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Papers by Sadic Waswa

Research paper thumbnail of Composition of non‐volant small mammals inhabiting a degradation gradient in a lowland tropical forest in Uganda

Composition of non‐volant small mammals inhabiting a degradation gradient in a lowland tropical forest in Uganda

Wildlife Biology, Sep 21, 2023

A study aimed at assessing the structure of rodent and shrew assemblages inhabiting a degradation... more A study aimed at assessing the structure of rodent and shrew assemblages inhabiting a degradation gradient while considering rainfall patterns, was conducted in one of few remaining lowland tropical forests in eastern Africa. We collected a unique dataset of rodents and shrews, representing 24 species (19 rodents, 5 shrews). The most abundant species alternated in dominance as species abundance significantly fluctuated across the study period following a degradation gradient. While only generalist species were observed near the degraded forest edge, habitat specialists such as Deomys ferrugineus, Malacomys longipes and Scutisorex congicus, were observed in the primary forest interior suggesting a significant association between species and their associated habitats and habitat attributes. There was also an observed correlation between rainfall patterns and species abundance. Capturing more species in adjacent fallows and along the degraded forest edge suggests that many species are able to live in degraded habitats that offer a variety of food resources. The study has highlighted the importance of habitat hetero-geneity through species associations and also recommend an assessment of the effect of habitat homogeneity due to the proliferation of paper mulberry on small mammal community.

Research paper thumbnail of Trypanosome diversity in small mammals in Uganda and the spread of Trypanosoma lewisi to native species

Trypanosome diversity in small mammals in Uganda and the spread of Trypanosoma lewisi to native species

Parasitology Research, Dec 15, 2023

Uganda's diverse small mammalian fauna thrives due to its rich habitat diversity, which h... more Uganda's diverse small mammalian fauna thrives due to its rich habitat diversity, which hosts a wide range of blood parasites, including trypanosomes, particularly the subgenus Herpetosoma typical for rodent hosts. We screened a total of 711 small mammals from various habitats for trypanosomes, with 253 microscopically examined blood smears and 458 tissue samples tested by nested PCR of the 18S rRNA gene. Of 51 rodent and 12 shrew species tested, microscopic screening reaches 7% overall prevalence (with four rodent species positive out of 15 and none of the shrew species out of four), while nested PCR indicated a prevalence of 13% (17 rodent and five shrew species positive out of 49 and 10, respectively). We identified 27 genotypes representing 11 trypanosome species, of which the majority (24 genotypes/9 species) belong to the Herpetosoma subgenus. Among these, we detected 15 new genotypes and two putative new species, labeled AF24 (found in Lophuromys woosnami) and AF25 (in Graphiurus murinus). Our finding of three new genotypes of the previously detected species AF01 belonging to the subgenus Ornithotrypanum in two Grammomys species and Oenomys hypoxanthus clearly indicates the consistent occurrence of this avian trypanosome in African small mammals. Additionally, in Aethomys hindei, we detected the putative new species of the subgenus Aneza. Within the T. lewisi subclade, we detected eleven genotypes, including six new; however, only the genotype AF05b from Mus and Rattus represents the invasive T. lewisi. Our study has improved our understanding of trypanosome diversity in African small mammals. The detection of T. lewisi in native small mammals expands the range of host species and highlighting the need for a broader approach to the epidemiology of T. lewisi.

Research paper thumbnail of Trypanosome diversity in small mammals in Uganda and the spread of Trypanosoma lewisi to native species

Parasitology Research, 2023

Uganda's diverse small mammalian fauna thrives due to its rich habitat diversity, which hosts a w... more Uganda's diverse small mammalian fauna thrives due to its rich habitat diversity, which hosts a wide range of blood parasites, including trypanosomes, particularly the subgenus Herpetosoma typical for rodent hosts. We screened a total of 711 small mammals from various habitats for trypanosomes, with 253 microscopically examined blood smears and 458 tissue samples tested by nested PCR of the 18S rRNA gene. Of 51 rodent and 12 shrew species tested, microscopic screening reaches 7% overall prevalence (with four rodent species positive out of 15 and none of the shrew species out of four), while nested PCR indicated a prevalence of 13% (17 rodent and five shrew species positive out of 49 and 10, respectively). We identified 27 genotypes representing 11 trypanosome species, of which the majority (24 genotypes/9 species) belong to the Herpetosoma subgenus. Among these, we detected 15 new genotypes and two putative new species, labeled AF24 (found in Lophuromys woosnami) and AF25 (in Graphiurus murinus). Our finding of three new genotypes of the previously detected species AF01 belonging to the subgenus Ornithotrypanum in two Grammomys species and Oenomys hypoxanthus clearly indicates the consistent occurrence of this avian trypanosome in African small mammals. Additionally, in Aethomys hindei, we detected the putative new species of the subgenus Aneza. Within the T. lewisi subclade, we detected eleven genotypes, including six new; however, only the genotype AF05b from Mus and Rattus represents the invasive T. lewisi. Our study has improved our understanding of trypanosome diversity in African small mammals. The detection of T. lewisi in native small mammals expands the range of host species and highlighting the need for a broader approach to the epidemiology of T. lewisi.

Research paper thumbnail of Ectoparasite Fauna of Rodents and Shrews with Their Spatial, Temporal, and Dispersal along a Degradation Gradient in Mabira Central Forest Reserve

Journal of Parasitology Research

Ectoparasites like fleas, mites, and ticks that are key carriers of harmful pathogens such as vir... more Ectoparasites like fleas, mites, and ticks that are key carriers of harmful pathogens such as viruses, bacteria, cestodes, and nematodes live on rodents and shrews. It should be noted that rodents’ ecological adaptability makes them suitable as parasite hosts. The main objective of the study was to determine the ectoparasite assemblages in rodents and shrews along a degradation gradient, while comparing infestation levels in different habitats with varying levels of degradation. The study was conducted in Mabira Central Forest Reserve. Ectoparasites were collected following rodent and shrew removal trapping which was done using Sherman’s traps set along transects of 200 meters in three habitat strata that included adjacent forest habitats, degraded forest edge, and regenerating forest interior. Data was collected intermittently with a break every two months for one year from November 2018 to December 2019. A total of 1411 rodents and shrews were collected, yielding a total of 5692 e...

Research paper thumbnail of Ectoparasite Fauna of Rodents and Shrews with Their Spatial, Temporal, and Dispersal along a Degradation Gradient in Mabira Central Forest Reserve

Journal of Parasitology Research, 2023

Ectoparasites like fleas, mites, and ticks that are key carriers of harmful pathogens such as vir... more Ectoparasites like fleas, mites, and ticks that are key carriers of harmful pathogens such as viruses, bacteria, cestodes, and nematodes live on rodents and shrews. It should be noted that rodents' ecological adaptability makes them suitable as parasite hosts. The main objective of the study was to determine the ectoparasite assemblages in rodents and shrews along a degradation gradient, while comparing infestation levels in different habitats with varying levels of degradation. The study was conducted in Mabira Central Forest Reserve. Ectoparasites were collected following rodent and shrew removal trapping which was done using Sherman's traps set along transects of 200 meters in three habitat strata that included adjacent forest habitats, degraded forest edge, and regenerating forest interior. Data was collected intermittently with a break every two months for one year from November 2018 to December 2019. A total of 1411 rodents and shrews were collected, yielding a total of 5692 ectoparasites from 22 host species (17 rodents and 5 shrews). The most prevalent group of ectoparasites was mites followed by fleas, lice, ticks, and earwig. Ectoparasite prevalence significantly differed depending on hosts species (P = 0 001) and host age (P = 0 022), but not host sex (P = 0 78), while mean infestation significantly varied basing on host species (P = 0 001), host sex (P = 0 001), season (P = 0 001), and habitat (P = 0 001). Prevalence (P = 0 001) and mean infestation (P = 0 001) significantly varied across studied habitats. The study has emphasized the significance of Praomys jacksoni and Hylomyscus stella as significant hosts for mites and S. congicus as a significant host for fleas. Additionally, environment and host characteristics have a bearing on prevalence and infestation of ectoparasites with habitat degradation playing a significant role in the occurrence of ectoparasites, thereby emphasizing its contribution to zoonotic outbreaks.

Research paper thumbnail of Composition of non-volant small mammals inhabiting a degradation gradient in a lowland tropical forest in Uganda

Wildlife Biology, 2023

A study aimed at assessing the structure of rodent and shrew assemblages inhabiting a degradation... more A study aimed at assessing the structure of rodent and shrew assemblages inhabiting a degradation gradient while considering rainfall patterns, was conducted in one of few remaining lowland tropical forests in eastern Africa. We collected a unique dataset of rodents and shrews, representing 24 species (19 rodents, 5 shrews). The most abundant species alternated in dominance as species abundance significantly fluctuated across the study period following a degradation gradient. While only generalist species were observed near the degraded forest edge, habitat specialists such as Deomys ferrugineus, Malacomys longipes and Scutisorex congicus, were observed in the primary forest interior suggesting a significant association between species and their associated habitats and habitat attributes. There was also an observed correlation between rainfall patterns and species abundance. Capturing more species in adjacent fallows and along the degraded forest edge suggests that many species are able to live in degraded habitats that offer a variety of food resources. The study has highlighted the importance of habitat hetero-geneity through species associations and also recommend an assessment of the effect of habitat homogeneity due to the proliferation of paper mulberry on small mammal community.

Research paper thumbnail of Rodent species composition, relative abundance, and habitat association in the Mabira Central Forest Reserve, Uganda

Journal of Vertebrate Biology, 2020

The government of Uganda has shown commitment to conserve its forest resources through investment... more The government of Uganda has shown commitment to conserve its forest resources through investment in a variety of initiatives, including gazetting national tree planting days, and creation of the National Forestry Authority (NFA). However, a trend of tree loss has worsened due to continued

Research paper thumbnail of Rodent species composition, relative abundance, and habitat association in the Mabira Central Forest Reserve, Uganda

Journal of Vertebrate Biology, 2020

The government of Uganda has shown commitment to conserve its forest resources through investment... more The government of Uganda has shown commitment to conserve its forest resources through investment in a variety of initiatives, including gazetting national tree planting days, and creation of the National Forestry Authority (NFA). However, a trend of tree loss has worsened due to continued

Research paper thumbnail of ECOLOGICAL ASSESSMENT OF THE SPATIAL DISTRIBUTION OF AMPHIBIANS AND REPTILES IN THE ALBERTINE RIFT (UGANDA

Ecology of herptiles, 2017

This study aimed at assessing the ecological spatial distribution of amphibians and reptiles in t... more This study aimed at assessing the ecological spatial distribution of amphibians and reptiles in the Albertine rift valley and considers possible consequences of climate change. Our results suggest that differences in land cover characteristics and gradient have important effects on biodiversity in the study area, suggesting a more frequent exchange of species among heterogeneous habitats in the low lands than in the more homogeneous habitats at high elevation. Only two Albertine rift endemics were recorded for this study Bradypodium xenorhinum & Chamaeleo johnstoni. This could be attributed to the fact that most hepertiles in this region have not been exclusively studied and are therefore listed as data deficient by IUCN. However species such as Chameleo rudis need to be given a higher conservation category because their area of occupancy and quality of habitat is reducing as a result of climate change effects and continued encroachment on Rwenzori Mountains National Park.

Thesis Chapters by Sadic Waswa

Research paper thumbnail of ASSESSMENT OF SMALL MAMMAL COMMUNITIES IN MABIRA CENTRAL FOREST RESERVE AND KIBALE FOREST NATIONAL PARK UGANDA WASWA SADIC BABYESIZA (BSc Conservation Biology-MAK

Small mammals are primarily represented by species from three orders of mammals, Rodentia (mainly... more Small mammals are primarily represented by species from three orders of mammals, Rodentia (mainly the family Muridae), Insectivora (mainly Soricidae) and Chiroptera. Uganda has a rich and diverse rodent, shrew and bat fauna. The main factor for this richness is the wide range of altitudinal variation and the complex array of different vegetation types. Many Ugandan forests are under pressure from the current exponential human population increase and the resultant anthropogenic forces. This has made most forests shrink in size and has reduced habitat quality for small mammal communities. Amidst all these changes, little is known about current species composition and ecology of the different small mammal communities in Ugandan forests.

Research paper thumbnail of Composition of non‐volant small mammals inhabiting a degradation gradient in a lowland tropical forest in Uganda

Composition of non‐volant small mammals inhabiting a degradation gradient in a lowland tropical forest in Uganda

Wildlife Biology, Sep 21, 2023

A study aimed at assessing the structure of rodent and shrew assemblages inhabiting a degradation... more A study aimed at assessing the structure of rodent and shrew assemblages inhabiting a degradation gradient while considering rainfall patterns, was conducted in one of few remaining lowland tropical forests in eastern Africa. We collected a unique dataset of rodents and shrews, representing 24 species (19 rodents, 5 shrews). The most abundant species alternated in dominance as species abundance significantly fluctuated across the study period following a degradation gradient. While only generalist species were observed near the degraded forest edge, habitat specialists such as Deomys ferrugineus, Malacomys longipes and Scutisorex congicus, were observed in the primary forest interior suggesting a significant association between species and their associated habitats and habitat attributes. There was also an observed correlation between rainfall patterns and species abundance. Capturing more species in adjacent fallows and along the degraded forest edge suggests that many species are able to live in degraded habitats that offer a variety of food resources. The study has highlighted the importance of habitat hetero-geneity through species associations and also recommend an assessment of the effect of habitat homogeneity due to the proliferation of paper mulberry on small mammal community.

Research paper thumbnail of Trypanosome diversity in small mammals in Uganda and the spread of Trypanosoma lewisi to native species

Trypanosome diversity in small mammals in Uganda and the spread of Trypanosoma lewisi to native species

Parasitology Research, Dec 15, 2023

Uganda's diverse small mammalian fauna thrives due to its rich habitat diversity, which h... more Uganda's diverse small mammalian fauna thrives due to its rich habitat diversity, which hosts a wide range of blood parasites, including trypanosomes, particularly the subgenus Herpetosoma typical for rodent hosts. We screened a total of 711 small mammals from various habitats for trypanosomes, with 253 microscopically examined blood smears and 458 tissue samples tested by nested PCR of the 18S rRNA gene. Of 51 rodent and 12 shrew species tested, microscopic screening reaches 7% overall prevalence (with four rodent species positive out of 15 and none of the shrew species out of four), while nested PCR indicated a prevalence of 13% (17 rodent and five shrew species positive out of 49 and 10, respectively). We identified 27 genotypes representing 11 trypanosome species, of which the majority (24 genotypes/9 species) belong to the Herpetosoma subgenus. Among these, we detected 15 new genotypes and two putative new species, labeled AF24 (found in Lophuromys woosnami) and AF25 (in Graphiurus murinus). Our finding of three new genotypes of the previously detected species AF01 belonging to the subgenus Ornithotrypanum in two Grammomys species and Oenomys hypoxanthus clearly indicates the consistent occurrence of this avian trypanosome in African small mammals. Additionally, in Aethomys hindei, we detected the putative new species of the subgenus Aneza. Within the T. lewisi subclade, we detected eleven genotypes, including six new; however, only the genotype AF05b from Mus and Rattus represents the invasive T. lewisi. Our study has improved our understanding of trypanosome diversity in African small mammals. The detection of T. lewisi in native small mammals expands the range of host species and highlighting the need for a broader approach to the epidemiology of T. lewisi.

Research paper thumbnail of Trypanosome diversity in small mammals in Uganda and the spread of Trypanosoma lewisi to native species

Parasitology Research, 2023

Uganda's diverse small mammalian fauna thrives due to its rich habitat diversity, which hosts a w... more Uganda's diverse small mammalian fauna thrives due to its rich habitat diversity, which hosts a wide range of blood parasites, including trypanosomes, particularly the subgenus Herpetosoma typical for rodent hosts. We screened a total of 711 small mammals from various habitats for trypanosomes, with 253 microscopically examined blood smears and 458 tissue samples tested by nested PCR of the 18S rRNA gene. Of 51 rodent and 12 shrew species tested, microscopic screening reaches 7% overall prevalence (with four rodent species positive out of 15 and none of the shrew species out of four), while nested PCR indicated a prevalence of 13% (17 rodent and five shrew species positive out of 49 and 10, respectively). We identified 27 genotypes representing 11 trypanosome species, of which the majority (24 genotypes/9 species) belong to the Herpetosoma subgenus. Among these, we detected 15 new genotypes and two putative new species, labeled AF24 (found in Lophuromys woosnami) and AF25 (in Graphiurus murinus). Our finding of three new genotypes of the previously detected species AF01 belonging to the subgenus Ornithotrypanum in two Grammomys species and Oenomys hypoxanthus clearly indicates the consistent occurrence of this avian trypanosome in African small mammals. Additionally, in Aethomys hindei, we detected the putative new species of the subgenus Aneza. Within the T. lewisi subclade, we detected eleven genotypes, including six new; however, only the genotype AF05b from Mus and Rattus represents the invasive T. lewisi. Our study has improved our understanding of trypanosome diversity in African small mammals. The detection of T. lewisi in native small mammals expands the range of host species and highlighting the need for a broader approach to the epidemiology of T. lewisi.

Research paper thumbnail of Ectoparasite Fauna of Rodents and Shrews with Their Spatial, Temporal, and Dispersal along a Degradation Gradient in Mabira Central Forest Reserve

Journal of Parasitology Research

Ectoparasites like fleas, mites, and ticks that are key carriers of harmful pathogens such as vir... more Ectoparasites like fleas, mites, and ticks that are key carriers of harmful pathogens such as viruses, bacteria, cestodes, and nematodes live on rodents and shrews. It should be noted that rodents’ ecological adaptability makes them suitable as parasite hosts. The main objective of the study was to determine the ectoparasite assemblages in rodents and shrews along a degradation gradient, while comparing infestation levels in different habitats with varying levels of degradation. The study was conducted in Mabira Central Forest Reserve. Ectoparasites were collected following rodent and shrew removal trapping which was done using Sherman’s traps set along transects of 200 meters in three habitat strata that included adjacent forest habitats, degraded forest edge, and regenerating forest interior. Data was collected intermittently with a break every two months for one year from November 2018 to December 2019. A total of 1411 rodents and shrews were collected, yielding a total of 5692 e...

Research paper thumbnail of Ectoparasite Fauna of Rodents and Shrews with Their Spatial, Temporal, and Dispersal along a Degradation Gradient in Mabira Central Forest Reserve

Journal of Parasitology Research, 2023

Ectoparasites like fleas, mites, and ticks that are key carriers of harmful pathogens such as vir... more Ectoparasites like fleas, mites, and ticks that are key carriers of harmful pathogens such as viruses, bacteria, cestodes, and nematodes live on rodents and shrews. It should be noted that rodents' ecological adaptability makes them suitable as parasite hosts. The main objective of the study was to determine the ectoparasite assemblages in rodents and shrews along a degradation gradient, while comparing infestation levels in different habitats with varying levels of degradation. The study was conducted in Mabira Central Forest Reserve. Ectoparasites were collected following rodent and shrew removal trapping which was done using Sherman's traps set along transects of 200 meters in three habitat strata that included adjacent forest habitats, degraded forest edge, and regenerating forest interior. Data was collected intermittently with a break every two months for one year from November 2018 to December 2019. A total of 1411 rodents and shrews were collected, yielding a total of 5692 ectoparasites from 22 host species (17 rodents and 5 shrews). The most prevalent group of ectoparasites was mites followed by fleas, lice, ticks, and earwig. Ectoparasite prevalence significantly differed depending on hosts species (P = 0 001) and host age (P = 0 022), but not host sex (P = 0 78), while mean infestation significantly varied basing on host species (P = 0 001), host sex (P = 0 001), season (P = 0 001), and habitat (P = 0 001). Prevalence (P = 0 001) and mean infestation (P = 0 001) significantly varied across studied habitats. The study has emphasized the significance of Praomys jacksoni and Hylomyscus stella as significant hosts for mites and S. congicus as a significant host for fleas. Additionally, environment and host characteristics have a bearing on prevalence and infestation of ectoparasites with habitat degradation playing a significant role in the occurrence of ectoparasites, thereby emphasizing its contribution to zoonotic outbreaks.

Research paper thumbnail of Composition of non-volant small mammals inhabiting a degradation gradient in a lowland tropical forest in Uganda

Wildlife Biology, 2023

A study aimed at assessing the structure of rodent and shrew assemblages inhabiting a degradation... more A study aimed at assessing the structure of rodent and shrew assemblages inhabiting a degradation gradient while considering rainfall patterns, was conducted in one of few remaining lowland tropical forests in eastern Africa. We collected a unique dataset of rodents and shrews, representing 24 species (19 rodents, 5 shrews). The most abundant species alternated in dominance as species abundance significantly fluctuated across the study period following a degradation gradient. While only generalist species were observed near the degraded forest edge, habitat specialists such as Deomys ferrugineus, Malacomys longipes and Scutisorex congicus, were observed in the primary forest interior suggesting a significant association between species and their associated habitats and habitat attributes. There was also an observed correlation between rainfall patterns and species abundance. Capturing more species in adjacent fallows and along the degraded forest edge suggests that many species are able to live in degraded habitats that offer a variety of food resources. The study has highlighted the importance of habitat hetero-geneity through species associations and also recommend an assessment of the effect of habitat homogeneity due to the proliferation of paper mulberry on small mammal community.

Research paper thumbnail of Rodent species composition, relative abundance, and habitat association in the Mabira Central Forest Reserve, Uganda

Journal of Vertebrate Biology, 2020

The government of Uganda has shown commitment to conserve its forest resources through investment... more The government of Uganda has shown commitment to conserve its forest resources through investment in a variety of initiatives, including gazetting national tree planting days, and creation of the National Forestry Authority (NFA). However, a trend of tree loss has worsened due to continued

Research paper thumbnail of Rodent species composition, relative abundance, and habitat association in the Mabira Central Forest Reserve, Uganda

Journal of Vertebrate Biology, 2020

The government of Uganda has shown commitment to conserve its forest resources through investment... more The government of Uganda has shown commitment to conserve its forest resources through investment in a variety of initiatives, including gazetting national tree planting days, and creation of the National Forestry Authority (NFA). However, a trend of tree loss has worsened due to continued

Research paper thumbnail of ECOLOGICAL ASSESSMENT OF THE SPATIAL DISTRIBUTION OF AMPHIBIANS AND REPTILES IN THE ALBERTINE RIFT (UGANDA

Ecology of herptiles, 2017

This study aimed at assessing the ecological spatial distribution of amphibians and reptiles in t... more This study aimed at assessing the ecological spatial distribution of amphibians and reptiles in the Albertine rift valley and considers possible consequences of climate change. Our results suggest that differences in land cover characteristics and gradient have important effects on biodiversity in the study area, suggesting a more frequent exchange of species among heterogeneous habitats in the low lands than in the more homogeneous habitats at high elevation. Only two Albertine rift endemics were recorded for this study Bradypodium xenorhinum & Chamaeleo johnstoni. This could be attributed to the fact that most hepertiles in this region have not been exclusively studied and are therefore listed as data deficient by IUCN. However species such as Chameleo rudis need to be given a higher conservation category because their area of occupancy and quality of habitat is reducing as a result of climate change effects and continued encroachment on Rwenzori Mountains National Park.

Research paper thumbnail of ASSESSMENT OF SMALL MAMMAL COMMUNITIES IN MABIRA CENTRAL FOREST RESERVE AND KIBALE FOREST NATIONAL PARK UGANDA WASWA SADIC BABYESIZA (BSc Conservation Biology-MAK

Small mammals are primarily represented by species from three orders of mammals, Rodentia (mainly... more Small mammals are primarily represented by species from three orders of mammals, Rodentia (mainly the family Muridae), Insectivora (mainly Soricidae) and Chiroptera. Uganda has a rich and diverse rodent, shrew and bat fauna. The main factor for this richness is the wide range of altitudinal variation and the complex array of different vegetation types. Many Ugandan forests are under pressure from the current exponential human population increase and the resultant anthropogenic forces. This has made most forests shrink in size and has reduced habitat quality for small mammal communities. Amidst all these changes, little is known about current species composition and ecology of the different small mammal communities in Ugandan forests.