Roads as a threat to the serengeti ecosystem

In an opinion letter¿¿to Nature (September 2010), Dobson et al. (2010) oppose the planned road through northern Tanzania that crosses Serengeti National Park (SNP). They contend that the road will jeopardize the Serengeti ecosystem by interrupting the wildebeest (Connochaetes taurinus) migratory corridor. This opinion is supported by other scientists using mathematical models (Holdo et al. 2011). However, all arguments presented against the project have been questioned (Homewood et al. 2010). As has often been the case in the conservation of African natural resources, some scientists present views that do not account for other key components of conservation: economic growth, reduction of poverty, improvement of quality of life, and social well-being. As scientists working in Serengeti, we believe that the published reports about the Serengeti road mislead the world about its potential effects on the ecosystem

Towards an ecohydrology-based restoration of the Usangu wetlands and the Great Ruaha River, Tanzania

An open channel flow model, calibrated against field data, suggests that cattle intrusion in the eastern Usangu wetlands, as well as both dry and wet weather irrigation upstream, are responsible for the seasonal drying out of the Great Ruaha River (GRR) downstream. This human-induced change has severe socio-economic implications downstream, including hindering hydroelectricity production, as well as a devastating impact on the Ruaha National Park (RNP) ecosystem that is now shifting from wet tropics to dry tropics. To ensure sustainable development, governance is urgently needed for the Usangu catchment in a way that is compatible with ecohydrology principles for the sustainable use of water resources. In order to do that, perennial flow must be restored to the GRR. For this to happen this study suggests that all the livestock must be removed from the eastern Usangu wetlands and dry weather irrigators must return at least 25% (∼4 m3 s−1) of the water to the river

Exploring Scientific Ideas in Informal Settings: Activities for Individuals with Visual Impairments

Four new modules for the scientific education of individuals with visual disabilities are reported. Designed for informal settings, the modules are safe and inexpensive and last 10–15 min each. The module entitled The Sound and Feel of Data represents axes and data points with pipe cleaners and coins, respectively, allowing for a discussion of data presentation and trends without reliance on visual signals. The Conductivity of Materials module tactilely introduces concepts of electron flow in metallic, semiconducting, and insulating materials using marbles, followed by a sound volume representation of the conductivity of everyday objects. The Optical Lenses module uses rope segments secured to a corkboard to trace tactile ray diagrams representing the concept of focusing, diverging, and aberration in optical lenses. Finally, the Chemistry and Physics of Heat module uses the dissolution of ammonium nitrate and sodium sulfate in sealed plastic tubes as well as the crystallization of sodium acetate to describe endothermic and exothermic processes. The modules were tested during an event attended by 38 participants with visual impairments; answers to learning assessment questions as well as pre- and post-module surveys suggest that we were successful at introducing scientific concepts and generating interest in science. This work provides new ways to introduce science that are applicable to all learners, visually impaired or not