Anuran species are some of the good environmental indicators of habitat quality and condition in ecosystems. This is due to their amphibious life modes and sensitivity to environmental change caused by rapid expansion of agricultural activities, advancement of forest destruction, climate change and emerging infectious diseases. Understanding their diversity and distribution patterns is crucial for the development and implementation of effective species and habitat conservation strategies. The study aimed at assessing and comparing anuran biodiversity and distribution patterns between a protected (North Nandi Forest Reserve) and a non‐protected area (Kingwal swamp) to provide additional baseline information, both being among the underexplored areas in Kenya. Data were gathered in both dry and wet seasons, between October 2022 and June 2023 by employing standard sampling techniques for anurans(Visual encounter and pitfall traps with a drift fence) to maximise detection. Three habitat types‐ farmland, intermediate land and forest were exploited. A total of 1649 individuals from 21 different species, belonging to nine different genera and nine different families were recorded. Ptychadenidae was the most abundant family from the recorded anurans, while Dicroglossidae, Arthroleptidae, Pyxicephalidae and Ranidae were the least. High biodiversity was observed in the forest habitat (Protected) and least in the farmland (non‐protected). The wet season had high species abundance, diversity and richness compared to the dry season. There was a significant difference (p < 0.05) in diversity between the habitats in wet season, but no significance difference during dry season (p > 0.05) except for forest and farmland (p < 0.05). There was a significant difference in species abundance between seasons (p < 0.05), and between habitats (p < 0.05) in all seasons except for farmland and intermediate (p > 0.05), as well as farmland and forest (p > 0.05) during the wet season. Habitat type and season had no influence (p > 0.05) on species richness. Anuran biodiversity is a function of habitat diversity and season, with the associated differences in microhabitat structure providing diverse niches and ways of exploring resources. The modest sampling indicates that Kingwal Swamp and North Nandi Forest Reserve are rich and support anuran species, and the differences in anuran biodiversity between the 3 habitats demonstrates that conservation efforts continue to be a priority.

Carnivorous waterbirds have been reported to enhance wetlands diversities, control pests, bio-indicators of ecological conditions, and act as indicators of potential disease outbreaks. They also provide important ecosystem services to indigenous communities residing along wetlands. Regardless of their importance, global waterbirds populations are declining. Despite their ecological contribution to wetlands functions and ecosystem services, piscivore waterbirds have been re-ported to compete with piscivorous fish and fishermen. The aim of this study was to compare piscivorous waterbirds species and functional diversity between fish protected areas (FPA) and non-fish protected area (NFPA) in two tributaries of Zambezi River in Namibia. We also measured the degree to which patterns of guild structure between piscivore waterbirds and fish were similar between FPA and non-FPA. Species diversities were determined by calculating the Shannon Diversity Index. We calculated taxonomic diversity, functional diversity and community-based trait diversity indices for each tributary. Generally, species diversities were not significantly different between FPA and NFPA (P > 0.05). However, all functional diversities indices calculated were significantly different between FPA an NFPA (P < 0.05 for all comparisons). This was partly due to food item, weight and movement type that were associated with each site.

Currently, youth are the future generations of the country, their awareness of the values of wildlife is critical in determining if they will follow the footsteps of the current generation in conserving natural resources (wildlife) and cannot be overemphasized. This study was conducted in Wuparo and Balyerwa conservancies, to assess learners’ level of awareness of wildlife-based ecosystem services. Questionnaires were used in data collection and the target population consisted of learners including teachers (control group) resulting in a sample size of 145 respondents who were randomly selected from eight indiscriminately selected schools within the two randomly selected conservancies. The results showed learners knew that wildlife has values (ecosystem services). However, they are highly aware of tangible benefits (provisional services) compared to other ecosystem services. There was a positive correlation (R2 = 0.9995) between level of awareness and level of education. The availability of wildlife-related subjects, location of the school, lack of environmental clubs and ignorance towards wildlife were the major factors reported to influence the awareness of learners. Increased support for education among the youth and improved support for environmental and wildlife clubs can be beneficial to wildlife and environmental conservation.

Class amphibian comprises of bi-phasic life mode organisms sensitive to environmental changes. Anurans being among the class, are considered good indicators of functioning and non-functioning ecosystems (habitat quality). Globally, there has been a decline in anuran populations due to anthropogenic and abiotic factors, which include agricultural activities, wetland degradation, habitat loss, pollution, and climate change. Wetlands are considered the most preferable microhabitats as breeding sites for anurans, therefore surveys in tropical wetlands to understand anuran diversity and distribution patterns are desirable and justified for implementation of effective conservation actions. The aim of the study was to evaluate the biodiversity and functional concordance of anuran species in Kingwal Swamp, one of Kenya’s least studied swamps. Through the use of visual encounters and pitfall traps with an x-drift fence, data was gathered in the wet season, morning and evening sampling between April and June 2023 from six sites along the swamp. A total of 664 individuals were recorded, from 15 different anurans belonging to seven different genera and seven families. Ptychadena was the most abundant family, while Hoplobatrachus was the least. The swamp is diverse (H’= 2.271, D = 0.8626) in anuran species with low dominance (0.1374), but evenly distributed (E = 0.6457). Most species encountered preferred insects and frogs in their diet, terrestrial and aquatic microhabitats, specifically stagnant water, and were predominately ground/wet terrestrial dwellers breeding during wet season, and of least concern. The structural complexity of microhabitats along the swamp provided diverse niches and varieties of ways to explore environmental resources, thus species biodiversity is a function of habitat quality and diversity. However, due to increased disturbances, the study recommends nature-based non-governmental organizations and conservationists to engage local people in wetland protection to curb threats for the survival of anurans in Kenya.

Piscivorous waterbirds enhance wetlands’ diversity and have been seen as bio-indicators of ecological conditions within ecosystems. In addition to their ecological contribution, to wetlands functions and ecosystem services, these birds have been reported to be affected by fishing activities and to compete with fisheries. Despite their importance along wetlands, their populations are in serious decline on a global level. This study aimed at comparing piscivorous waterbirds community composition and functional diversity between a fish protected area (FPA) and a non-fish protected area (NFPA) in two tributaries of Zambezi River in Namibia. At each site, all the waterbirds within a radius of 50 metres were enumerated and identified using binoculars and guide books. For each tributary, species diversity, taxonomic diversity, functional diversity, and community-based trait diversity indices were calculated. A total of 40 carnivorous waterbirds species belonging to 9 orders were recorded during the survey. Of these 40 species, 10 (25%) predominantly feed on fish, 6 (15%) predominantly feed on insects and 24 (60%) species predominantly feed on both fish and insects. At the FPAs site, a total of 35 species were recorded, comprising 10 (29%) species that predominantly feed on fish, 4 (11%) species that predominantly feed on insects and 21 (60%) species that feed on both fish and insects. Generally, piscivorous waterbirds species diversities were not significantly different between a FPA and a NFPA (p > 0.05). However, all piscivorous waterbirds functional diversities indices calculated were significantly different between FPAs and NFPAs (p < 0.05). Conservation implications: In most riparian human communities, fish is an important source of protein. The effects of uncontrolled fishing in shaping the composition, structure, and diversity of piscivorous waterbirds worldwide have been reported. If we need to balance the two, regulating fishing loadings and season will improve piscivorous waterbirds conservation and human livelihoods.