Recheal Armah, Zhu Ning, Yaw Twumasi, Jim Anbazu, Priscilla Loh, Jeff Dacosta Osei, Daniel Aniewu

Wildlife corridors are essential for maintaining biodiversity, promoting species movement, and ensuring ecological stability, especially in fragmented landscapes. Alexander State Forest, Louisiana, is home to diverse wildlife species, but habitat fragmentation due to land use changes poses challenges to their movement and survival. This study aims to identify and map potential wildlife corridors within the forest to support better wildlife management and conservation planning.

Using Geographic Information Systems (GIS), this research will analyze spatial data to define potential corridors. A combination of land cover classification, terrain analysis, and connectivity modeling will be explored to delineate movement pathways for wildlife. The results will provide a visual representation of potential corridors, offering insights for land managers and conservationists to enhance habitat protection and improve connectivity for wildlife species.

This study contributes to the broader goal of sustainable wildlife management by providing spatial information that can aid decision-making. Identifying and mapping these corridors will help mitigate the effects of habitat fragmentation and support conservation strategies to ensure the long-term viability of wildlife populations in Alexander State Forest

Two commercially available microbial inoculants were studied for their effects on soil properties and on yield and quality of corn grain and biomass. These inoculants were proprietary microbial formulations from Concept Agritek (Residue RX and BioRice).The treatments included, (SE) inoculating the seed prior to planting, (SO) inoculating the soil shortly after planting, and (SS) combining both approaches.  Soil samples were collected preplant and post-harvest to evaluate changes in soil properties. Additionally, corn was evaluated at harvest for plant composition and yield. Comparisons between pre- and post- soil samples showed no significant changes in soil properties between treatments. Similarly, yields of grain and silage were not different between treatments. Conversely, the SS treatment produced corn silage with lower fiber (ADF and NDF) and lignin metrics and increased total digestible nutrients (TDN) and starch content. Calcium, magnesium, and chlorine contents were greater in corn plants treated with the SO method possibly indicating increased plant uptake of certain nutrients. To conclude, the combined application of inoculating both the seed and the soil improved the quality of corn silage by decreasing the ratio of fiber to starch within the plant. Livestock producers feeding corn silage may benefit from using these commercial inoculants to improve digestibility.

Specified Source(s) of Funding: Louisiana Soybean and Grain Research and Promotion Board

Kingsford Kobina Annan, Zhu. H. Ning, Yaw Twumasi, Jeff Dacosta Osei, Dorcas Twumwaa Gyan, Esi Dadzie

This study sought to examine the impacts of climate change on species extinction in Barataria and Atchafalaya Basins of Louisiana, USA. Louisiana’s Barataria and Atchafalaya Basins, critical to the state’s biodiversity and ecological resilience, are severely threatened by climate change. This study examined the specific impacts of climate change on species extinction within these coastal communities, focusing on habitat degradation, sea-level rise, and wetland loss. Using databases such as the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, NOAA, CPRA, and IPCC; 42 studies were analysed to identify key species at risk and the underlying mechanisms of vulnerability. Findings highlight the decline of species such as the Gulf sturgeon and Louisiana black bear, exacerbated by habitat disruption and rising salinity levels. The study underscores the need for localized conservation policies, habitat restoration projects, and community-based interventions to combat biodiversity loss and ensure sustainable ecosystems.

LUCINDA KANGWANA, Yaw Twumasi, Zhu. H. Ning

Climate change is undoubtedly one of the biggest global challenges we face today, affecting ecosystems, economies, and livelihoods. Like many other regions, Kenya is particularly vulnerable to climate change impacts due to its reliance on predictable and well-distributed precipitation for its economy and societal well-being. Despite increased awareness of climate change, there is still much to be understood about its localized impacts on precipitation levels in Kenya. This proposal aims to address this gap by examining the effects of climate change on precipitation levels in Kenya. By analyzing temperature change as a key element in Kenya's climate, the proposal draws a correlation between precipitation patterns and climate. This proposal builds upon the generalizations of global warming and greenhouse gases and uses data from spatial statistics and GIS software to create a correlation between prolonged climate change impacts and precipitation patterns in Kenya. Cartographic representation will be used to capture specific climate-triggered events. Unlike other sources of data, the analysis seeks to develop unique management strategies aimed at building a climate-resilient community.

Esi Dadzie, Yaw Twumasi, Zhu. H. Ning, Jeff Dacosta Osei, Dorcas Twumwaa Gyan, Daniel Aniewu, Priscilla Loh, Kingsford Kobina Annan

Deforestation remains a critical environmental concern, particularly in urbanizing regions where biodiversity, climate regulation, and ecosystem services are increasingly compromised. This study investigates the dynamics of forest cover loss in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, over recent decades and predicts potential degradation over the next ten years. Using remote sensing data and Geographic Information Systems (GIS), the research analyzes spatial and temporal changes in forest cover, identifying key drivers such as urban expansion, agricultural encroachment, and infrastructure development. The study employs predictive modeling to forecast deforestation under multiple land-use scenarios, integrating environmental and spatial data to produce high-resolution maps of at-risk areas. Results reveal significant hotspots of deforestation correlated with rapid urban growth and fragmented land use patterns, emphasizing the vulnerability of peri-urban forest ecosystems. By identifying zones of high deforestation risk and quantifying potential impacts on ecosystem services, this research highlights the urgent need for conservation strategies tailored to urban environments. The findings provide actionable insights for policymakers and urban planners, advocating for sustainable land-use practices, reforestation initiatives, and urban planning frameworks prioritizing ecological balance. 

Tanner Broussard

Coyotes (Canis latrans) in southwest Louisiana have been referred to as Gulf Coast canids as they share genetic similarities with the extirpated red wolf (Canis rufus), are similar in size to known red wolf-coyote hybrids, and may represent a unique hybrid population. The objectives of this research are to investigate coyote spatial ecology, survival, genetic makeup, diet, and disease prevalence. During 2024-25, canids were captured at several locations in Cameron Parish, LA using foothold traps. For each individual, external measurements and blood samples were collected, and a GPS collar programmed to collect approximately 4-6 locations/day until collar failure (1–2 years) was fitted to their neck. Whisker and hair samples were collected to determine diet using stable isotope analysis. Currently, eight coyotes (2M, 6F) have been collected. Mean external measurements are: hind foot length (20.88 cm ± 0.95), body mass (16.59 kg ± 2.09), skull width (9.44 cm ± 1.02), and tail length (37.88 cm ± 2.28).  Except for one transient male, all coyotes appear to be members of small family units or packs with little to no overlap in their home ranges.  Two coyotes have movements centered around human activity, with one in the town of Hackberry and one in the beach community at Holly Beach.  The transient male has moved a maximum straight-line distance of 29.04 km from where originally captured.  Future research will continue to trap and monitor additional coyotes in SWLA and SETX.

Janeth Mjema, Yaw Twumasi, Zhu Ning, Kelvin Kiwale

Tanzania is in East Africa, one of the regions of Africa that has experienced extreme degradation of vegetation due to climate change and anthropogenic forces, respectively, such as poor agricultural practices.  The population of the Sub-Saharan region is growing and the expansion of land for agriculture and settlement decreases wildlife habitats. The shrinking habitats and change in climate patterns could affect populations and patterns of migration and movements among species in Tanzania.  The land use and land cover data over time can be used to pinpoint areas of change in a region. The objectives of this study are to model the climate change (precipitation and temperature), land cover under build -up, water, agriculture, forest, and range land in Tanzania over 1990-2040. Other objectives of the study include modeling of native large wildlife animals and plant species composition, and land cover in Tanzania under water, build-up, agriculture, forest, and range land with respect to precipitation over 1990-2040.

This study will assess and calculate the land use/land cover changes in Tanzania, East Africa over 1990-2040-year period using Landsat Thematic Mapper and Enhanced Thematic Mapper from 1990 and 2020 respectively. The accuracy assessment of the classification results will be carried out by comparison using 1990 and 2020 aerial photographs of the area to be studied for provision of the ground truth data. This study will reveal land cover and species changes Tanzania.

Dorcas Twumwaa Gyan, Yaw Twumasi, Zhu. H. Ning, Jeff Dacosta Osei, Esi Dadzie, Priscilla Loh, Daniel Aniewu, Kingsford Kobina Annan, Sheena Dorcoo

St. John the Baptist Parish, Louisiana, is significantly affected by industrial pollution, particularly from chemical manufacturing, resulting in poor air and water quality. The disproportionate exposure to harmful pollutants like chloroprene, especially among children, has led to serious public health concerns. The need to address these environmental challenges through technological and policy interventions is urgent. Sustainable development practices, combined with green energy solutions, are essential to mitigate pollution and stimulate economic growth. This study explores how sustainable development and green energy initiatives can reduce pollution and promote economic growth in the parish. Using Geographic Information Systems (GIS) and remote sensing technologies, the study will map pollution hotspots across the parish. It will also assess the Tree Equity Score for each hotspot to analyze canopy cover, air quality, and the potential effectiveness of green energy solutions. GIS will identify the most impacted areas, while I-Tree and Tree Equity results will track environmental changes, such as improvements in Urban Heat Island (UHI) effects and air quality. The study will provide policymakers with actionable insights, helping them implement green energy projects and regulate pollution more effectively. The recommendation is to prioritize renewable energy initiatives and strengthen environmental regulations to protect public health. 

Jeff Dacosta Osei, Yaw A. Twumasi, Zhu. H. Ning, Esi Dadzie, Dorcas T. Gyan, Kingsford Kobina Annan, Priscilla M. Loh

One of the serious ecological problems that is being faced in such areas of utmost importance includes soil erosion due to landcover change, as is happening with the Big Constance Lake and Louisiana's Mermentau River Basin. In this study, the dynamics of landcover-induced soil erosion are modelled with state-of-the-art remote sensing and the revised universal soil loss equation (RUSLE) model. This work attempts to ascertain the spatial temporal dynamics of landcover-induced soil erosion in this sensitive ecosystem. Landcover mapping and quantification of change have been performed by using multi-temporal satellite data in conjunction with geospatial analysis methods to show major changes like deforestation, urbanization, and agricultural expansion. In this respect, the most important inputs to the RUSLE model, i.e., rainfall erosivity, soil erodibility, slope characteristics, land cover, and erosion control practices (R, K, LS, C, and P factors), were derived from satellite images. These satellite images were efficiently processed and analysed in Google Earth Engine (GEE). Preliminary findings suggest that increased land use activities and total lack of erosion control have immensely exacerbated the loss of topsoil, especially in areas of high rainfall erosivity and steep slopes. Loss of vegetation and an increase of impervious surfaces further contribute to the high sediment load in the Mermentau River and Big Constance Lake, thus reducing aquatic life and water quality.