STAFF

Shimane Makhabu

Associate Professor

Shimane Makhabu

Associate Professor

Faculty of Sciences (Department of Biological Sciences (BS))

P/Bag 0027 GABORONE
+267 3650151 cell:+267 71804261
[email protected]

BIOGRAPHY
TEACHING
RESEARCH
CURRENT PROJECTS
ALL PUBLICATIONS

Degrees

PhD in Biology, Norwegian University of Science and Technology. Area of Specialization: Ecology
Master of Science in Land and Water Management (Range Management option), Silsoe College, Cranfield University, UK. Area of Specialization: Range Management
Bachelor of Science, University of Botswana. Combined Major: Biology and Environmental Science

Thesis

PhD thesis topic: Interactions between woody plants, elephants and other browsers in the Chobe Riverfront, Botswana. PhD Thesis, Norwegian University of Science and Technology, Trondheim, Norway. https://ntnuopen.ntnu.no/ntnu-xmlui/handle/11250/244593
MSc thesis topic: Assessment of elephant impact upon the mopane woodland of Moremi Wildlife Reserve, Botswana. MSc Thesis, Silsoe College, Cranfield University, Bedford, UK.

Professional Societies

Member of Kalahari Conservation Society.

Biodiversity (Evolution, taxonomy, animal diversity and ecology components)
Cell biology (Cell structure and functions components)
Biological Systematics
Economic Botany

Mapping of vegetation of Kgatleng, Kweneng and Central Districts
Use and conservation of medicinal and food indigenous plants
Use of goats to control bush encroachment
Effect of Makgadikgadi vegetation on beef cattle production
Interaction of elephants and other herbivores on vegetation of Chobe Riverfront
Determination of home ranges of wildebeest in Central Kalagadi Game Reserve and surrounding Wildlife management areas, by the use of conventional and satellite collars
Effect of use of artificial watering points by wild animals on vegetation in Central Kalahari Game Reserve

Consultancy Engagement

2017 to 2018: Involved as an Ecologist in a consultancy titled “Rangeland and livestock vulnerability assessment to climate change in Botswana”. This was a consultancy for Department of Meteorological Services and it was funded by UNDP. This was part of Botswana’s Third communication to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC). I did it being part of KOBMA HOLDINGS (PTY) LTD
March 2019 to date: Involved as Conservation Ecologist in a consultancy for the development of management plans for Kasane and Chobe Forest Reserves. Consultancy done for Forest Conservation Botswana.

To date: “Identification and trials of suitable grass species for restoration of overgrazed Western Sandveld Ranches in Central District, Botswana”. Funded by Forest Conservation Botswana(FCB)

Google Scholar

https://scholar.google.com/citations?hl=en&user=XRNpcQUAAAAJ

Makhado, R., Potgieter, M., Luus-Powell, W., Cooper, S., Oppong, C., Kopij, G., Mutisi, C. & Makhabu., S. (2016). Tragelaphus strepsiceros browse during the dry season in the mopani veld of Limpopo Province, South Africa. Transactions of the Royal Society of South Africa, Vol. 71, No. 1, 17–21

Kgosikoma, O. O., Mogotsi, K, & Makhabu, S. W. (2012). Cattle productivity and nutritional limitation in the semi-arid Makgadikgadi region of Botswana. Journal of Agriculture and Biodiversity Research 1 (7): 116-121.

Monametsi, N.F., Makhabu, S.W. & Mogotsi, K. (2012). The effects of cattle-goat mixed grazing on steer performance and rangeland condition in semi-arid north eastern Botswana. Bots. J. Agric. Appl. Sci. 8 (2): 67-74.

Makhabu, S.W. & Marotsi, B. (2012). Changes in herbaceous species composition in the absence of disturbance in a Cenchrus biflorus Roxb. Invaded area in central Kalahari Game Reserve, Botswana. International Journal of Ecology 2012:

Makhabu, S. W. (2011). Advantages and disadvantages of various bush encroachment control methods: A Review. Uniswa Journal of Agriculture 15 (1), 117-124

Motlhanka, D.M. & Makhabu, S.W. (2011). Medicinal and edible wild fruit plants of Botswana as emerging new crop opportunities. Journal of Medicinal Plants Research 5(10): 1836-1842.

Makhabu, S.W. & Kgosikoma, O. (2010). Grass species composition and quality in Makgadikgadi pans, an underperforming cattle region in Botswana. Bots. J. Agric. Appl. Sci. 6 (3): 137-144.

Makhabu, S.W., & Skarpe, C. (2006). Rebrowsing by elephants three years after simulated browsing on five woody plant species in northern Botswana. South African Journal of Wildlife Research 36: 99-102.

Makhabu, S.W., Skarpe, C., Hytteborn, H., & Mpofu, Z.D. (2006).The plant vigour hypothesis revisited – how is browsing by ungulates and elephant related to woody species growth rate? Plant Ecology 184: 163-172.

Skarpe, C., Aarrestad, P.A., Andreassen, H.P., Dhillion, S., Dimakatso, T., du Toit, J.T., Halley, D.J., Hytteborn, H., Makhabu, S., Mari, M., Marokane, W., Masunga, G., Modise, D., Moe, S.R., Mojaphoko, R., Mosugelo, D., Motsumi, S., Neo-Mahupeleng, G., Ramotadima, M., Rutina, L., Sechele, L., Sejoe, T.B., Stokke, S., Swenson, J.E., Taolo, C., Vandewalle, M., & Wegge, P. (2004). The return of the giants; Ecological effects of an increasing elephant population. Ambio 33: 276-282.

Makhabu, S.W. (2005). Resource partitioning within a browsing guild in a key habitat, the Chobe Riverfront, Botswana. Journal of Tropical Ecology 21: 641-649.

Makhabu, S.W., Marotsi, B & Perkins, J. (2002). Vegetation gradients around artificial water points in the Central Kalahari Game Reserve of Botswana. African Journal of Ecology 40: 103-109.

Mpho Setlalekgomo

Senior Lecturer

Mpho Setlalekgomo

Senior Lecturer

Faculty of Sciences (Department of Biological Sciences (BS))

P/Bag 0027 GABORONE
+2673650314
[email protected]

BIOGRAPHY
TEACHING
RESEARCH
CURRENT PROJECTS
ALL PUBLICATIONS

PhD topic: Metabolic energy relations in the Eastern Cape angulate tortoise (Chersina angulata).

Degrees

PhD in Zoology, Nelson Mandela Metropolitan University (2010), South Africa.
MSc in Zoology, University of Port Elizabeth (2002), South Africa.
BSc Honours in Zoology, University of Port Elizabeth (2000), South Africa.
BSc Biology and Environmental Science, University of Botswana (1995). Botswana.

Professional Societies

Member of Zoological Society of Southern Africa (ZSSA).
Herpetological Association of Africa (HAA).
Kalahari Conservation Society (KCS)

Biodiversity (Animal Diversity component)
Biology of Cells (Genetics component)
Invertebrate Zoology
Vertebrate Zoology

Diversity and distribution of Botswana tortoises.

Vegetation survey, Botswana

Setlalekgomo M.R. and Winter P.E.D. (2016). The metabolic responses of adult angulate tortoise (Chersina angulata) to varying ambient temperatures. CIBTech Journal of Zoology, 5 (2): 61-72. ISSN: 2319–3883 (Online).

Setlalekgomo M.R. (2016). Evidence for a circadian rhythm in the oxygen consumption of resting angulate tortoise(Chersina angulata). Journal of Entomology and Zoology Studies, 4(5): 945-949. E-ISSN: 2320-7078.P-ISSN: 2349-6800.

Setlalekgomo M.R. (2015). Snakebite Management in Cattle by Farmers in Lentsweletau Extension Area of Kweneng District in Botswana. International Journal of Innovative Research in Science, Engineering and Technology, 4(8): 6963- 6968. ISSN (Online): 2319-8753. ISSN (Print): 2347-6710. DOI:10.15680/IJIRSET.2015.0408188.

Setlalekgomo M.R. and Sesinyi, K. (2014). Seed dispersal by serrated tortoises (Psammobates oculiferus) and the effect of their gut passage on seed germination. Scientific Journal of Animal Science, 3(10): 252-257. ISSN 2322-1704. DOI: 10.14196/sjas.v3i10.1720.

Setlalekgomo M.R. (2014). Ethnozoological Survey of the Indigenous Knowledge on the Use of Pangolins (Manis Sps) in Traditional Medicine in Lentsweletau Extended Area in Botswana. Journal of Animal Science Advances, 4(6): 883-890. ISSN: 2251-7219. DOI: 10.5455/jasa.20140526093512.

Setlalekgomo, M.R. and Setlalekgomo, T. (2013). Effects of gut passage by kudu (Tragelaphus strepsiceros) and pericarp on the germination percentage of morula (Sclerocarya birrea) seeds. Scientific Journal of Biological Sciences, 2(6): 122-126 ISSN 2322-1968.

Setlalekgomo, M.R. and Setlalekgomo, T. (2013). The Status of Tortoises and Community Attitudes towards Tortoises in Lentsweletau and Botlhapatlou Villages in Kweneng District of Botswana. Journal of Animal Science Advances, 3(4): 181-186. ISSN: 2251-7219. DOI: 10.5455/jasa.20130430122849.

Setlalekgomo, M.R. (2013). Ethnozoological survey of traditional medicinal uses of tortoises in Lentsweletau and Botlhapatlou villages in Kweneng district of Botswana. Scientific Journal of Zoology, 2(4): 36-39. ISSN 2322-293X.

Setlalekgomo, M.R. and Setlalekgomo T. (2013). The Use of Ethnoveterinary Medicine in Goats in Lentsweletau Village in Kweneng District of Botswana. Journal of Veterinary Advances, 3(7): 197-202. ISSN: 2251-7685. DOI:10.5455/jva.20130717124808.

Setlalekgomo, M.R. (2012). Limitations to Tswana Chicken Farming among Women in Lentsweletau Village in Kweneng District, Botswana. Journal of Animal Science Advances, 2(11): 473-476. ISSN: 2251-7677.

Setlalekgomo, M.R. and Winter, P.E.D. (2012). Effects of Changing Ambient Temperature on the Oxygen Consumption and the Body Temperature of Adult Angora Goats (Capra Aegagrus). Journal of Animal Science Advances, 2(11): 890-896. ISSN: 2251-7219.

Setlalekgomo, M.R., Els, S.F. and Winter, P.E.D. (2012). The thermoregulatory responses of adult angora goats (Capra aegagrus) to repeated wetting. Journal of Applied Sciences Research, 8(2): 1219-1226. ISSN 1819-544X.

Setlalekgomo, M.R., Els, S.F. and Winter, P.E.D. (2012). The Metabolic Adjustments of The Angulate Tortoise (Chersina Angulata) To Seasonal Changes In Temperature And Photoperiod. Journal of Applied Sciences Research, 8(2): 1211-1218. ISSN 1819-544X.

Tebogo Selebatso

Senior Lecturer

Tebogo Selebatso

Senior Lecturer

Faculty of Sciences (Department of Biological Sciences (BS))

P/Bag 0027 GABORONE
+267 3650151
[email protected]

BIOGRAPHY
TEACHING
RESEARCH
CURRENT PROJECTS
ALL PUBLICATIONS

PhD topic: Investigating ecotypic differences in the response of stomata and plant fitness to environmental change.

PhD in Plant Biology, University of Sheffield (2011), UK.
MSc in Plant Biology, Massey University (2000), New Zealand
BSc in Biology and Environmental Science, University of Botswana (1990), Botswana.

Cell structure and Function
Plant diversity
Economic Botany
Ethnobotany
Plant Anatomy and Physiology

Ethnobotany,
Environmental change effects on structure of plants

Potential Research topics

Indigenous food plants nutritional analysis,
Uses of indigenous plants

Indigenous Knowledge and Nutritive Values Multi-Disciplinary and Inter-Institutional Research Project (BUAN)

Google Scholar

https://scholar.google.com/citations?user=6-eT4HwAAAAJ&hl=en

Selebatso, T. and Lake, J. A. (2016) Change in carbon dioxide effect on reproductive morphology and phenology of Arabidopsis ecotypes. International journal of plant, animal and environmental sciences. Oct-Dec-2016, 1-10

Legwaila, I.A., Thebe G.T. and Selebatso T (2015). An Inventory of Plant Species Found In Gravel Borrow Pit around Gaborone, Botswana. Journal of Ecology and the Natural Environment DOI: 10.5897/JENE2015.0538

Mpho Batlhophi

Lecturer

Mpho Batlhophi

Lecturer

Faculty of Sciences (Department of Biological Sciences (BS))

P/Bag 0027 GABORONE
+267 3650562
[email protected]

BIOGRAPHY
TEACHING
RESEARCH
CURRENT PROJECTS
ALL PUBLICATIONS

MSc topic: The inhibitory effects of ammonia and fatty acids on
methanogenic bacteria during anaerobic digestion of sludge/waste (critical paper).

Degrees

MSc in Microbial Biology, Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, USA.
B.Ed. SCIENCE (Biology), University of Botswana.

DNA replication
Transcription of DNA into RNA
Principles of PCR
Bacteriology

My research is an interdisciplinary work focused on microbial analysis of leafy vegetables from wastewater watered soils, antibacterial activity of plant extracts on specific microbes, and microbiological quality of meat products after subjection to different preservation technologies.

Host plant species most preferred for mistletoe colonisation in two urban areas of Botswana.
Microbial load determination of unpreserved plastic-bottle-contained cooking melon juice from street vendors of Gaborone, Botswana.
Determination of Phytochemical activity and Mineral Content in Ipomoea sinensis, obtained from a Gakuto farm, Botswana.

Google Scholar

https://scholar.google.com/citations?user=haVPVGAAAAAJ&hl=en

M Efrem, R Negussie, SMR c, T Selebatso, MG Batlhophi, O Tibe; Determination of the aroma properties of Mustard seeds by SPME-GC-MS, Greener Journal of Biological Sciences 11 (053021051), 93-98

RI Kobue-Lekalake, OK Matenanga, B Sekwati-Monang, O Tibe; INDIGENOUS AND UNDER-UTILISED OIL SEEDS OF BOTSWANA: PROXIMATE COMPOSITION, PHYTOCHEMICAL SCREENING AND ANTIOXIDANT ACTIVITY

Mmabaledi Buxton

Lecturer

Mmabaledi Buxton

Lecturer

Faculty of Sciences (Department of Biological Sciences (BS))

P/Bag 0027 GABORONE
+267 3650310
[email protected]

BIOGRAPHY
TEACHING
RESEARCH
CURRENT PROJECTS
ALL PUBLICATIONS

PhD topic: The Bio-ecology of key mosquito vector species in Botswana: Implications for shifting environments
MSc topic: Dynamics of mosquito species (Diptera: Culicidae): Implications on vector management and malaria prevalence under global climate change

Degrees

PhD (Biological Sciences), Botswana International University of Science and Technology
MSc (Biological Sciences), Botswana International University of Science and Technology
BEd (Hearing Impairment and Biology), University of Botswana

Professional Societies

Southern African Society for Aquatic Scientists (SASAqS)

Biodiversity
Zoology
Ecology

My research is mainly focused on biodiversity monitoring and species interaction dynamics in shifting environmental changes with the aim to establish their contribution towards ecosystem functioning, health, agriculture, and food security.

Aquatic biodiversity and their contribution in ecosystem functioning
Livestock induced pollution in aquatic habitats
Vector species of human and animal health importance

Google Scholar

https://scholar.google.com/citations?hl=en&user=5W7-cWkAAAAJ

Buxton, M., Cuthbert, R. N., Dalu, T., Nyamukondiwa, C. and Wasserman, R. J. (2020). Cattle-induced eutrophication favours disease-vector mosquitoes. Science of the Total Environment, 715: 136952.

Buxton, M., Cuthbert, R. N., Dalu, T., Nyamukondiwa, C. and Wasserman, R. J. (2020). Predator density modifies mosquito regulation in increasingly complex environments. Pest Management Science, 76: 2079-2086.

Buxton, M., Machekano, H., Gotcha, N., Nyamukondiwa, C. and Wasserman, R. J. (2020). Are Vulnerable Communities Thoroughly Informed on Mosquito Bio-Ecology and Burden? International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health, 17: 8196.

Buxton, M., Nyamukondiwa, C., Dalu, T., Cuthbert, R. N. and Wasserman, R. J. (2020). Implications of increasing temperature stress for predatory biocontrol of vector mosquitoes. Parasites and Vectors, 13: 604.

Buxton, M., Cuthbert, R. N., Dalu, T., Nyamukondiwa, C. and Wasserman, R. J. (2020). Complementary impacts of heterospecific predators facilitate improved biological control of mosquito larvae. Biological Control, 144: 104216.

Buxton, M., Wasserman, R. J. and Nyamukondiwa, C. (2020). Spatial Anopheles arabiensis (Diptera: Culicidae) insecticide resistance patterns across malaria-endemic regions of Botswana. Malaria Journal, 19: 1-9.

Buxton, M., Wasserman, R. J. and Nyamukondiwa, C. (2021). Disease Vector Relative Spatio-Temporal Abundances to Water Bodies and Thermal Fitness Across Malaria Endemic Semi-Arid Areas. Journal of Medical Entomology, 58: 682-691.

Wasserman, R. J., Sanga, S., Buxton, M., Dalu, T. and Cuthbert, R. N. (2021). Does invasive river red gum (Eucalyptus camaldulensis) alter leaf litter decomposition dynamics in arid zone temporary rivers? Inland Waters, 11: 104-113.

Buxton, M., Nyamukondiwa, C., Wasserman, R. J., Glaizot, O., Pigeault, R. and Christe, P. (2021). Surveillance studies reveal diverse and potentially pathogenic-incriminated vector mosquito species across major Botswana touristic hotspots. Insects, 12: 913.

Buxton, M., Buxton, M. P., Machekano, H., Nyamukondiwa, C. and Wasserman, R. J. (2021). A survey of potentially pathogenic-incriminated arthropod vectors of health concern in Botswana. International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health, 18: 10556.

Eduard Mas-Carrió, E., Schneider, J., Nasanbat B., Samiya, R., Buxton, M., Nyamukondiwa, C., Stoffel, C., Augugliaro, C., Ceacero, F., Taberlet, P., Glaizot, O., Christe, P. and Fumagalli, L. (2021). Assessing environmental DNA metabarcoding and camera trap surveys as complementary tools for biomonitoring of remote desert water bodies. Environmental DNA

Emang Molojwane

Lecturer

Emang Molojwane

Lecturer

Faculty of Sciences (Department of Biological Sciences (BS))

P/Bag 0027 GABORONE
+267 3650287
[email protected]

BIOGRAPHY
TEACHING
RESEARCH
CURRENT PROJECTS
ALL PUBLICATIONS

MSc (by research) topic: Engineering cyanide-tolerant Arabidopsis thaliana

Degrees

MSc Molecular & Cell Biology, University of Cape Town, South Africa (2015)
BSc (Honours) Molecular & Cell Biology, University of Cape Town, South Africa (2010)
BSc (Biotechnology), Monash University, Australia (2007)

Biochemistry
Bioethics
History of Biology
HIV/AIDS Prevention and Control in Botswana

Google Scholar

https://scholar.google.com/citations?user=svIAO78AAAAJ&hl=en

Molojwane, E., Adams, N., Sweetlove, L.J. & Ingle, R.A. 2015. Heterologous expression of mitochondria-targeted microbial nitrilase enzymes increases cyanide tolerance in Arabidopsis. Plant Biology. 17(4): 922-26. DOI: 10.1111/plb.12323