Effect of anthropogenic activities on terrestrial flora and Fauna species in Rachuonyo South sub county, Homabay county Kenya

Abstract

Globally, terrestrial flora and fauna species are at the brink of extinction yearly due to the increase in human population. Yearly, species reduce at 34% globally and 68% in Kenya as result of increased anthropogenic activities. The current rapid population growth has led to increased anthropogenic activities and population pressure on the land posing threats to the survival of terrestrial flora and fauna species. In Kenya, Rachuonyo South Sub County is characterized by rising population growth evidenced by a population density of 511 persons/Km2 which was far above the national population density of 82 persons/Km2. This poses a threat to existing flora and fauna species in the region. However, there is less documentation on specific anthropogenic activities and the type and number of flora and fauna species affected by these activities. About 74% and 97% of population in Rachuonyo depends on agriculture and wood fuel respectively. Notably, hunting and gathering and vegetation clearance are anthropogenic activities taking place in Rachuonyo, and yet it is not well documented on how these activities are threatening terrestrial flora and fauna species. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to examine the effect of anthropogenic activities on terrestrial flora and fauna species. The objectives of this study were to: identify the terrestrial flora and fauna species threatened by anthropogenic activities, explain the effect of hunting and gathering on terrestrial flora and fauna species and determine the effect of vegetation clearance on terrestrial flora and fauna species. The study was guided by ecological t h e o ry . A cross-sectional descriptive research design was used. A minimum sample size of 379 household heads was taken out of a target population of 30,990. Purposive sampling was used to get 10 key informants. Primary data were collected through questionnaires, key informant interviews, photography and field observation, while secondary data were obtained from published and unpublished reports. Expert judgement was used to determine validity while Cronbach Alpha was used to ascertain reliability of the instruments. Qualitative data was examined through content analysis and quantitative data was analyzed using frequencies, percentages, mean and standard deviation. The study revealed that there are 80 and 25 threatened terrestrial flora and fauna species respectively in Rachuonyo South Sub-County. The study revealed that daily and weekly hunting were found significant and negatively correlated with the number of animals hunted down r (377 = -.587., p = .04 and r (377 = -.465, p = 02. Daily gathering was significant and negatively correlated to the amount of vegetation gathered r (377 = -.778., p = .05 (Table 24). Both once a year and twice a year vegetation clearance were found significant and negatively correlated with the number of animals hunted down r (377 = -.543., p = .04 and r (377 = -.455, p = 02 respectively. Both once a year and twice a year vegetation clearance was found significant and negatively correlated with the number of flora species r (377 = -.527., p = .04 and r (377 = -.345, p = 02 respectively. The study concluded that Rachuonyo South Sub County is endowed with a variety of terrestrial flora and fauna species with hunting and gathering and vegetation clearance threatening the survival of these species. The study recommends on sensitization of the local community on the importance of terrestrial flora and fauna species. There is need for enhancement of conservation measures so as to ensure protection and conservation of these species for increased biodiversity in the region and country at large.