Acacia Tortilis Research Articles

Insights into malaria vectors–plant interaction in a dryland ecosystem

Improved understanding of mosquito–plant feeding interactions can reveal insights into the ecological dynamics of pathogen transmission. In wild malaria vectors Anopheles gambiae s.l. and An. funestus group surveyed in selected dryland ecosystems of Kenya, we found a low level of plant feeding (2.8%) using biochemical cold anthrone test but uncovered 14-fold (41%) higher rate via DNA barcoding targeting the chloroplast rbcL gene. Plasmodium falciparum positivity was associated with either reduced or increased total sugar levels and varied by mosquito species. Gut analysis revealed the mosquitoes to frequently feed on acacia plants (~ 89%) (mainly Vachellia tortilis) in the family Fabaceae. Chemical analysis revealed 1-octen-3-ol (29.9%) as the dominant mosquito attractant, and the sugars glucose, sucrose, fructose, talose and inositol enriched in the vegetative parts, of acacia plants. Nutritional analysis of An. longipalpis C with high plant feeding rates detected fewer sugars (glucose, talose, fructose) compared to acacia plants. These results demonstrate (i) the sensitivity of DNA barcoding to detect plant feeding in malaria vectors, (ii) Plasmodium infection status affects energetic reserves of wild anopheline vectors and (iii) nutrient content and olfactory cues likely represent potent correlates of acacia preferred as a host plant by diverse malaria vectors. The results have relevance in the development of odor-bait control strategies including attractive targeted sugar-baits.

Invasion of Prosopis trees into arid ecosystem alters soil carbon and nitrogen processes and soil trace gases emissions

The invasion of drylands by leguminous mesquite (Prosopis spp.) is frequently associated with increases in the soil organic carbon (C) and nitrogen (N) pools. These increases stimulate soil microbial activity and accelerate soil C and N cycling. However, the impact of mesquite invasion on soil biogeochemistry, especially the emission of trace gases, in an ecosystem with an already established population of N-fixing plants is not well studied. To fill this knowledge gap, we quantified the in-situ soil trace gas emissions and the potential microbial activity in soils under invasive mesquite (Prosopis juliflora) trees (Prosopis), native acacia (Acacia tortilis) trees (Acacia), and in unvegetated soil between trees (Bare soil) on the western shore of the Dead Sea. To account for contributions of spatial and weather variabilities to the emission processes we conducted measurements across two geographic sites, 45 km apart, over two years, both under naturally dry soil conditions and after soil wetting. Before wetting, soil emissions of carbon dioxide (CO2) and nitric oxide (NOx) followed the order: Acacia > Prosopis ≥ Bare soil, while soil nitrous oxide (N2O) emissions were low and uniform across the three habitats. The soil inorganic N concentration, microbial biomass, and water-extractable organic C were significantly higher under the A. tortilis canopies compared with P. juliflora and Bare soil. After wetting, soil trace gases emissions increased up to 66, 1534, and 42 times, for CO2, N2O, and NOx, respectively, and remained higher under the native A. tortilis than under P. juliflora and Bare soil (Acacia > Prosopis > Bare soil). The potential soil microbial activity, however, was similar between the soils under the tree canopies. Our results show that the establishment of invasive leguminous trees increase soil CO2 and gaseous N emissions relative to the Bare soils, but not relative to native leguminous trees.

Diversity, stand and population structure of riparian woody species in two contrasting land use types in the distal Okavango Delta, Northwestern Botswana

AbstractLand use change threatens the integrity of riparian woodland vegetation. The aim of this study was to investigate the diversity and population structure of riparian plant species in protected and communal areas. A total of 71 transects were sampled from each of the protected and communal areas. Total species richness recorded was 36 and 38 in communal and protected areas, respectively. Species diversity was significantly (p < 0.05) higher in the protected than communal areas. Vachellia tortilis (communal areas) and Croton megalobotrys (both areas) showed a reverse J shaped pattern with more individuals in the lower diameter size classes than in the large ones. Dichrostachys cinerea (both areas), Ziziphus mucronata (communal areas), Combretum imberbe (protected areas), C. hereroense (protected areas), Berchemia discolor (protected areas) and Vachellia erioloba (communal areas) showed a reverse-J distribution pattern, but with missing size classes. Philenoptera violacea (protected areas) was characterized by a bell-shaped distribution with more individuals in the middle size classes than in the lower and upper ones while Combretum hereroense, C. imberbe and B. discolor were characterized by irregular population structure in communal areas. Croton megalobotrys, D. cinerea, C. imberbe, C. hereroense, Z. mucronata, B. discolor and S. erubescens had higher Important Value Indices (IVIs) in protected than communal areas. Comparatively, Vachellia tortilis, P. violacea and V. erioloba had higher IVIs in communal than protected areas. We recommended that species with J-shaped population structure and those with only one size class be protected to enable them to attain healthy population structures.

Phytosociological Study of Tree Species of Dabla Beed Area, Churu District Rajasthan, India

This study presents a comprehensive phytosociological analysis of tree species in the Dabla beed area of Churu District, Rajasthan, India, exploring seasonal variations in species composition, diversity, dominance, and evenness. The research was conducted across three seasons: rainy, winter, and summer, utilizing quadrat sampling methods to assess various ecological parameters. The findings reveal distinct seasonal shifts in the dominance and distribution of key species. During the rainy season, species such as Acacia senegal and Acacia tortilis exhibit high dominance and contribute to elevated species diversity and evenness. In winter, Maytenus emarginata and Acacia senegal emerge as prominent species, maintaining moderate diversity with increased dominance. The summer season sees a notable decline in diversity and evenness, accompanied by heightened dominance, with Calotropis procera and Clerodendrum phlomidis being particularly influential. These seasonal dynamics underscore the importance of adaptive management and conservation strategies to maintain the ecological integrity and biodiversity of the tree community in this arid region. The study highlights the critical need for targeted conservation efforts to ensure the sustainability of the diverse and dynamic tree populations in the Dabla beed area.

Traditional knowledge of wild plants on traditional tools, materials, products and economic practices in southern Yemen

BackgroundThe traditional knowledge in southern Yemen is rich in wild medicinal and food plants, which has been documented in our previous studies. In addition, other significant and general traditional usage for the daily livelihood requirements of local people (beyond medicinal and food plant uses) has not been studied before and needs urgent documentation.MethodsEthnobotanical data on of wild plants used by local people in southern Yemen were collected by oral questionnaire interviews. Most informants (n = 1020) were local elderly from 15 different localities in southern Yemen. The local names and non-medicinal and non-food uses of plants were identified and analyzed.ResultsThe ethnobotanical data resulted various traditional uses of 73 plant species distributed in 28 families. The most represented families were Fabaceae, Asteraceae and Malvaceae. The most growth forms were trees and shrubs. Seven main and common categories of traditional uses were determined and classified as handicraft, health aids, livestock husbandry and beekeeping, economic and commercial plant products, agriculture tools, construction timber and fuel. The most cited species were identified for Ziziphus spina-christi, Vachellia tortilis, Vachellia nilotica, Anisotes trisulcus, Dracaena hanningtonii (Sansevieria ehrenbergii) and Aerva javanica, which have multi-purpose values of traditional usage. Nine major traditional uses of local wild plants were recorded: handicraft, agriculture tools, products aid general health, economic products, construction timber, livestock husbandry, bee keeping, fuel and ornamental.ConclusionsDespite the challenges on local traditional knowledge of wild plants, it still requested vital to many usages of traditional life and still have an economic value and heritage required of develop the daily livelihood level of the local people especially in rural areas. This includes the traditional uses of wild plants in handicraft skills, tools of agriculture, constructions. The importance of the continuity of traditional industries and their transmission to generations lies in the local population’s reliance on local natural resources without relying on external resources in situations such as wars. This is the first study that contributes to documenting and analyzing the indigenous knowledge on traditional general usage of wild plants in southern Yemen.

Implications of Ecological Drivers on Roan Antelope Populations in Mokala National Park, South Africa

Climate change has massive global impacts and affects a wide range of species. Threatened species such as the roan antelope (Hippotragus equinus) are particularly vulnerable to these changes because of their ecological requirements. Attempts to address concerns about the roan’s vulnerability have not been well documented in South African protected areas. This study identifies the landscape use and distribution of the roan as well as habitat and forage suitability changes to help inform management decisions for the conservation of roan. We used fine- and broad-scale data from Mokala National Park, South Africa that includes roan occurrence data, vegetation condition indices, vegetation (structure and plant species composition), elevation and temperature differences, and precipitation strata to construct a suitability framework using the Maximum Entropy (Maxent) and Random Forest statistical package. In Mokala National Park, roan occurred in the Schmidtia pappophoroides–Vachellia erioloba sparse woodland, Senegalia mellifera–Vachellia erioloba closed woodland, Senegalia mellifera–Vachellia tortilis open shrubland, Vachellia erioloba–V. tortilis closed woodland and Rhigozum obovatum–Senegalia mellifera open shrubland. The veld (vegetation) condition index (VCI) improved from 2019 (VCI < 50%) to 2021 (VCI > 60%), with the proportion of palatable grass species (Schmidtia pappophoroides and Eragrostis lehmanniana) also increasing. This study identified four key climatic conditions affecting roan distribution, namely annual mean daily temperature range, temperature seasonality, minimum temperatures of the coldest month, and precipitation of the wettest month. These results suggest that the conservation of roan antelope should consider these key variables that affect their survival in preferred habitats and foraging areas in anticipation of changing ecological conditions.

Unlocking the diversity and plant‐growth promoting potential of the bulk soil bacteria associated with the Saharan tree Vachellia tortilis subsp. raddiana

AbstractIn this study, we investigated the bacterial diversity and plant growth‐promoting (PGP) properties of bulk soil bacteria of Vachellia tortilis subsp. raddiana collected from the Taidalt and Amazloug nature preserves area in southern Morocco. Using repetitive extragenic palindromic polymerase chain reaction fingerprinting and 16S rDNA sequencing, 93 strains were identified. They belonged mainly to the genera Bacillus and Peribacillus. In vitro tests for PGP traits showed high levels of activity for strains belonging to the genera Bacillus and Pseudomonas. It was relevant that several Bacillus strains produced auxin (maximum amount 262.61 µg mL−1 for Bacillus sp. LMR1097), solubilized phosphate (maximum amount 22.10 µg mL−1), or produced siderophores, while three strains were able to fix atmospheric nitrogen (LMR1145, LMR1013, and LMR1015). Inoculation of V. tortilis subsp. raddiana plants with selected bacterial strains (LMR881 and LMR1097) increased shoot and root growth parameters. The strain Pantoea sp. LMR881 had the highest mean values for shoot and root length (24.60–14.80 cm) and shoot dry weight (1.31 g), whereas Bacillus sp. LMR1097 showed the lowest mean shoot dry weight. Overall, these results highlight the potential of using selected native bacterial inoculants for improving growth of candidate tree plants to be used in restoration programs of arid degraded areas.

The vegetation around the foothills of the Hijaz Mountains, Saudi Arabia

Despite Saudi Arabia being an interesting area from a floristic perspective, its vegetation is still relatively poorly studied. This certainly applies to the Hijaz Mountains and adjacent coastal zones. We aim to describe the flora and vegetation of the foothills of the Hijaz Mountains regarding the environmental conditions. Hijaz Mountains and adjacent coastal zones, Saudi Arabia. We studied the vegetation at the Hijaz Mountains’ foothills along two transects of vegetation surveys, one along the coast and one more inland. In addition, soil samples were taken and analyzed for soil texture, pH, electrical conductivity, organic matter, calcium carbonate and the concentration of the elements N, Na, K, Ca, Mg, Fe and Mn were determined. We calculated the data clustering tendency (Hopkins’ test analysis) and its optimal number of clusters (Elbow method). We used modified TWINSPAN to cluster the data and validated the resulting communities using the Silhouette algorithm. Seven plant communities resulted, each one dominated by a different plant species, namely: Haloxylon salicornicum, Lycium shawii, Senegalia hamulosa, Vachellia tortilis, Zygophyllum coccineum, Vachellia flavaand Stipagrostis plumosa, and were described based on their floristic composition and could be further grouped into three vegetation clusters. The communities had varying ranges of occurrence in the study area, some dominating certain sections, with latitude and altitude being the biggest distinguishing environmental variables between the communities. We present a description of the vegetation of the Hijaz Mountains foothills. Our study is considered an important basis for decision-making of nature conservation and in-depth surveys of the area.Graphic abstract

Ecological aspects and relationships of the emblematic Vachellia spp. exposed to anthropic pressures and parasitism in natural hyper-arid ecosystems: ethnobotanical elements, morphology, and biological nitrogen fixation

Main conclusionEmblematic Vachellia spp. naturally exposed to hyper-arid conditions, intensive grazing, and parasitism maintain a high nitrogen content and functional mutualistic nitrogen-fixing symbioses.AlUla region in Saudi Arabia has a rich history regarding mankind, local wildlife, and fertility islands suitable for leguminous species, such as the emblematic Vachellia spp. desert trees. In this region, we investigated the characteristics of desert legumes in two nature reserves (Sharaan and Madakhil), at one archaeological site (Hegra), and in open public domains at Al. Ward and Jabal Abu Oud. Biological nitrogen fixation (BNF), isotopes, and N and C contents were investigated through multiple lenses, including parasitism, plant tissues, species identification, plant maturity, health status, and plant growth. The average BNF rates of 19 Vachellia gerrardii and 21 Vachellia tortilis trees were respectively 39 and 67%, with low signs of inner N content fluctuations (2.10–2.63% N) compared to other co-occurring plants. The BNF of 23 R. raetam was just as high, with an average of 65% and steady inner N contents of 2.25 ± 0.30%. Regarding parasitism, infected Vachellia trees were unfazed compared to uninfected trees, thereby challenging the commonly accepted detrimental role of parasites. Overall, these results suggest that Vachellia trees and R. raetam shrubs exploit BNF in hyper-arid environments to maintain a high N content when exposed to parasitism and grazing. These findings underline the pivotal role of plant-bacteria mutualistic symbioses in desert environments. All ecological traits and relationships mentioned are further arguments in favor of these legumes serving as keystone species for ecological restoration and agro-silvo-pastoralism in the AlUla region.Graphical abstract

Green synthesis of silver nanoparticles and its environmental sensor ability to some heavy metals

This study marks a pioneering effort in utilizing Vachellia tortilis subsp. raddiana (Savi) Kyal. & Boatwr., (commonly known as acacia raddiana) leaves as both a reducing and stabilizing agent in the green “eco-friendly” synthesis of silver nanoparticles (AgNPs). The research aimed to optimize the AgNPs synthesis process by investigating the influence of pH, temperature, extract volume, and contact time on both the reaction rate and the resulting AgNPs' morphology as well as discuss the potential of AgNPs in detecting some heavy metals. Various characterization methods, such as UV–vis spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), infrared spectroscopy (IR), Zeta sizer, EDAX, and transmitting electron microscopy (TEM), were used to thoroughly analyze the properties of the synthesized AgNPs. The XRD results verified the successful production of AgNPs with a crystallite size between 20 to 30 nm. SEM and TEM analyses revealed that the AgNPs are primarily spherical and rod-shaped, with sizes ranging from 8 to 41 nm. Significantly, the synthesis rate of AgNPs was notably higher in basic conditions (pH 10) at 70 °C. These results underscore the effectiveness of acacia raddiana as a source for sustainable AgNPs synthesis. The study also examined the AgNPs' ability to detect various heavy metal ions colorimetrically, including Hg2+, Cu2+, Pb2+, and Co2+. UV–Vis spectroscopy proved useful for this purpose. The color of AgNPs shifts from brownish-yellow to pale yellow, colorless, pale red, and reddish yellow when detecting Cu2+, Hg2+, Co2+, and Pb2+ ions, respectively. This change results in an alteration of the AgNPs' absorbance band, vanishing with Hg2+ and shifting from 423 to 352 nm, 438 nm, and 429 nm for Cu2+, Co2+, and Pb2+ ions, respectively. The AgNPs showed high sensitivity, with detection limits of 1.322 × 10–5 M, 1.37 × 10–7 M, 1.63 × 10–5 M, and 1.34 × 10–4 M for Hg2+, Cu2+, Pb2+, and Co2+, respectively. This study highlights the potential of using acacia raddiana for the eco-friendly synthesis of AgNPs and their effectiveness as environmental sensors for heavy metals, showcasing strong capabilities in colorimetric detection.

Wildlife activity patterns and encroaching woody vegetation response to bush thinning on farmlands in north-central Namibia

The Namibian savannah ecosystem has experienced considerable anthropogenic pressures, which have resulted in the disruption of key ecological processes, and consequently, the proliferation of a dense vegetation structure, commonly known as bush encroachment. Approximately 45 million hectares of land have been affected, which has caused a significant decline in the grazing capacity, poor economic returns for the farmers, and loss of suitable wildlife habitat. Restoration thinning, a method that involves the selective removal of excess trees/shrubs, has been applied to counteract the negative effects associated with this phenomenon. This thesis aimed to assess the effect of thinning on (a) the activity patterns of local ungulates and predators, (b) the encroaching woody vegetation in terms of (i) regeneration, and (ii) structure, abundance, and habitat sighting lines, in a savannah habitat in the north-central region. Generalised linear mixed-effects models (GLMM) and linear mixed-effects models (LME) were used for statistical analysis. Results showed that thinned areas had overall greater wildlife activity. Thinned areas also had reduced tree/shrub abundance, which was significant for the mature height classes. Natural regeneration was rapid in thinned areas, where the abundance of young cohorts was 34% greater than non-thinned areas. In the thinned areas, red umbrella thorn (Vachellia reficiens) was significantly reduced but umbrella thorn (Vachellia tortilis) numbers increased. Tree/shrub densities in the thinned areas fell within the commonly accepted range for a 400 mm rainfall area (600–750 tree equivalents (TE) ha–1). Thinning significantly modified the dense thornbush to an open vegetation structure with a low woody canopy cover that favours grass growth and provides greater sighting lines for open savannah wildlife. This thesis demonstrated that thinning was effective in controlling bush encroachment and could be used as a method to restore other affected areas. However, periodic post-thinning management is recommended to control the established samplings.

Production and evaluation of activated carbon from Saudi Arabian Acacia Tortilis tree bark by microwave and low temperature activation process

In the present work, activated carbon was prepared from Acacia Tortilis tree bark, utilizing phosphoric acid chemical activation, and microwave irradiation (AC-MWI). Activated carbon was also prepared by conventional phosphoric acid chemical activation and low temperature carbonization (AC-CA). Characterization of the activated carbons were performed by proximate analysis adopting ASTM standard procedures. BET-specific surface area, total ash content, bulk density, moisture content, pH, pore volume and iodine number were determined. Comparison of characteristics for both carbons, with the characteristics of AC available in the literature and commercially available in the market was performed. Comparison showed that activated carbon produced from Acacia Tortilis tree bark is well comparable with the reported characteristics of AC in literature and commercially available in market. It was found that AC-MWI has higher BET-specific surface area than AC-CA (836 m2/g and 687 m2/g respectively). Results depict that there is an increase of 22.3% in microspores component and 21.7% BET- specific surface area obtained in AC-MWI as compared to AC-CA. Similarly, the corresponding pore volume obtained (4.97 cm3/g and 4.07 cm3/g respectively) demonstrating better values as compared to the commercial ACs (<1 cm3/g). Additionally, it was found that AC can be produced by microwave irradiation in about 48.5% less time when compared to conventional low temperature heating. The adsorption study of produced ACs was performed using methylene blue as a contaminant. Study showed that MB removal rate initially increased with increase in contact time, which decreased with time until steady state was reached. Adsorption data of MB was fitted to Freundlich, Langmuir and Temkin adsorption isotherm models. All models show reasonable correlation, however, Freundlich isotherm is best to describe the MB adsorption on AC-MWI based on correlation coefficient R2 value (0.9985). The results revealed the feasibility of microwave heating for preparation of high surface area activated carbons from Acacia Tortilis tree bark.

Production and evaluation of activated carbon from Saudi Arabian Acacia Tortilis tree bark by microwave and low temperature activation process

In the present work, activated carbon was produced from Acacia Tortilis tree bark, utilizing phosphoric acid chemical activation, and microwave irradiation (AC-MWI). Activated carbon was also produce by conventional phosphoric acid chemical activation and low temperature carbonization (AC-CA). Characterization of produced activated carbons performed by proximate analysis adopting ASTM standard procedures. BET-specific surface area, total ash content, bulk density, moisture content, pH, pore volume and iodine number were determined. Comparison of characteristics for both carbon, with the characteristics of AC available in the literature and commercially available in the market was performed. Comparison showed that activated carbon produced from Acacia Tortilis tree bark is well comparable with the reported characteristics of AC in literature and commercially available in market. It was found that AC-MWI has higher BET-specific surface area than AC-CA (836 m2/g and 687 m2/g respectively). Results depict that there is an increase of 22.3% in microspores component and 21.7% BET- specific surface area obtained in AC-MWI as compared to AC-CA. Similarly, the corresponding pore volume obtained (4.97 cm3/g and 4.07 cm3/g respectively) demonstrating better values as compared to the commercial ACs (<1 cm3/g). Additionally, it was found that AC can be produced by microwave irradiation in about 48.5% less time when compared to conventional low temperature heating. The adsorption study of produced ACs was performed using methylene blue as a contaminant. Study showed that MB removal rate initially increased with increase in contact time, which decreased with time until steady state was reached. Adsorption data of MB was fitted to Freundlich, Langmuir and Temkin adsorption isotherm models. All models show reasonable correlation, however, Freundlich isotherm is best to describe the MB adsorption on AC-MWI based on correlation coefficient R2 value (0.9985). The results revealed the feasibility of microwave heating for preparation of high surface area activated carbons from Acacia Tortilis tree bark.

Plant communities on inselbergs in Burkina Faso

The safeguarding and sustainable management of natural resources, particularly plant resources, requires the implementation of conservation strategies. The study of plant communities is an essential tool for monitoring the development of plant formations. The aim of this study was to identify the plant communities on inselbergs of Burkina Faso in West Africa, to provide a database to supporting the sustainable management of the plant resources withing these fragile ecosystems. Stratified and random sampling was carried out on selected inselbergs in different parts of Burkina Faso along a climatic gradient. In the different phytogeographical sectors, inselbergs consist of granite or sandstone. Plant surveys were conducted using 900 m2 plots for the woody stratum and 100 m2 plots for the herbaceous stratum. An exhaustive list of plant species was compiled and an abundance-dominance coefficient for each species was determined. A DCA, through PCord.6, was used to obtain preliminary groups. Indicator species were determined by a Monte Carlo test with p < 0.05 and calculation of the fidelity index (Phi). Diversity indices through the Shannon index and equitability of Pielou were calculated using Pcord.6 to compare plant communities. A total of 12 plant communities were identified for the inselbergs of Burkina Faso, including 9 communities for savannah and 3 communities for monocotyledonous-mats and ephemeral flush vegetation. The main ecological factors governing the distribution of these inselberg plant communities were found to be were found to be climate, soil depth, soil moisture and altitude. In savannah plant communities, the Terminalia laxiflora and Tephrosia nana communities (unit 6) had the highest number (13) of diagnostic species and the highest fidelity (Phi = 0.97) was for Cleome viscosa species in the Acacia tortilis and Aristida kerstingii communities (unit 1). Diagnostic species numbers vary from 6 to 4 in monocotyledonous-mats and ephemeral flush vegetation and the Dopatrium longidens (Phi = 0.76) and Cyperus podocarpus (Phi = 0.75) have the highest fidelity to unit 3. The Shannon diversity index of deep soil plant communities was highest and significantly different from that of the other savannah communities. Concerning the Piélou equitability index, high values were found in all plant groups, reflecting the absence of species dominance and a balance of the different plant groups.Floristically, Afrotrilepis pilosa infestation of inselbergs is common in West Africa. In Burkina Faso, in addition to Afrotrilepis pilosa, 10 other plant species are found specifically on inselbergs. Given the fragility of the ecosystems in which they live, these inselberg species should be protected.

Metabolomic profiling and quantification of polyphenols from leaves of seven Acacia species by UHPLC-QTOF-ESI-MS

The genus Acacia (Fabaceae) comprises >1350 species and has been used in traditional medicine as infusions and decoctions to treat wounds, sores, headaches, diarrhea, and cough. The leaf methanolic extracts of seven Acacia species growing in Egypt namely: Acacia saligna, Acacia seyal, Acacia xanthophloea, Acacia tortilis subsp. raddiana., Acacia tortilis, Acacia laeta, Acacia albida were analyzed using UPLC-QTOF-ESI-MS. A total of 37 polyphenols were identified and discussed in detail. They included phenolic acids, flavonoids, and procyanidins, among which sixteen polyphenols were identified in Acacia for the first time. Folin-ciocalteau assay and ferric reducing antioxidant power, cupric reducing antioxidant capacity, 2,20 -azino-bis (3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid) cation radical and the scavenging capacity against 2,2-diphenyl-1- picrylhydrazyl radical were performed to investigate the total phenolic content and the antioxidant activity of the Acacia extracts, respectively. Furthermore, the absolute quantification of eighteen polyphenols common to most of the species was performed using UPLC-MS. It was evident that the differences in the chemical composition among the species accounted for the difference in antioxidant activity which was in line together with the total phenolic content.

Habitat Use and Diet Composition of the Common Eland (Tragelaphus oryx) in Ngorongoro Conservation Area, Tanzania

Ngorongoro Conservation Area (NCA) is renowned worldwide for its multiple land use where pastoralism and wildlife conservation co-exist. Thus, the NCA must meet a delicate balance of competing needs between livestock and wildlife. Currently the NCA is conducting resettlement program to facilitate pastoralists who are willing to move and resettle outside of the conservation area in order to reduce the number of people and livestocks in NCA. The common eland (Tragelaphus oryx) are among the large herbivore species found in the NCA that might be affected by possible competition between livestock and wildlife. The information on this species including habitat utilization and feeding ecology is limited. This study therefore, investigated the factors influencing habitat use and diet composition of the common eland (Tragelaphus oryx) in NCA. Data were collected along 82 pre-established transects using direct field survey. The study therefore assessed habitat use, distribution patterns, diet composition and conservation threats facing the common eland in NCA, The results indicated that the grassland habitat was mainly used by elands (&gt; 85% in both dry and wet seasons), while other habitats were least used (&lt; 15%). Eland diet composition varied significantly among plant species, with the animals most frequently feeding on Themeda triandra but rarely on Vachellia tortilis and Hibiscus aponeurus. The study concludes with recommendations for enhancement of grassland habitat management and reduced anthropogenic activities to enhance eland conservation in NCA.

Effects of Season and Agro Ecology on the Nutritional Quality of Browse Species for the Dromedary Camels (Camelus Dromedarius) in Borana Plateau, Southern Ethiopia

The nutritional value of browsing species is being affected, camel movement is being disrupted, and camel feed resources appear to be being substantially degraded by climate change and its variations. This study explores the effects of season and location on the composition of nutrients and in vitro dry matter digestibility of the main browse species utilized as camel feed. Using an ANOVA model. Lannea rivae had an average DM content of 87.23% while Acacia brevispica had a range of 95.58%. There are no statistically significant variations (p&gt;0.05) in the ash content of browsing species, which ranges from 2.56% in Acacia mellifera to 18.66% in Grewia evolute. The CP content of Lannea rivae in Maerua triphylla ranged from 6.19% to 27.24%. During the wet season, there is a statistically significant difference (p&lt;0.05). On the other hand, Grewia evolute's CP contents varied from 24.56% to 10.44%, showing a significant difference (p&lt;0.05). The results showed that Acacia etabaica had an NDF content that ranged from 25.63% to 72.10% Lannea rivae. Lannea rivae had the greatest ADF content (30.53%), and Grewia tembensis had the lowest (8.20%), with the difference being statistically significant (p&lt;0.05). Grewia villosa in Lannea rivae had an ADL content that ranged from 2.82% to 15.86%. There is a statistically significant difference (p&lt;0.05) during the dry season. During the wet season, the NDF concentration of Maerua triphylla in Boscia mossambicensis varied from 38.33% to 62.43%. The lowest ADF content was found in Acacia etabaica (22.47%), while the highest was found in Boscia mossambicensis (42.56%). The distinction is statistically significant (p&lt;0.001). Grewia evolute contained 2.82% to 15.86% Acacia tortilis ADL. During the dry season, Dichrostachys cinerea had the lowest cellulose concentration (3.68%), whereas Euphorbia nubica had the greatest (18.77%). The study's conclusions indicate that the location is irrelevant. NDF, ADF, and ADL fiber fractions and chemical composition (DM, Ash, and CP) did not differ substantially (P&lt;0. 05). The effects of location and season on the chemical and fiber compositions and nutritional value of browse species for dromedary camels (Camelus dromedarius) are clarified by this study. To identify other variables that affect the nutritional composition of browsing species, more investigation is required.

Tree-ring dating of the common trees in Wadi Allaqi Biosphere Reserve, South-East Egypt

Twenty-five increment cores and tree discs were sampled for four common trees in Wadi Allaqi, an extremely arid region in South-East Egypt (19 for Acacia tortilis subsp. raddiana (Savi) Brenan and 2 for each of Balanites aegyptiaca (L.) Delile, Acacia ehrenbergiana Hayne, and Tamarix nilotica (Ehrenb.) Bunge). The main aim of the current study is to achieve a longer temporal perspective on growth, longevity, and marginal parenchyma of the wood samples. The growth ring boundaries of the acacias are differentiated by thin parenchyma bands, which run around the entire stem discs. Samples of Acacia tortilis subsp. raddiana were located along this Wadi from its upstream to downstream parts; based on the mean distance between the bands of marginal parenchyma, longevity, based on the marginal parenchyma bands, indicated that Acacia tortilis subsp. raddiana grew slowly and some of its studied individuals reflected 2 age scenarios in the downstream part, while the measurement interval reflected an established date of around 1884 or 1886. Both scenarios grew fast over a long period of time, and so the chiefly recent growth was dated back to 1885. Approximate dates for the midstream part dated back to 1648, while the overall growth for the upstream part dated back to 1482. Samples of Balanites aegyptiaca may be established between 1608 and 1715, while those of Acacia ehrenbergiana may be established between 1945 and 1975. Tamarix nilotica swiftly established itself, and a new ecosystem replaced the severe arid habitat after the dropping of the water level in 1980s.Two scenarios of age are probably true for the downstream part, implying a date of establishment between 1884 and 1886. It was also discovered that the outdated scenario for B. aegyptiaca and A. ehrenbergiana is more in line with asymptotic value and current growth, indicating larger possibility for future expansion.

Comparative Proportion of Phytochemical Constituents in Two Potential Anti-cancer Botanicals in Osun State, Nigeria

The use of medicinal herbs for the treatment of various diseases of man is dated back to the pre-scientific era. Informed knowledge by the users and various medicinal plant advocates has been the major hitch in the practice and administration of herbal medicine. This work compared the active ingredients in the leaves of two common anti-cancer botanicals (Vachellia tortilis and Bambusa vulgaris) in Ekiti State, Nigeria. The ethnobotanical survey was carried out through visits to medicinal plant users such as native doctors, farmers, herbalists and medicinal plant dealers within the State. 10g of sample of each medicinal plant measured into the amber bottle with the addition of 20 ml methanol was subjected to High-Performance Liquid Chromatography (HPLC), a method used to separate a mixture of complex samples. Results of the phytochemical analysis revealed Tyranton as the highest phytochemical extract cytotoxic effects towards human carcinoma cells. Vachellia tortilis and Bambusa vulgaris extracts are very useful in the utilization of anti-carcinogenic and anti-inflammatory. These can be recommended to medicinal plant users as being effective against the aforementioned ailments.

Selection of Soil and Water Conservation Technologies and Native Tree Species for Rehabilitation of Degraded Arid Lands in Southeast Ethiopia

The large-scale commercial agriculture, mining, expansion of sedentary agricultural settlements, and overgrazing in Ethiopian pastoral areas have become a major cause of land degradation. Such activities reduce grazing capacities and impoverish already fragile living conditions of the pastoralists. Such an increase in land degradations necessitates urgent calls for interventions. The main objectives of this study were to select the best performing soil and water conservation technologies and native tree species to restore degraded lands of arid and semiarid conditions in Liben District of Guji Zone, Oromia Reginal State, Ethiopia. Four locally grown and locally preferred tree species, namely, Cordia africana, Acacia tortilis, Acacia goetzei, and Combretum molle, were planted in five soil and moisture conservation structures (control, half-moon, spot hoeing, mowing, and trench). The survival rate and height and root collar diameter (RCD) growth of planted tree species were collected two years after planting. A significantly higher survival rate, RCD, and height growth of planted seedlings were recorded from half-moon (52.44 ± 12.48%; 1.66 ± 0.31 cm; 51.57 ± 2.79 cm) and trench (64.00 ± 11.49%; 1.92 ± 0.27; 69.67 ± 2.62 cm) moisture conservation structures, respectively. Acacia tortilis (58.22 ± 12.38%) and Acacia goetzei (42.99 ± 8.81%) had better survival rate than Cordia africana (4.00 ± 1.91%) and Combretum molle (24.22 ± 7.34). Cordia africana attained the largest RCD (2.50 ± 0.34 cm) and height (95.83 ± 17.25 cm) growth, followed by Acacia tortilis and Acacia goetzei. It is concluded that Acacia tortilis and Acacia goetzei are better species to grow in degraded lands. The half-moon and trench moisture conservation structures have a great potential for degraded areas of the arid and semiarid conditions of Ethiopia for better tree establishment, survival, and enhanced growth thereby rehabilitation of degraded lands.