Abstract
Mopani worms are abundant in Gwanda and sporadic in Tsholotsho though the two areas have similar climatic conditions. The study sought to determine nutritional factors that could be associated with distribution of Mopani worms in these two districts. Ten sampling points in undisturbed Mopani woodlands were established in each district. Samples were collected and analysed in the lab to determine the levels of crude protein, tannin and natural detergent fibres levels in leaves and pH, Nitrates, Phosphates and Potassium levels in soil and Welch’s test, Wilcoxon-Mann-Whitney, Analysis of Variance and the Bonferroni Confidence Intervals were employed to test for significance in the observed differences. Findings showed differences in tree size and leaf length whilst the differences of all other variables (non-extractible tannis, extractible tannis crude protein levels and natural detergent fibres) relating to leaf sample analysis were not statistically significant. Findings on soil sample analysis pointed out that Gwanda had higher pH, Phosphorus and Potassium levels whilst Nitrates were significantly higher in Tsholotsho. Differences in the tree sizes and leaf sizes of the samples from the two sites show that there could be host selection based on these variables.
Highlights
Mopani Worm harvesting and trade has been identified as a source of income for the rural populaces living in proximity to Mopani woodlands in countries like Botswana, Zimbabwe, South Africa and Namibia[1,2,3]
The following variables were considered in this study with regard to Mopani trees and samples collected from the trees: tree size, leaf length, crude protein content in leaves, tannins, and detergent fibres
In the current study it was found that Mopani worms were abundance in the district where leaf lengths were significantly longer and this shows an association which could explain the abundance of Mopani worms in Gwanda as compared to Tsholotsho
Summary
An observational study was conducted and it involved collection and analysis of leaf and soil samples in the Laboratory for variables of interest. The following variables were considered in this study with regard to Mopani trees and samples collected from the trees: tree size, leaf length, crude protein content in leaves, tannins, and detergent fibres. These variables were chosen because they have been reported to influence feeding practices and distribution of some living organisms that rely on trees for they nutrition[19,20,21]. The study adopted the Welch’s test to compare equality of means of tree size and leaf length and all variables associated with soil samples.
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Free) 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a call
