Vegetation and Avifauna Distribution in the Serengeti National Park

In order to examine the bird species changes within different vegetation structures, the variations were compared between Commiphora-dominated vegetations with those of Vachellia tortilis and Vachellia robusta-dominated vegetations, and also compared the birds of grassland with those of Vachellia drepanolobium and Vachellia seyal-dominated vegetations. This study was conducted between February 2010 and April 2012. A total of 40 plots of 100 m × 100 m were established. Nonparametric Mann-Whitney U-test was used to examine differences in bird species between vegetations. Species richness estimates were obtained using the Species Diversity and Richness. A total of 171 bird species representing 103 genera, 12 orders, and 54 families were recorded. We found differences in bird species distribution whereby V. tortilis has higher bird species richness (102 species), abundance, and diversity when compared with Commiphora with 66 species and V. robusta with 59 species. These results suggest that variations in bird species abundance, diversity, and distribution could be attributed to differences in the structural diversity of vegetation. Therefore it is important to maintain different types of vegetation by keeping the frequency of fire to a minimum and prescribed fire should be employed and encouraged to control wildfire and so maintain a diversity of vegetation and birds community

Avifauna in Relation to Habitat Disturbance in Wildlife Management Areas of the Ruvuma Miombo Ecosystem, Southern Tanzania

Understanding of relative distribution of avifauna provides insights for the conservation and management of wildlife in the community managed areas. This study examined relative diversity, abundance, and distribution of avifauna in selected habitat types across five Wildlife Management Areas of the Ruvuma landscape in miombo vegetation, southern Tanzania. Five habitat types were surveyed during the study: farmland, swamps, riverine forest, dense and open woodland. Transect lines, mist-netting, and point count methods were used to document 156 species of birds in the study sites. Descriptive statistics and Kruskal-Wallis tests were used to compare species richness and diversity across habitat types. We found differences in avifaunal species distribution in the study area whereby farmland had the highest abundance of avifauna species and lowest in the riverine forest. These results suggest that variations of avifauna species abundance, diversity, and distribution could be attributed by human activities across habitat types; due to the reason that habitats with less human encroachment had good species diversity and richness. Therefore, to improve avitourism and avoid local extinction of species, we urge for prompt action to mitigate species loss by creating awareness in the adjacent community through conservation education on the importance of protecting such biodiversity resources

Interaction of Grassland Ecosystem with Livelihood and Wildlife Sustainability: Tanzanian Perspectives

In Tanzania, pure grasslands cover is estimated to be 60,381 km2, about 6.8% of the total land area, and is distributed in different parts. These grasslands are diverse in dominant grass species depending on rainfall, soil type, altitude, and management or grazing system. They support livestock and wildlife distributed in different eco-tomes and habitats of the country. The potential of grasslands for the livelihood of rural people is explicit from the fact that local people depend solely on natural production to satisfy their needs for animal products. Analysis of grazing lands indicated that livestock population, production of meat, and milk from grasslands increased. But the wildlife population, when considered in terms of livestock equivalent units (Large Herbivore Units) showed a declining trend. The contribution of grasslands to the total volume of meat produced in the country showed a declining state, while milk production showed a slight increase. This situation entails a need to evaluate the grasslands of Tanzania to ascertain their potential for supporting people’s livestock, wildlife, and livelihood. This study concluded that more research is needed to establish the possibility of grasslands to keep large numbers of grazing herbivores for sustainable livestock and wildlife production

Impact of Agro-pastoralism on Grasslands in Serengeti and Ugalla Ecosystems, Tanzania

This chapter delves into the intricate relationship between agro-pastoralism and grassland ecosystems in Tanzania’s Western Serengeti and Ugalla Ecosystems. Despite the acknowledged contribution of agro-pastoralism to rural well-being and economic development, its impact on the delicate balance of grassland ecosystems remains unclear in these crucial Tanzanian landscapes. The chapter aims to illuminate agro-pastoralism’s environmental, social, and economic dimensions in these regions. Guided by research questions exploring current conditions, potential solutions, and the path toward sustainable grassland resource utilization, the study employed a systematic literature review and data analysis using R software. Key findings highlight challenges from the progressive expansion of agro-pastoral activities, leading to trade-offs between ecosystem services and productivity. The study identifies agro-pastoral clusters across the area, revealing variations in economic activities and their impact on grassland utilization. Impacts on natural resources, such as soil pH changes, reduced herbaceous biomass, and shifts in plant composition, are discussed. The legal framework related to natural resource conservation in grasslands emphasizes the need for a balanced, ecologically sustainable approach. Efforts to alleviate agro-pastoral impacts, including introducing climate-smart agriculture, are explored. The chapter concludes by emphasizing the importance of integrated, participatory methods for sustainable management in the Serengeti and Ugalla ecosystems. Recommendations include promoting sustainable land use practices, implementing rotational grazing, and enhancing community involvement in decision-making

Range expansion of the globally Vulnerable Karamoja apalis Apalis karamojae in the Serengeti ecosystem

This study was funded by the Rufford Maurice Laing Foundation, the Canadian Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council and Frankfurt Zoological Society.The underlying causes of change in geographic range size are less well understood in African birds than in north temperate species. Here, we examine factors associated with range expansion in the Karamoja apalis (Apalis karamojae), a globally Vulnerable warbler confined to north-east Uganda, north-central Tanzania and southern Kenya. In Tanzania, it was originally known only from the Wembere Steppe, but since 1993 (and possibly as early as 1983) has extended its range into the Serengeti ecosystem, c. 140 km to the north, reaching southern Kenya by 2004. Changes in the warbler's range within the Serengeti have broadly reflected a cyclical change in the density of its main habitat, Acacia drepanolobium woodland, which was low in the 1970s, high during the 1980s and 1990s, and declined in the early 2000s. Karamoja apalis records in the Serengeti showed a 5 year time lag behind A. drepanolobium density, which was in turn negatively correlated with the area of grassland burnt 10 years earlier. Previous studies in the Serengeti have also linked Acacia regeneration to changes in grazing pressure, as increasing wildebeest (Connochaetes taurinus) numbers have reduced the volume of combustible material present, and hence the frequency of damaging 'hot burns'. We conclude that this globally threatened warbler appears to have benefited from changes in ungulate populations in the Serengeti, which have influenced burning intensity and hence tree regeneration. The warbler's range now appears to be declining, however, following a recent reduction in the density and annual survival of A. drepanolobium in the northern Serengeti.Resume Les causes sous-jacentes du changement de la taille d'une distribution geographique sont moins bien connues pour les oiseaux africains que pour les especes du nord tempere. Nous examinons ici des facteurs lies a l'expansion de l'aire de repartition de l'apalis de Karamoja Apalis karamojae, un sylviide classe comme Vulnerable au niveau mondial, confine au NE de l'Ouganda, au centre-nord de la Tanzanie et au sud du Kenya. En Tanzanie, on ne le connaissait a l'origine que dans la steppe de Wembere mais depuis 1993, et peut-etre meme des 1983, il a etendu son aire de repartition dans l'ecosysteme du Serengeti, environ 140 km plus au nord, et atteint le sud du Kenya en 2004. Les changements de l'aire de repartition de ce sylviide dans le Serengeti refletent largement un changement cyclique de la densite de son habitat principal, la foret d'Acacia drepanolobium, qui etait faible dans les annees 1970, forte pendant les annees 1980 et 1990, et qui a diminue au debut des annees 2000. Les rapports sur l'apalis de Karamoja au Serengeti montrent un retard de cinq ans par rapport a l'evolution de la densite d'A. drepanolobium, elle-meme etant negativement liee a la zone de prairie brulee 10 ans plus tot. Des etudes anterieures faites au Serengeti lient aussi la regeneration des acacias aux changements de la pression du paturage, etant donne que le nombre croissant de gnous, Connochaetes taurinus, a reduit le volume des matieres combustibles restantes et donc la frequence des feux trop chauds qui causent beaucoup de degats. Nous concluons que cet oiseau menace au niveau mondial semble avoir beneficie des changements des populations d'ongules au Serengeti, qui ont influence l'intensite des feux et donc la regeneration des arbres. L'aire de repartition de ce sylviide semble pourtant en train de se reduire suite a une recente reduction de la densite et de la survie annuelle d'A. drepanolobium dans le nord du Serengeti.PostprintPeer reviewe

Responses of the Serengeti avifauna to long-term change in the environment

In this paper we examine how climate change interacts with other disturbances to alter the functioning of a tropical ecosystem, the Serengeti in Tanzania. Tropical Africa has increasing temperatures and changes in rainfall. Long-term data have shown how the avifauna responds to the interaction of environmental change with other disturbances: (1) habitat modification through agriculture by limiting endemic species and top trophic levels. Rare species are lost so this is a problem for conservation. Top trophic levels are lost and the lack of predators then releases pests. This is a problem for natural resource management. (2) Disease and hunting cause slow change in the species complex. This can alter community dynamics depending on which species enter or leave. (3) Habitat fragmentation or decay can cause slow change. When this reaches a threshold there may be rapid change in the species composition causing multiple states. One lesson is that present-day ecosystem states and trends can only be understood in the context of past historical events. Another is that all systems change so this requires a new approach to conservation. Within protected areas, new boundaries or new areas will be required. Outside rewilding is required to support more biodiversity.Keywords: agricultural disturbance, climate change, forest regeneration, fragile species, granivores, insectivores, raptors, resilient species, Serengeti avifaunaOSTRICH 2014, 85(1): 1–1

Butterfly Abundance and Diversity in Different Habitat Types in the Usangu Area, Ruaha National Park

Insects are key fauna species that respond quickly to disturbances and environmental changes. They act as good indicators of habitat, community, or ecosystem quality. Among the great diversity of insects, butterflies stand as ideal bio-indicators for ecosystem function and are sensitive to changes in habitat composition and structure. This study was carried out to examine the diversity and abundance of butterflies across the restored habitats in Usangu area part of Ruaha National Park (RUNAPA) from May 2022 to June 2022 using the walking transect method supplemented by sweep nets and butterfly baited traps. A total of six transects of 1 km in length were laid in the four main habitat types selected in Usangu area including grassland, Miombo woodland, Vachellia/Commiphora woodland, and riverine forest. Searches were conducted in the morning and evening. The Miombo woodland and riverine forest habitats exhibited relatively higher species diversity, richness, evenness, abundance, and a higher number of habitat-restricted species, while Vachellia/Commiphora woodland and grassland habitats recorded the lowest diversity and abundance as well as the lowest number of habitat-restricted species. Family Nymphalidae was the most dominant followed by Pieridae while Papilionidae and Hesperiidae were scarce in the study area. This study clearly shows the importance of Miombo woodland and riverine forest habitats in sustaining rich butterfly diversity and abundance in Usangu area. The two habitats must be effectively managed and conserved for sustaining ecological health and integrity of Usangu area. The Usangu area’s Miombo woodland and riverine forest habitats have immense potential for butterfly tourism and they can offer an excellent opportunity to promote conservation efforts and raise public awareness. However, it is crucial to monitor these habitats closely as any environmental changes that may occur could harm the butterfly diversity and abundance in the area. Preserving this wilderness to maintain a thriving butterfly population is of utmost importance

Range expansion of the globally Vulnerable Karamoja apalis Apalis karamojae in the Serengeti ecosystem

The underlying causes of change in geographic range size are less well understood in African birds than in north temperate species. Here, we examine factors associated with range expansion in the Karamoja apalis (Apalis karamojae), a globally Vulnerable warbler confined to north-east Uganda, north-central Tanzania and southern Kenya. In Tanzania, it was originally known only from the Wembere Steppe, but since 1993 (and possibly as early as 1983) has extended its range into the Serengeti ecosystem, c. 140 km to the north, reaching southern Kenya by 2004. Changes in the warbler's range within the Serengeti have broadly reflected a cyclical change in the density of its main habitat, Acacia drepanolobium woodland, which was low in the 1970s, high during the 1980s and 1990s, and declined in the early 2000s. Karamoja apalis records in the Serengeti showed a 5 year time lag behind A. drepanolobium density, which was in turn negatively correlated with the area of grassland burnt 10 years earlier. Previous studies in the Serengeti have also linked Acacia regeneration to changes in grazing pressure, as increasing wildebeest (Connochaetes taurinus) numbers have reduced the volume of combustible material present, and hence the frequency of damaging 'hot burns'. We conclude that this globally threatened warbler appears to have benefited from changes in ungulate populations in the Serengeti, which have influenced burning intensity and hence tree regeneration. The warbler's range now appears to be declining, however, following a recent reduction in the density and annual survival of A. drepanolobium in the northern Serengeti.ResumeLes causes sous-jacentes du changement de la taille d'une distribution geographique sont moins bien connues pour les oiseaux africains que pour les especes du nord tempere. Nous examinons ici des facteurs lies a l'expansion de l'aire de repartition de l'apalis de Karamoja Apalis karamojae, un sylviide classe comme Vulnerable au niveau mondial, confine au NE de l'Ouganda, au centre-nord de la Tanzanie et au sud du Kenya. En Tanzanie, on ne le connaissait a l'origine que dans la steppe de Wembere mais depuis 1993, et peut-etre meme des 1983, il a etendu son aire de repartition dans l'ecosysteme du Serengeti, environ 140 km plus au nord, et atteint le sud du Kenya en 2004. Les changements de l'aire de repartition de ce sylviide dans le Serengeti refletent largement un changement cyclique de la densite de son habitat principal, la foret d'Acacia drepanolobium, qui etait faible dans les annees 1970, forte pendant les annees 1980 et 1990, et qui a diminue au debut des annees 2000. Les rapports sur l'apalis de Karamoja au Serengeti montrent un retard de cinq ans par rapport a l'evolution de la densite d'A. drepanolobium, elle-meme etant negativement liee a la zone de prairie brulee 10 ans plus tot. Des etudes anterieures faites au Serengeti lient aussi la regeneration des acacias aux changements de la pression du paturage, etant donne que le nombre croissant de gnous, Connochaetes taurinus, a reduit le volume des matieres combustibles restantes et donc la frequence des feux trop chauds qui causent beaucoup de degats. Nous concluons que cet oiseau menace au niveau mondial semble avoir beneficie des changements des populations d'ongules au Serengeti, qui ont influence l'intensite des feux et donc la regeneration des arbres. L'aire de repartition de ce sylviide semble pourtant en train de se reduire suite a une recente reduction de la densite et de la survie annuelle d'A. drepanolobium dans le nord du Serengeti.</p

Productivity declines threaten East African soda lakes and the iconic Lesser Flamingo

Soda lakes are some of the most productive aquatic ecosystems.1 Their alkaline-saline waters sustain unique phytoplankton communities2,3 and provide vital habitats for highly specialized biodiversity including invertebrates, endemic fish species, and Lesser Flamingos (Phoeniconaias minor).1,4 More than three-quarters of Lesser Flamingos inhabit the soda lakes of East Africa5; however, populations are in decline.6 Declines could be attributed to their highly specialized diet of cyanobacteria7 and dependence on a network of soda lake feeding habitats that are highly sensitive to climate fluctuations and catchment degradation.8,9,10,11,12 However, changing habitat availability has not been assessed due to a lack of in situ water quality and hydrology data and the irregular monitoring of these waterbodies.13 Here, we combine satellite Earth observations and Lesser Flamingo abundance observations to quantify spatial and temporal trends in productivity and ecosystem health over multiple decades at 22 soda lakes across East Africa. We found that Lesser Flamingo distributions are best explained by phytoplankton biomass, an indicator of food availability. However, timeseries analyses revealed significant declines in phytoplankton biomass from 1999 to 2022, most likely driven by substantial rises in lake water levels. Declining productivity has reduced the availability of healthy soda lake ecosystems, most notably in equatorial Kenya and northern Tanzania. Our results highlight the increasing vulnerability of Lesser Flamingos and other soda lake biodiversity in East Africa, particularly with increased rainfall predicted under climate change.14,15,16 Without improved lake monitoring and catchment management practices, soda lake ecosystems could be pushed beyond their environmental tolerances