Browsing by Author "Johnny, Jonathan"

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Assessment of Wetlands Dynamics in Bo City, Southern Region of Sierra Leone
(2025-03-15) Johnny, Jonathan
Background and Goal of the Research: Wetlands are vital ecosystems that serve as critical links between aquatic and terrestrial environments, offering a wide range of ecosystem services such as biodiversity conservation, water purification, and flood control. However, rapid urbanization, pollution, and climate change have placed immense pressure on these ecosystems, leading to their degradation. In Bo City, Southern Sierra Leone, urban expansion and socio-economic activities are significantly impacting wetland dynamics. This study aims to assess the distribution, diversity, and resource composition of wetlands in the city, providing insights to guide sustainable management and conservation strategies. **Methodology:** The research adopted a descriptive and exploratory design, utilizing field surveys, Geographic Information System (GIS) mapping, and biodiversity indices to analyze wetland dynamics. Quadrat and transect sampling methods were employed to document plant species and assess their abundance and distribution. Data on wetland size and ownership were collected, and statistical tools, including one-way ANOVA and diversity indices such as Shannon-Weiner and Simpson indices, were applied to evaluate ecological and ownership patterns. Results & Findings: The study identified 138 wetlands distributed across seven zones in Bo City, each with varying ecological and socio-economic characteristics. Larger wetlands (>6 hectares) were predominantly managed by caretakers, while government and community ownership were minimal. A total of 46 plant species were recorded, with species like Ipomoea aquatica and Commelina diffusa being the most abundant. Zone 5 exhibited the highest biodiversity, as evidenced by its Shannon diversity index (3.746), while Zone 7 showed the lowest diversity and evenness, reflecting the impacts of urban pressures. Ownership type significantly influenced wetland size stability (p = 0.007), while active biomonitoring demonstrated potential benefits for conservation. **Conclusion:** The findings highlight the ecological richness of Bo City’s wetlands and the threats posed by urban expansion and fragmented management. Effective conservation policies, enhanced stakeholder collaboration, and robust monitoring programs are essential to ensure the sustainability of these ecosystems. The study underscores the importance of balancing urban development with ecological preservation to protect the vital services provided by wetlands in Bo City.
Distribution and Regeneration Status of Guibourtia copallifera Benn. in Sierra Leone
(Science Publishing Group, 2023-05-29) Johnny, Jonathan
This study was conducted to assess the species distributional range, structure, and regeneration status of G. copallifera Benn. A distributional survey was conducted in over 30 villages and communities where claims were made about the presence of this species. At four locations, pairs of large plots measuring 500m x 20m were laid out 400m apart and each subdivided into ten (10) subplots (50m x 20m). For the regeneration studies (Seeds, seedlings and saplings), four quadrats of 5m x 5m were established in each subplot (giving a total of 320 quadrats). A total of 1,294 live individuals from 74 tree species and 12 lianas were recorded, representing 61 genera in 27 families. Guibourtia copallifera has the highest dominance, followed by Nesogordonia papaveriefera (A. Chev.) Capuron ex N. Hallé., Memecylon normandii Jacq.-Fél. and Gmelina arborea Roxb. Species such as Homalium africanum (Hook. f.) Benth. Lindackeria dentata (Oliv.) Gilg, Pentadesma butyracea Sabine. and Santiria trimera (Oliv.) Aubrév. were recorded at low levels. Regarding family dominance, the Leguminosae - Caesalpiniaceae scores the highest, followed by Sterculiaceae, Euphorbiaceae, Melastomataceae and Verbenaceae. The density of regenerating individuals varied significantly between subplots based on the amount of degradation. The regeneration and spatial patterns of the species examined in this study exhibited clear relationships with disturbance intensity. Urgent action is needed to conserve this species, together with other ecologically and economically important tree species, before they are locally exterminated.
Footprints of Edge Communities’ Exploitation of a Plant Species (Guiboutia Copallifera) Within Its Distributional Range in Sierra Leone
(Science Publishing Group, 2025-03-11) Johnny, Jonathan
This study investigates the impact of human activity on the diversity, abundance, and species composition of trees in southwestern Sierra Leone's Kasewe Forest Reserve. The specific objectives are to assess the historical use of Guibourtia copallifera in relation to the reserve and examine community relations with this species. Primary data were collected through a floristic inventory and key informant interviews, focusing on the use of forest land and floral resources. A total of 1,294 living specimens from 74 tree species and 12 lianas, belonging to 61 genera in 27 families, were recorded in the study. The most dominant species were Guibourtia copallifera, followed by Nesogordonia papaverifera, Memecylon normandii, and Gmelina arborea. Other species recorded at lower levels include Homalium africanum, Lindackeria dentata, Pentadesma butyracea, and Santiria trimera. Additionally, 675 stumps from 42 genera in 29 families were identified, with 88 trees showing harvesting marks. The study also recorded 147 old charcoal pits and 76 new charcoal pits. In the Kasewe Forest Reserve, 13 patches of Gmelina arborea plantations, along with 26 old and 11 new farms, were recorded. The study revealed that rapid anthropogenic activities and poor forest management have led to a decline in tree diversity. Edge communities remain crucial for the reserve's health, management, and future. Traditions, culture, and customs play a key role in the reserve's services and products, but the full historical use of the area is poorly documented. These findings highlight the urgent need for effective forest development and a recovery plan for degraded areas.
Soil and Mycorrhizal Diversity and Distribution in Relation to G. copallifera in Kasewe Forest Reserve, Southern Sierra Leone
(Science Publishing Group, 2025-07-09) Johnny, Jonathan
Gibourtia copallifera is a rare, range-restricted tree native to the Kasewe Forest Reserve in southern Sierra Leone. Historically exploited for gum copal, it now faces threats from charcoal production due to its high-quality charcoal. Although the species shows good growth in forest patches established 60 years ago, natural regeneration remains minimal. While many tropical tree species form beneficial relationships with arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF), these associations are still poorly understood in humid regions like Sierra Leone. This study investigated the AMF associations of G. copallifera and assessed changes in mycorrhizal diversity in relation to forest degradation and tree development stages. Soil characterization was conducted through profile analysis, and samples were subjected to laboratory testing. Three soil types were identified within the reserve: K 01—barren land with sparse vegetation; K 02—forest land dominated by G. copallifera; and K 03—upland fallow agricultural land with shrubs and a few trees. Soil analysis indicates pH values ranging from 5.03 to 5.87 (acidic), with calcium as the most dominant exchangeable base, followed by magnesium, potassium, and sodium. The surface horizon under G. copallifera exhibited the highest total exchangeable bases, and high cation exchange capacity (CEC) was linked to the presence of decomposed plant matter. A total of 22 AMF species were identified in plant root samples, with a significantly higher proportion found in non-degraded forest patches. These accounted for around 68% of AMF species, especially Scutellospora and Gigaspora, along with Glomus and Acaulospora. AMF species richness and diversity were considerably higher in non-degraded patches (3.13 species) than in degraded areas (1.75). Mycorrhizal frequency and intensity were also significantly greater in undisturbed forest sites. AMF colonization peaked in mature trees and was lowest in seedlings, although the variation across trials was not statistically significant (P = 0.07). The study concludes that K01 is unsuitable for G. copallifera due to its shallow depth, which restricts growth. In contrast, K02 and K03 are more favorable for the species. However, many K02 areas have been converted to agricultural land, and in locations where natural forest regeneration is allowed, more aggressive species such as Gmelina arborea and Anisophyllea laurina tend to dominate. Additionally, AMF play a crucial role in promoting the growth of G. copallifera in nutrient-poor soils. These findings are important for informing reintroduction and reforestation strategies for this native tropical tree species.
Tourism and Protected Areas in Sierra Leone
(2024-05-21) Johnny, Jonathan
Juniper Publishers is a platform for professors and researchers who aspire to give out quality information based on their research and expertise, in an attempt to aid scholars/researchers in their field of interest. We, as Open Access publishers, strive to offer the best in class online science publications
Traditional medicines containing animal parts: Use in Kowa and Dasse chiefdoms, Southern Sierra Leone
(AkiNik Publications, 2024) Johnny, Jonathan
The use of animals in traditional remedies is a prevalent practice in rural Sierra Leone, although it lacks sufficient research. The research seeks to record the utilisation of animals in the management of human diseases, by identifying the specific species involved and assessing their conservation status. The data for the study was collected using Participatory Rural Appraisal (PRA) procedures, which involved 40 key informants. Results indicate that local communities employ 45 species from diverse genera and families to address 40 distinct health conditions. Reptiles are the most frequently utilised taxonomic group, followed by amphibians, mammals, primates, birds, and insects. S. regularis exhibited the highest use value, with A. mellifera, A. marginata, C. civetta, and R. aegyptiacus respectively. There are seven species (C. diana, P. tricuspis, O. tetrapsi, K. belliana, C. senegalensis, C. zebra and P. sebae) that are internationally recognised as being in need of conservation efforts. This study emphasis the incorporation of indigenous knowledge into the management of these resources and the establishment of efficient administrative structures to ensure the responsible utilisation of restorative animals.