Article
Zoology
Carl W. Dick, Taylor B. Verrett, Paul W. Webala, Bruce D. Patterson
Summary: This study conducted a detailed investigation on the diversity of bat flies in Kenya, recording the presence of seven genera and 17 species, with seven species previously undocumented in the country. This comprehensive species catalog further emphasizes the importance of similar investigations on bat fly biodiversity across Africa.
Article
Biology
Genevieve E. Marsden, M. Corrie Schoeman, Dalene Vosloo
Summary: This study investigated the rewarming rates of seven insectivorous bat species along an altitude gradient in South Africa and found no significant relationship with altitude. However, it did find that males rewarm more rapidly than females at low temperatures.
JOURNAL OF THERMAL BIOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Agriculture, Multidisciplinary
Sina M. Weier, Valerie M. G. Linden, Antonia Hammer, Ingo Grass, Teja Tscharntke, Peter J. Taylor
Summary: Bats have been shown to effectively suppress pests in various land-use systems globally, including macadamia orchards. The presence of natural habitat patches at orchard edges enhances this pest suppression. However, the conversion of natural habitats to agricultural land, especially macadamia monocultures, can significantly impact bat diversity. Maintaining natural habitat patches at orchard boundaries is crucial for supporting bat populations and preserving biodiversity.
AGRICULTURE ECOSYSTEMS & ENVIRONMENT
(2021)
Article
Anatomy & Morphology
Emine Pinar Paksuz
Summary: The histological structure of the kidneys of Myotis myotis was examined to understand its structural adaptations to dietary habits. The kidney structure showed features such as a thin cortex and thicker medulla, and the presence of glycogen as an energy substrate. These adaptations help in producing concentrated urine and reducing water loss associated with insectivorous feeding habits.
ANATOMICAL RECORD-ADVANCES IN INTEGRATIVE ANATOMY AND EVOLUTIONARY BIOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Ecology
Dawn Cory-Toussaint, Peter J. Taylor
Summary: The study investigated the impact of natural vegetation cover, artificial light intensity, and noise on bat communities in the Venetia diamond mine. The results showed that clutter-feeding bats were virtually absent in the mining area, indicating the negative effects of vegetation removal and/or light and/or noise pollution. Natural vegetation was found to be the most important factor influencing species richness and overall bat activity. Artificial light significantly affected feeding activity, while anthropogenic noise had no significant impact on bat activity and species richness.
FRONTIERS IN ECOLOGY AND EVOLUTION
(2022)
Article
Zoology
Javier Juste, Laura Torrent, Aline Mendez-Rodriguez, Kelli Howard, Juan Luis Garcia-Mudarra, Jesus Nogueras, Carlos Ibanez
Summary: We identify a new species of pipistrelle-like bats from Principe Island in Western Central Africa based on molecular and morphological characteristics. The inclusion of molecular techniques and appropriate species sampling has allowed for a clearer understanding of the systematic classification of the whole pipistrelle group. This new species has been placed within the dark-winged group of the recently described genus Pseudoromicia, exhibiting distinct morphological traits and being the smallest recognized species within the genus. Urgent field studies are needed to assess the ecology and conservation status of this endemic island species.
JOURNAL OF MAMMALOGY
(2023)
Article
Ecology
Johanna G. Kuhne, Jeremy J. Austin, Terry B. Reardon, Thomas A. A. Prowse
Summary: This study investigates the diet of the southern bent-wing bat (SBWB) using arthropod DNA metabarcoding. The results show that moths are the main component of the SBWB's diet, many of which are associated with agricultural land use. The findings suggest that the SBWB may contribute to controlling moth populations considered as agricultural pests.
Article
Zoology
Ara Monadjem, Terrence C. Demos, Desire L. Dalton, Paul W. Webala, Simon Musila, Julian C. Kerbis Peterhans, Bruce D. Patterson
Summary: Vespertilionidae is the largest family of bats, with approximately 500 described species. Uncertainties in systematic relationships among pipistrelle-like bats in Africa are highlighted due to their drab pelage and lack of obvious morphological characters. Through extensive genetic and morphological sampling, three African genera in Pipistrellini were identified and the paraphyletic nature of the genus Neoromicia was resolved by assigning species to four genera.
ZOOLOGICAL JOURNAL OF THE LINNEAN SOCIETY
(2021)
Article
Geography, Physical
Dennis M. Njagi, Joyanto Routh, Daniel Olago, Kasun Gayantha
Summary: The multi-proxy records from the Kapsabet peat deposit in western Kenya provide insights into late Holocene climate changes and vegetation evolution, with distinct stages of climatic conditions and their impacts revealed through various proxies.
PALAEOGEOGRAPHY PALAEOCLIMATOLOGY PALAEOECOLOGY
(2021)
Article
Biodiversity Conservation
Paul J. J. Bates, Pipat Soisook, Sai Sein Lin Oo, Marcela Suarez-Rubio, Awatsaya Pimsai, Ariya Dejtaradol, Swen C. Renner
Summary: The Hkakabo Razi Landscape in Myanmar is home to a rich diversity of bats, with significant importance for conservation efforts. Despite its small size, it plays a crucial role in supporting a large percentage of Myanmar's known bat species.
Review
Energy & Fuels
Claudio Pasqua, Paolo Chiozzi, Massimo Verdoya
Summary: Based on recent investigations, this study reviewed three major geothermal plays in the East African Rift System (EARS), representing different geological and hydrogeological realms. Alalobeda and Menengai are examples of the Eastern Branch of EARS, while Kilambo-Ilwalilo is an example of the Western Branch. They differ in their structural and volcanic characteristics, as well as their heat sources and reservoir temperatures. The results provide helpful guidelines for future studies on geothermal resources in the rift.
Article
Environmental Sciences
Emily Ngeno, Roselyn Ongulu, Francis Orata, Henry Matovu, Victor Shikuku, Richard Onchiri, Abel Mayaka, Eunice Majanga, Zachary Getenga, Joel Gichumbi, Patrick Ssebugere
Summary: This study investigated the levels, mass loadings, removal efficiency, and associated ecotoxicological risks of selected endocrine disrupting chemicals (EDCs) in wastewater, sludge, and untreated dry biosolid (UDBS) samples from twelve wastewater treatment plants in Kenya. The results showed that these EDCs were present in significant quantities and posed potential toxicological risks to aquatic and terrestrial life.
ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH
(2023)
Article
Geochemistry & Geophysics
Bernard Le Gall, Remigius Gama, Alexander Koptev, Gilles Chazot, Nelson Boniface, Nicolas Loget, Mohamed Ahmed Daoud, Pascal Tarits, Matthieu Plasman, Sophie Hautot
Summary: The axial fault-bounded depression of the South Kenya rift has anomalously wide sectors due to elevated and offset blocks on the flanks. New insights from a specific rift segment offer a highly-segmented arrangement and a two-stage kinematic rift model. The study emphasizes the contribution of border vs inner fault networks, highlighting that inner faulting was not the dominant mode of strain accommodation.
Article
Development Studies
Abonesh Tesfaye, Maren Radeny, Maurice J. Ogada, John W. Recha, Gebermedihin Ambaw, Nitya Chanana, Sophia Huyer, Getamesay Demeke, Dawit Solomon
Summary: The aim of this study is to understand the role of climate-smart villages (CSVs) in promoting gender empowerment and equality in East Africa. Data collected from farm household heads in Doyogena (Ethiopia) and Nyando (Kenya) were analyzed, and it was found that households in CSVs scored higher in gender empowerment index. Women in CSVs were found to be more empowered compared to men, and there was a significant difference in empowerment between the two sites, with Doyogena households having higher empowerment levels. The study highlights the potential of CSVs in enhancing gender empowerment and promoting gender equality.
CLIMATE AND DEVELOPMENT
(2023)
Article
Plant Sciences
Grace Ngugi, Paul M. Kirika, Geoffrey Mwachala
Summary: A new holoparasitic species of Orobanchaceae, Harveya kiangombensis, is described and illustrated in this study. It is easily distinguished from the closely related H. liebuschiana by its glandular pubescent pedicels, the position of its flowers, and acute calyx lobes. The conservation status of the new species is also assessed.