searching involving time-constrained observation was also used to collect data on the lizards found in the study area. Time constrained searches were conducted as an opportunistic means of finding animals hiding under cover and flushing them as the observer approached. Searching was conducted in an area of 20 m × 20 m at each sampling point where pitfalls were set. Searching was performed by an individual who is an ecologist and is an expert in reptiles for 10 min, 3 times a day for 10 days (n = 240). To ensure consistency, the same individual was employed in searching for each sampling point.

At each site, the observed lizards were identified by their numbers and habitats. Photographs of captured or observed animals were taken to aid in identification. In addition, human activities such as cultivation, roads, tree cutting, building, and distance from roads and buildings, were recorded. Furthermore, more physical structures like rocks and distances from rocks were recorded. Identification of species of lizards was performed using a guide book for east African reptiles²¹.

Sampling and interview for the assessment of awareness of the importance of afforestation

A cross-sectional survey using a semi-structured questionnaire was used to collect data from undergraduate students in four colleges, which are CNMS, COED, CHSS, and CIVE. The respondents were selected randomly from each college. These students were selected based on their familiarity with the areas that are anticipated to see what is taking place within the University of Dodoma. It was anticipated that awareness would vary by college because the programs offered differed. For example, it was predicted that students from CNMS would be more aware than others because they have programs and courses that teach conservation, restoration, and afforestation knowledge. Both genders were included in the survey. A total of 394 interviewees were recruited; 100 participants were from CHSS, 103 from CIVE, 101 from CNMS, and 90 from COED. The questionnaire consisted of both closed and open-ended questions. The questions consisted of information on the demographic structure of students and their awareness of the afforestation program. Concerning awareness, the questions focused on their understanding of afforestation, their participation, and other stakeholders involved in the program.

Some questions had to be ranked from 1 to 5, with the answers classified as very high, high, moderate, low, and very low if they scored 5, 4, 3, 2, and 1, respectively. The questions were designed to elicit responses from respondents regarding their knowledge of the ongoing afforestation program. In addition, information on the program’s participants and their level of involvement was requested.

Human ethical guideline statement

All methods were carried out in accordance with relevant guidelines and regulations.

Ethical approval and consent to participate

The ethics committee of University of Dodoma granted ethical approval for this study, with reference number MA.84/261/02.

Informed consent

Informed consent was obtained from all participants included in the study.

Source: Ecology - nature.com