TANZANIA WILDLIFE RESEARCH INSTITUTE (TAWIRI)
PRIORITY AREAS FOR RESEARCH FOR TANZANIA NATIONAL PARKS (TANAPA), NGORONGORO CONSERVATION AREA AUTHORITY (NCAA), WILDLIFE DIVISION (WD) AND TANZANIA FOREST SERVICE (TFS)
2012
PREFACE
This document presents priority areas for wildlife research in various protected areas in Tanzania that are under various management authorities, namely Tanzania National Parks (TANAPA), Ngorongoro Conservation Area Authority (NCAA), Wildlife Division and Tanzania Forest Service (TFS). The priority areas for wildlife research for each management authority were developed in a participatory manner involving stakeholders for each management authority or protected area. These priority areas for each management authority complement the Wildlife Research Agenda in Tanzania. Therefore, priorities areas are meant to guide wildlife researchers in selecting areas for wildlife research for each protected area in the country. During scrutinization of submitted project proposals by researchers at TAWIRI, among other criteria, the Joint Management Research Committee (JMRC) of the TAWIRI Board will check if submitted proposals in each protected area are in line with priority areas for wildlife research in the respective management authority. This will be in addition to the conservation and scientific merit of the submitted proposal. Therefore, researchers are encouraged to submit proposals that are a priority for the respective management authority. Researchers are also encouraged to contact the respective management authority or TAWIRI in case they need more information. We hope that this document will be very valuable to researchers interested in conducting wildlife research in Tanzania as well as other National and International stakeholders.
Dr. Julius D. Keyyu Director of Research Development and Coordination TAWIRI
2 TABLE OF CONTENT PREFACE ...... 2
TABLE OF CONTENT ...... 3
PRIORITY AREAS FOR RESEARCH FOR TANZANIA NATIONAL PARKS (TANAPA) ...... 4
RESEARCH PRIORITY AREAS FOR THE WILDLIFE DIVISION (WD) ...... 40
RESEARCH PRIORITY AREAS FOR NGORONGORO CONSERVATION AREA (NCAA) ...... 41
RESEARCH PRIORITY AREAS FOR BEEKEEPING ...... 43
3 PRIORITY AREAS FOR RESEARCH FOR TANZANIA NATIONAL PARKS (TANAPA)
Tanzania National Parks prioritizes 13 research areas identified in the Tanzania National Parks as highlighted below:
1. Monitoring of animal population-ecology including rare, endemic and keystone species of different taxa as indicators of ecosystem health 2. Water resources monitoring and sustainable utilization by both humans and wildlife given the increasing general scarcity of water amidst multiple users 3. Socio-economic profiles of human populations living adjacent to the National Parks as an indicator of present and future pressure of resource utilization within and adjacent to the Parks 4. Baseline terrestrial and aquatic biodiversity inventories as benchmarks for informed long-term ecosystem monitoring 5. Monitoring of wildlife corridors and dispersal areas including addressing their conservation threats given the increasing isolation of protected areas 6. Impact of fire on vegetation including prescribed and bushfires given that fires are very frequent in our parks 7. Status, impact and control of exotic plants given their ecological destruction of natural ecosystems 8. Human-Wildlife conflicts and mitigation options to address the increasing public outcry of destructive wildlife species 9. Climate change and its impact on ecosystem dynamics and human livelihoods and mitigation options to address the current global and local shifts in climatic profiles 10. Wildlife diseases and health including zoonotics and vector-parasite dynamics to address epidemics within and adjacent the parks’ environment 11. Local community-Park relations to improve on the current Outreach Program 12. Sustainable tourism management in the Parks to improve on current tourism promotion initiatives 13. Poaching and sustainable control of bush meat trade given poaching is a major threat in all the National Parks
These areas are not arranged in priority order. Readers are advised to consult Park specific chapters below in order to ascertain topics prioritized per each park under these broader priority areas. In the subsequent sections, these broader research areas are qualified by specific research topics and titles. In addition, the titles are further ranked by priority and a note on justification given.
Issue Topic Justification Priority 1 Exotic plant s Investigate the spatial extent About half of the park area Very high & impacts of Caesalpinia is infested with exotic decapitala infestation on plants. They destroy the indigenous plant species pristine nature of the Park.
Changes in vegetation cover Tourism activities are High and impact of bush & tussock highly potential in Small grasses on grazing by plains Serengeti plain, Uwanja wa game in Small Serengeti, Ndege and Tulusia plains Tulusia and Uwanja wa Ndege
Impact of illegal logging and The Mt. Meru natural High deforestation on the system forms the Montane forest fundamental catchment forest in the region.
Mt. Meru forest regeneration To assist in the High dynamics reforestation process 2 Sustainable Assessment of the High demand of water by Very high conservation of hydrological patterns and the adjacent local and water resources flow status of rivers in Mt. urban human populations Meru catchment forest.
Establish the water balance Increased pollution in the Very high in both Big & Small Momella Momella lakes hampers Lakes in relation to quality flamingo ecology
Assess the sources of Poor human land use High nutrient (N and P) activities in the Mt. Meru concentrations in the catchment accelerated by Momella lakes. climate change vulnerability Assess the socio-economic Medium influence on the hydrological regime of Mt. Meru forest 3 Population status Long -term monitoring of the Most icon large mammal Medium and grazing buffalo’s population species for tourism dynamics of key dynamics activities in the park wildlife species Assessment of the impacts of Buffalo is the most heavy Medium buffalo grazing on grassland grazer in the park plains vegetation (e.g. Small
5 Issue Topic Justification Priority Serengeti glade)
Assessment of buffalo anti- Low predatory adaptations 4 Fire ecology Assessment of the effects of To monitor vegetation High fire on grasslands open changes due to frequent plains (habitats) destructive (hot) fires initiated from outside the Park Impact of fire on forest regeneration 5 Avifauna Status The breeding success of Momella L akes are the only Very High and diversity Maccoa ducks in Momella breeding sites for Maccoa lakes ducks in Tanzania
Assessment of population High dynamics of Maccoa ducks in Momella Lakes
Assessment of Flamingo There have been frequent High (Lesser & Greater) feeding massive deaths of ecology in Momella lakes flamingoes in Momella Lakes due to Cyanobacteria toxicology 6 Status of wildlife Impact of anthropogenic Vital corridors for High migratory factors on the status of connecting Arusha with corridors Ngasurai and Ngabobo Kilimanjaro and Amboseli wildlife corridors National Parks
Human-wildlife conflicts in High Ngasurai plains 7 Wildlife diseases Assessment of the Zoonotics are potentially a Very high Epidemiology and control of major problem important diseases (Rabies, Anthrax, FMD and internal parasites)
Investigate the Diversity & Lack of baseline Distribution of disease information vectors (ticks, tsetse fly, etc) and internal parasites in wildlife and domestic animals To better understand the zoonotics Impacts of climate change on diversity and distribution of To model climate changes
6 Issue Topic Justification Priority wildlife, pathogens and as a factor in disease vectors dynamics 8 Fish ecology Investigate the fish species Longil lake is the only High composition and feeding freshwater lake in the park, ecology in Longil freshwater the others are saline lakes. lake Food chain is highly Assess the ecological role of paramount to Medium Oreochromis spirulus niger in understanding trophic the lake status of the lake. 9 Primate Ecology Assessment of the Colobus is the most Low abundance and spatial abundant primate on Mt distribution of Colobus Meru forest monkeys in Mt Meru forest.
Investigate the population of duikers in Mt Meru forest
7 GOMBE NATIONAL PARK
Issue Topic Justification Priority 1 Chimpa nzee Effects of respiratory Re spiratory disease Very High Respiratory disease outbreaks on the epidemics can cause mass Diseases chimpanzee population mortalities of chimpanzees
Relationship between weather changes and chimpanzee respiratory infection outbreaks
2 Sexu ally Characte rization of the STD The STD is likely to affect the Very High Transmitted and control measures reproduction of baboon Disease (STD) in population Yellow Baboons Impact of STD’s on baboons reproduction 3 Park Employee s Evaluation and adoption of To control human -primates High Health Program effective EHP (mainly chimpanzee) disease (EHP) transmission 4 Fire Impacts (cool Effects of fire on vegetation Hot d ry season fires as well High & hot fires) dynamics (species as cool early burning fires can composition, regeneration affect the natural vegetation etc.) dynamics
5 Tourism -related Investigation of human - Human proximity is a major High chimpanzee stress proximity related stress factor for chimpanzees chimpanzee stress
Anthropogenic factors in High relation to change of chimpanzee behavior
Investigate on the optimal High chimpanzee viewing regimes by tourists
6 Human pressures Conduct human socio- Increased demand on Park High adjacent to the economic surveys around resources due to increasing Park human population
8 Issue Topic Justification Priority
7 Human -Wildlife Study on wildlife crop Complain s by adjacent Medium Conflicts raiding and other conflicts human populations and their mitigation 8 Biodiversity Inventory o f small animals Status of small animals taxa Medium Inventory taxa in the park is t known 9 Wildlife census Population monitoring of Update on population trends Medium primates and other of key species mammal species
10 Primate feeding Feeding compet ition Evidence of strong feeding Medium Ecology between chimpanzees and competition baboons, and its impact on forest regeneration and welfare of both populations
11 Sustainable water Assessment of water flow Most obstruct ed/ harvested Medium utilization and quality in 3 streams streams by humans, hence (Mitumba, Kasakela and need to ensure sustainable Bwavi). flows and healthy quality
12 Wildlife Population Assess population Chimpanzees prey mainly on Medium Dynamics dynamics of red-tailed red tailed monkeys monkeys
13 Human -wildlife Epidemiology of human Adverse impact on human Medium zoonotic diseases Trypanosomiasis and health Schistosomiasis (Bilhazia) Long-term monitoring Medium needed
Issue Topic Justificatio n Priority 1 Lower Taxa Inventory of Amphibian and No comprehensive Very High Biodiversity Reptiles in the parks inventory so far on these animals
Invent ory of fish species and Unsustainable fishing Very High their population status in outside the park has Lakes Katavi, Chada and affected fish population Rivers Katuma, Kapapa and dynamics Kavuu 2 Ecohydrology Assess the extent and long - Several anthropogenic Very High term impacts of upstream factors are threatening the water diversion on park hydrology of the park
resources and integrity Impact of siltation on these Very High Assess the level and effects lakes is unknown of siltation on Lakes Katavi and Chada
3 Large Carnivore The behavior and population There seem to be very few Very High populations dynamics of lions lions in KNP and most of them are sighted around the seasonal Lakes
Population status of wild Little is known on these dogs, Hyenas and Leopards large carnivores
4 Buffer Zones Land use patterns in the There is increasing Very High buffer zones of the park resource use demands by humans in the Buffer zones 5 Elephant Elephant movement patterns Large herds of elephants High Movements and resource utilization have been observed in outside the park not known unprotected areas outside the park, and there are allegations they go as far as Ruaha & Mahale National Parks.
10 Issue Topic Justificatio n Priority Threatened Population status of Their status is unknow n High Species endangered species in Katavi and their habitat is 6 (Puku, Sable and Roan increasingly threatened antelopes, and Greater and Lesser Kudu)
Population status of the There are confirmed Very High (but Chimpanzee in unprotected reports of chimpanzees in far outside the areas of Mwese and Lubalisi Wansis Hills, Lubalisi and park) located north west of Katavi Mwese Forests North West of the Katavi NP, however human encroachment in these area is increasing rapidly thus posing a threat to Chimps
7 Public roads in the Ecological impact of two Traf fic volume will increase High Park transit public roads through as one of the roads will be the park tarmacked but their impact is not known
8 Red Locust Control Ecological impact of Red locusts ( Nomadacris High insecticide/biological control septemfasciata serville) of Red Locust in some areas have been controlled by in the park (Katisunga plains). spraying insecticides using low flying aircrafts over the Katisunga Plains inside the park. However, no ecological impact assessment has been undertaken to determine the potential effects of this exercise on the environment. 9 Ecosystem Climate change and weather Poorly understood High Functions and change patterns and their Dynamics effect on hydrology and park resources
10 Tourism Document the tourism Poor resource information Medium Promotion potentials of Katavi for Investors & tour Ecosystem operators
Issue Topic Justification Priority 1 Fire Ecology and Impact of fire and burning Flowers is the principal Very High Management regimes on the ecology of attraction for the Park plateau vegetation (grasslands, flowers, orchids and forests) Marshlands are the principal source of water Impact of fire and burning for Kitulo catchment Very High regimes on Montane marshlands Understanding the role of exotic plants in fueling Impact of exotic vegetation bush fires Medium on bush fires
2 Biodiversity Animals (duikers, small This is a new Park and no Very High inventory mammals, primates, reptiles baseline data are in place & amphibians)
Plants (species composition, Baseline data needed to diversity and phenology) facilitate management decisions and monitoring Avifauna (general, Denham’s Bustard, Blue Swallows, endemic spp.)
Invertebrates (mainly butterflies and moths) 3 Animal Dispersal Statu s of corridors and their Status of migratory Medium threats (i.e. Bujingijila and corridors unknown Kitulo- Mpanga/Kipengere GR) 3 Grazing ecology Impact of lack of grazing on The area had some elands, Very High Montane grassland antelopes and zebras in the vegetation past and later on dairy cattle as grazers. After extinction of elands and zebras and removal of cattle, fuel load has led to frequent hot fires.
GMP stresses the importance of having grazers to shape the grassland to what it used to be. Information is
12 Issue Topic Justification Priority therefore needed to guide Study of the rationale and this exercise. feasibility of re-introducing grazers on the plateau. 4 Invasive Species Invasion level and impact of Control/Eradication of Very High invasions on natural Park invasive plants is a high vegetation priority according to TANAPA policy Trial of invasive species control/eradication options 5 Socio -economic Assessment of community To better orient the Park Very High status of local attitudes towards the Park Outreach Program communities Comparing tourism-related To use the Park tourism High income generating potential to boost local alternative schemes for local economies communities
7 Orchid Poaching Causes of g round orchid Orchids are endemic to the High (chikanda) poaching and Park effective intervention strategies
Assessment of the impact of There are extensive foot Medium foot tracks in relation to tracks from Uwanji and poaching of Park resources Kikondo to Mwakaleli with unknown impacts
8 Eco -hydrological Assessment of wa ter quality Sustainable management Very High studies and quantity in key water of water resources is a bodies priority (E.g. Ndhambwe crater Lake & Numbe Waterfall)
Study on Kihansi Gorge There are many efforts Very High suitability as a Kihansi toad geared towards rescuing alternative habitat this rare species from extinction and to boost the Park’s environmental role and tourism potential. The misty waterfall could suit as an alternative habitat
13 Issue Topic Justification Priority Kitulo Plateau is an The impact of agricultural important Water High land use practices in adjacent Catchment for Usangu community land on water Basin and Great Ruaha quality and quantity River, hence information about quantity and quality of the water is an important matter.
Detailed assessment of the This information will Very High Hydrological contribution of enhance the rationale for Kitulo to Usangu (Ihefu), conserving Kitulo for water Great Ruaha River and Lake catchment Nyasa Basin.
14 KILIMANJARO NATIONAL PARK
Issue Topic Justification Priority 1 Climate Change Monitor weather parameters Ice field shrinking indicates Very High on the mountain major shifts in global climate dynamics Studies on ice extent and depth on the Mountain peak
Monitor changes in montane vegetation cover 2 Fire Management Impact of fires on Montane Need to better understand Very High vegetation and effective fire the problem of fires and management options explore effective management alternatives 3 Water catchment Monitoring of water quantity Mount Kilimanjaro has Very High value and quality regional water catchment values, and thence the need to maintain these values by ensuring sustainable flows of clean water 4 Elephant Elephant population Elephant s are the largest High population dynamics and ecology migratory mammal on the mountain facing multiple threats
Human-Elephant conflicts Urgent need on mitigation and possible mitigations measures
5 Large mamma l Population status of buffalo, Status is poorly understood High population status eland, lion, abbot’s duiker, black and white colobus and blue monkey
6. Insects Insects altitudinal diversity as A cheap er method for High biodiversity a bio-indicator of climate assessing climate change changes dynamics
7. Vegetation studies Monitoring f orest As an indicator of Very high biodiversity, structure and anthropogenic functioning disturbances on the mountain 8. Animal health and Epidemiology and c ontrol of Wildlife disease can lead t o Medium diseases important diseases (Rabies, mass mortalities Anthrax, FMD, internal parasites, etc) Presence of disease reservoirs in wildlife and
15 Issue Topic Justification Priority surround ing domestic Very high animals
Diversity & distribution of Scanty information is Medium disease vectors (ticks, etc) available
Impacts of climate change on the epidemiology of wildlife diseases including zoonotics
16 LAKE MANYARA NATIONAL PARK
Issue Topic Justification Pr iority 1 Sustainable use of Establish water budgets for There is lack of data on the Very High water resources Lake Manyara hydrological cycle of the lake. Water budgets will ensure equitable shares of water for the lake and other users. Establish the sedimentation Very High budgets for Lake Manyara To determine sedimentation sources and help reduce sediment loads into the lake Evaluate the role of Lake Medium Manyara to the socio- Communities need to economic status of the understand the importance surrounding community of the lake so as to participate in its conservation 2 Catchment Assess the eco -hydrological Ther e is speculation on High processes and conditions of the river basins unsustainable catchment status that contribute water to Lake water use patterns that is Manyara (water quality thought to contribute (including pollution) / significantly to dry outs of quantity and points of the lake and potential extraction, seasonality, etc) health problems on organisms due to water pollution
Conduct a cost-benefit There is lack of enough Low analysis of agriculture vs data to facilitate equitable conservation in L Manyara allocation of water basin in relation to water between conservation and allocation trends other uses
Assess the impacts of tourist It is feared that the many Medium facilities on water resources tourist facilities around the near LMNP park are increasing pressure on the surface water resources. This needs confirmation 3 Unsustainable land Mapping and e valuation of Siltation of Lake Manyara Very high use patterns land use patterns in the originates on the upper around Lake upper catchments of Lake catchments due to soil Manyara National Manyara (Karatu & Mbulu) erosion. Need to promote Park conservation friendly land
17 Issue Topic Justification Pr iority uses Research on the impact of The water table is high on Low unplanned settlements at the area and it is feared Mto wa Mbu on ground that during floods there is water of LMNP contamination of water from sewage
Evaluate the role of the Despite a good effort and Medium Community Outreach cost by the park to involve Program towards minimizing the communities in adverse environmental conservation benefits, the impacts that originate from response of communities the communities towards promoting environmental conservation has not been evaluated 4 Migratory routes The use by animals of the Buffer z ones and migratory High and buffer zones buffer zone around the park, routes are rapidly been and migratory routes to impacted by human assess their potential threats activities, so data are to the migrating wildlife needed to validate the viability of buffer zones 5 Biodiversity Status Conduct biodiversity The data is needed as a High inventory of the newly baseline for future annexed area to LMNP monitoring and (Marang forest and Maji management actions moto farms)
Conduct an inventory of Data on these taxa is Low small mammals, reptiles and lacking. The information amphibians in the park will potentially help to diversify tourism activities
Assess the cultural-historical Needed to diversify values in L Manyara National tourism activities Low Park and adjacent communities 6 Animal Assessment of declines in Male lions are scarcely Very High Populations and male lion population within sighted in the park in Ecology Lake Manyara National Park recent times. Females on heat often sighted for several days without any male around.
The feeding behaviour of There is lack of such Medium Lesser flamingos in Lake information Manyara
18 Issue Topic Justification Pr iority Study on the p opulation There is lack of such Low dynamics of Ostriches in information LMNP
Studies on re-introduction of It is not well known why High locally extinct animal species these animals disappeared into LMNP (gerenuk, from the park and which Thompson gazelle, wild dog, conditions are favourable Lesser kudu, rhino, cheetah, for them if re-introduced reedbuck and eland) 7 Wildlife diseases Assess the effect of baboon It is a new disease whose Very high genital disease on their epidemiology and effects population dynamics and are not known ability to reproduce effectively
Map disease vectors species Despite of existence of High (tsetse flies, ticks, etc) and various disease vectors, their distribution scanty information is available
Surveillance of plaque in the A cause of public heath Medium nearby villages concern
Investigate causes and A new disease whose cause High epidemiology of the and epidemiology are Giraffe skin disease (GSD) unknown
Prevalence of important No information is available Medium diseases (rabies, anthrax, rift valley fever, tuberculosis and brucellosis) in wildlife and domestic animals 8 Wildfires Study on the impacts of using Bush encroachment is an Medium fire to control bush issue in the southern area encroachment in order to of the park hindering enhance tourist viewing in tourist viewing LMNP 9 Mining in the park Evaluate the impacts of It is fear ed that opening -up High mining in the Marang Forest of the earth crust for (to the water resources of mining may be contributing LMNP) to water pollution among other impacts
19 MAHALE NATIONAL PARK
Issue Topic Justification Priority 1 Zoonotic Diseases Study on transmission of To characterize the regular Very high common zoonotic diseases in epidemic diseases affecting the park chimpanzees and other primates 2 Wildfires Study on the destructive Fires destroy vegetation High impacts of wildfires on and affects biodiversity environment in the park 3 Exotic spe cies Assess effectiveness of Eradication of exotic plants High ongoing and alternative is highly desirable as it kills Senna spectabilis control native plants options 4 Biodiversity status Inventory of plants, Some of these are High particularly medicinal plants consumed by Chimpanzees within the Park 5 Large mammal Assessment of population They are preyed upon by Medium populations trends of red Colobus Chimpanzees monkeys 6 Wildlife corridors Study on the status of two These corridors are said to Medium corridors found in the be important for elephant northern and southern parts movements between of the park Katavi to Mahale
Issue Topic Justification Priority 1 Public Roads Lon g-term i mpact of TAZAMA Frequent animal road kills Very High traversing the Park highway on animal road kills by highway traffic. Long- term data needed for informed decisions
Impact of sound and vehicle Data of 1999 indicated that High emissions on TAZAMA there were 1172 vehicles highway on wildlife ecology per day leading to significant impact of exhaust gases and noise. Emission particles are deposited on the forage along the road verge and consumed by grazers. These impacts are not quantified.
Assess the Impacts of wildlife Litter throwing by TAZAMA High feeding on food remains highway users is a major thrown alongside the problem. This exposes the TAZAMA highway animals to various health risks 2 TAZAMA c rude oil Impact of crude oil spill s on TAZAMA pipeline is 40 High pipeline Traversing wildlife and ecosystem rd the years old resulting to the Park n general frequent breakdowns and oil spills in the Park environment. The impacts need to be quantified to facilitate informed decisions. 3 Conservation of Assessment African wild dog There are ad -hoc sightings Very High rare and ecology and population of wild dog packs in the endangered dynamics Park but their population species structure and dynamics is unknown. This poses difficulty in planning for their sustainable management.
The ecology and reproductive Sightings of Kudu are rare. success of Kudus This rarity is suspected to be due to poor reproductive performance.
21 Issue Topic Justification Priority
A study on morphometrics of Mikumi elephants appear Medium Elephants in the Park small in size compared to those from other areas. Studies are needed to ascertain this assumption. Tourists often ask for the reasons. Assessment of lion Very High population structure and dynamics in the Park with particular focus on males 4 Human -wildlife Magnitude and Mikumi is surrounded by conflicts consequences of human- 19 villages with ever wildlife conflicts with a Focus increasing human-wildlife on Elephants conflicts. A study to quantify the magnitude of the problem and determine the root causes and mitigation options is highly desirable 5 Resources Baseline inventories of Species list s of the Park ar e Very High Inventory various small animals taxa benchmarks for facilitating (e.g. reptiles, amphibians, monitoring and butterflies and moths) management. Urgently needed before some species become extinct 6 Vegetation Assessment of bush Grassland to b ush Medium Monitoring encroachment as an indicator conversion appears to be of habitat change advancing fast in various parts of the Park. Studies needed to monitor this trend and its consequences
Regeneration dynamics of Population structure Medium the African Black Wood tree appears skewed with die- Dalbergia melanoxylon backs of mature trees and slow regeneration 7 Fire Management Impact of frequent fire s on Areas along the Park soil and biodiversity of the boundary burn on annual Park basis with possible adverse ecosystem impacts
Impact of Prescribed and late Continuous burning of the burning to the Park resources Park during the prescribed
22 Issue Topic Justification Priority burning and late burn has impact to the Park resources. Studies to identify and characterize these impacts are needed 8 Sustainable Monitoring of water quality Man -made waterholes are High utilization of water in the man-made waterholes common at Mikumi. The resources quality of the water in these artificial water bodies need monitoring
Assessment of quality of Water discharged into the High water flowing into or through Park passes through the Park from nearby cultivated fields with cultivated fields possible contamination 9 Wildlife c orridor s The conservation status of These corridors are High and migratory traditional wildlife corridors thought to exist (e.g. Routes at Mikumi Mikumi-Twatwatwa – Wami-Mbiki and Mikumi- Rubeho-Udzungwa-Ruaha) but with unknown status 10 Arch aeology Conduct an arch aeological Source of a clay pot Low study on the artifact-rich estimated to age 500 yrs Shabaha mountain and a human skull. The information is needed for developing new tourism products 11 Protection of Park Cultural and Socio -econ omic Poaching which is carried High Resources drivers of poaching and their out by the nearby consequences on the Park communities is a threat to resources Park resources. A study is needed to identify the drivers of poaching and possible control options 12 Community -Park An evaluation of community Park supports the High relations perceptions and attitudes on development effort of the outreach activities from the community through SCIP. Park This program has been undertaken for many years without a thorough evaluation to guide future directions 13 Tourism Assessment of visitor Ne eded to facilitate better High Development satisfaction from tourist tourism planning attractions and services
Issue Topic Justification Ranking
1 Park hydrology Surface and ground water Water scarcity is an acute Very High quality, quantity and problem for both wildlife seasonal dynamics and humans. This information is essential for proper water resources management planning 2 Vegetation studies Status of key vegetation These habitats are High habitats: Acacia-Commiphora subjected to frequent fires, bushlands and dry mountain and there is also poaching forests of plants for subsistence and commercial uses 3 Rare, threatened Ecology & population Gerenuk and Oryx are very High and endangered dynamics of rare and rare. The population of lions species endangered species and hyena is also low. Information needed to guide their management 4 Resources Conduct plants and animals To form baselines for High Inventory biodiversity inventories management and monitoring purposes
5 Animal populations Population ecology and To monitor trends over Medium dynamics dynamics of key wildlife time as indicator of species ecosystem health 6 Artificial water Impact of man -made water The information will help High sources sources on animal behavior Management to address and adjacent vegetation any possible adverse impacts
7 Wildlife diseases Epidemiology and control of Large interaction of wi ldlife High important diseases (Rabies, and livestock can Anthrax, Trypanosomoses, spearhead disease FMD and internal parasites transmission. Data on disease levels and trends Diversity & Distribution of are necessary for managing disease vectors (ticks, tse-tse possible outbreaks flies, etc)
24 RUAHA NATIONAL
Issue Topic Justification Priority 1 Ecohydrology Impact of the drying of Great Drying of the river affects High Ruaha River on wildlife and the basin’s ecology and human socio-economic other socio-economic activities values such as Power generation at Kidatu and Mtera dams 2 Animal Population Elephant population and There is i ncreased Elephant High dynamics and their impact on the population that damages Ecology vegetation vegetation communities especially trees within the Park
Buffalo population dynamics Large buffaloes herds are High and possible explanations of rarely seen nowadays and their decline the causes of their decline are not known 3 Wildlife diseases Epidemiology of Giraffe Skin Little is known of this High prevalence and Disease disease management Zoonotic diseases (Rabies, Information needed for BTB, trypanosomosis, ect) their management and prevention 4 Fire ecology Effect of frequent fires on These forests support a High vegetation dynamics (e.g. large and diverse biomass regeneration of Miombo and of wildlife Drypetes forests) The impacts of such routine High Assessment of the impact of burning are unknown. routine prescribed burning Findings will facilitate proper management decisions 5 Elephant m igratory Mapping of e lephant Elep hant movements are Medium and movement migratory corridors and not well known patterns dispersal areas The study is needed to establish movement patterns, associated conflicts and impacts 6 Human -wildlife Assessment of human There is a n increasing Medium conflicts wildlife conflicts including public outcry on damage of economic losses and crops and predation of community attitudes and livestock by wildlife perceptions
25 Issue Topic Justification Priority 7 Rare and Assessing the population Wild dogs and Grant’s High endangered species status & dynamics of Wild gazelle are rarel y seen in the dogs and Grant’s gazelle Park 8 Carnivore Assessment of status of the Lion population in the park High population lion population and their is considered to be on the dynamics main prey (buffaloes). increase while that of their pray (buffalo) is on the decline. There is lack of data to confirm this. 9 Poaching Bush meat p oaching The re is a need for Medium dynamics and evaluation of exploring the most control methods effective methods for controlling poaching 10 Migratory birds Assessment of p opulations of Usangu wetland is newly High migratory birds focusing on annexed to the Park and Usangu wetlands one of the IBA’s of Tanzania. The basic birds inventory checklist exists but the status of migratory birds is unknown
26 RUBONDO ISLAND NATIONAL PARK
Issues Topic Justification Priority 1 Elephant Ecology Elephant population The size of the island is High and behavior ecology and the Island’s fixed despite increasing carrying capacity number of the introduced elephants. Information needed for proper interventions 2 Population Asses sment of population Statu s of the se species High dynamics of trends of the introduced unknown despite many introduced wildlife species in Rubondo Island years of being introduced species National Park (e.g. Suni, Giraffes, Black and white colobus monkey and Grey parrots)
3 Chimpanzee Habituation of To boost the tourism Very h igh habituation chimpanzees for tourism potential of the Park 4 Wildlife d iseases Assessment and There is p eriodic death s of Very high Monitoring of Sitatunga sitatunga and bushbuck but and bushbuck health the causes are not known dynamics 5 Biotic inventories Biotic inventory of low taxa Status of small mammals , High fauna (small mammals, amphibian and reptiles in reptiles, and amphibians) the Park is unknown
6 Fire as an Asses sment of possible use Tick load on the Island is Very h igh ecological of fire as a tick disproportionately high; management tool management tool but a major part of the park is intact tropical forest where fires are undesirable
Issue Topic Justification Priority 1 Wami River and Assessment of water Need to monitor these Very High Estuary quantity (flow rate) and parameters due to conservation quality of Wami River unsustainable farming systems upstream.
Assessment of the status of There are indications of the Wami River estuary forest degeneration and Mangrove forest increased sedimentation 2 Population Population status of Lack of su ch information Very high dynamics of introduced species: undermines their indigenous, Wildebeest, Greater and conservation planning. introduced and Lesser kudu, eland and locally rare wildlife Zebra species Population status of key Population status of these species: Elephant, species are unknown Hartebeest and Buffaloes
Population status of rare Population status of these species: Sable antelope, species are unknown and Caracal
3 Green turtle Best options for protectin g Breeding sites along the Ver y high breeding ecology Green Turtle nesting Indian ocean are not well grounds in the Park protected (Madete beach)
Assess the influence of Possible impact of climate climate change on breeding change on breeding success success in the Park is suspected extremes 4 Ecology of Coral Assess the ecological status They are endangered species Very high reefs of corals at Mafui area No information is available regarding the coral species
Current fishing practices threaten the corals
28 Issue Topic Justification Priority 5 Vegetation studi es Assess ment of plant The se forest s are rich in rare High diversity and and endangered plant fragmentation of the species but have been highly Zaraninge and Kwamsisi degraded forests
High Assessment of the Threats for pineapple farms potential impacts of forest expansion from Gongo and fragments to small animals Matipwili village dispersal and movement
The impact of invasive The information is needed to High exotic plants introduced in inform decision on whether parts used for livestock or not to eradicate the exotic ranching on the natural plants vegetation is not well known 6 Ecological threat Assessmen t of the status of There are many species of High from exotic plants exotic plant species and exotic plants in the Park due possible control measures to past human activities
7 Fire ecology and Impact of fire on coastal Need to know the destructive Medium management and riverine forests impact of fires on the vegetation so as to better management the ecosystem 8 Wildlife diseases Tsetse flies control options Adverse impact on human , Medium and health livestock and wildlife health Epidemiology of human (compromises tourism). trypanosomiasis not known Long-term monitoring needed Medium Prevalence of zoonotic diseases in and around the Park not known Medium
9 Public Impact of public roads (on Long -term monitoring Medium infrastructure in animal kills and littering) in the Park the park not well known 10 Animal p opulation Assessment of the Casual observation s suggest ecology population ecology of decline of Zebra population Medium Zebra
Population dynamics of The populations status are Medium Carnivores (Lions, Cheetah, not known Hyena, Leopard and
29 Issue Topic Justification Priority Caracal)
11 Wildlife corridors Identification of wildlife Lack of information on the Medium corridors around the Park conservation status of the corridors 12 Social -econ omics Community attitudes and There is i ncreased poaching, Medium of adjacent perceptions on the Park park-community boundary communities conflicts and encroachment
Alternative income Identification of potential generating schemes will Medium areas for establishing WMA reduce pressure on Park around the Park resources
13 Aquatic Assessment of shrimp Shrimps is one of the major Medium biodiversity abundance and biodiversity sources of income for inventory in Wami River estuary Saadani local communities
30 SAANANE ISLAND PROPOSED NATIONAL PARK
Issue Topic Justification Priority 1 Population of r are Assessm ent of the These are rare species with Very High species population status and unknown population status dynamics of Spotted Necked Otter and African Clawless Otter 2 Status of Fisheries Types, distribution and As a basis for introducing Very High resources abundance of fisheries sport fishing tourism resources The draft GMP (2009-2019) earmarked sport fishing as an important tourist activity therefore, detailed scientific information is critical
3 Status of key Habituation of De -Brazas The species is very shy and High wildlife species Monkey for Tourism habituation will provide additional tourism activities
Assessing population Data on population status is High dynamics of De-brazas lacking Monkey
4 Status of Population g enetics There is a l ong -term High introduced species (Inbreeding?) of Impala, interaction of small Rock Hyrax and Monkeys populations in a very small habitat
Food constraints and its There is a proposed animal High impacts on animal health re-introduction program
Saanane Island NP is a small isolated Park and therefore, animals may face health constraints and inbreeding problems 5 Water studies Ass essment of water Saanane Island NP is located Medium pollution and mitigation within the city of Mwanza, measures and therefore suffers from intensive human and development activities
The Park is in close proximity
31 Issue Topic Justification Priority to a myriad of industries and growing urban population that discharges effluents to Lake Victoria
Applied research needed to find the best mitigation measures
6 Biodiversity Inventories on small There is s canty information Medium surveys mammals, hepertofauna on the abundance of small and invertebrates mammals, amphibians, reptiles and invertebrates 7 Water birds Seasonal abundance o f key The study seeks to generate Low seasonal dynamics waterbirds information critical for tourism
8 Animal health and Assess status of ticks and The Park is small so i t is Medium diseases other disease vectors and important to generate their impact on wildlife baseline data on disease risk factors present in the park to facilitate subsequent monitoring
Issue Topic Justification Priority 1 Human -Wildlife Socio -economic impacts of Increasing local community High Conflicts human-wildlife conflicts in outcry on the problem adjacent villages
Control options for human- Innovative and effective wildlife conflicts control measures urgently High needed. 2 Water resources Eco -hydrological studies of Long -term data needed for High conservation and the (major) rivers informed decision making sustainable (Mara, Grumeti, Mbalageti) on water management utilization
Surveying of underground Water scarcity for human Very High water availability and quality consumption is a major for human use management issue including improving Tourism conditions 3 Sustainable Monitoring the population Flagship species are key Medium conservation of dynamics & migration indicators of the ecosystem flagship wildlife patterns of Wildebeests and health. Long-term species elephants continuous studies are necessary
Assessment of the population Resident wildebeests in the Medium ecology of resident park are poorly studied wildebeests in western corridor
Assessment of the status of They spend considerable Medium Elephants & wildebeests time outside protected outside protected areas areas where they are potentially threatened 4 Conservation of Assessment of the population Status of these rare animal Low rare animal status & dynamics of species is poorly species (selected) rare animal understood species: (Roan Antelope, Oryx, stripped hyena, Patas monkeys, Black & white colobus, Oribi, Caracal) 5 Rhino Assessment of the population Small isolated Rhino High conservation Genetics of Moru Black population may potentially Rhinos (Inbreeding?) result into inbreeding leading to genetic
33 Issue Topic Justification Priority depression Medium Assessment of the population Re-introduction program ecology of re-introduced ongoing, & needs updated rhinos information 6 Poaching Long -term monitoring of Poaching is a major Medium poaching dynamics & trend budgetary expenditure activity (>40%) for the Park. Poaching levels are stable over the past 15 years. Monitoring will assist in informed decision making.
Research on effective Applied research needed to High poaching control options address the problem of poaching 7 Tourism service Study on visitor satisfaction Enhancing visitor service High provision and attitudes quality is a high priority for the Park
The status and potential Need to engage & link local High contribution of tourism to communities to tourism the economy of local benefits of the Park communities
An issue of international Estimating the Tourism community concern Very high carrying capacity for (UNESCO/IUCN) Serengeti National Park Tourism is growing. Data Long term monitoring of the needed for informed Medium impact of Tourism facilities tourism management on park resource values decisions 8 Fire ecology Impact of fire on vegetation Regular prescribed and Medium (grassland/woodland) unprescribed (hot) burning may destroy the natural plant biodiversity
Priority: riverine forests, hilltop thickets, wetland 9 Animal health and Evaluation of control opt ions Adverse impact on human Very High diseases for tsetse flies health (compromises tourism)
Epidemiology of human Long-term monitoring Medium trypanosomiasis needed
34 Issue Topic Justification Priority
Prevalence and dynamics of Incidents of rabies and Low zoonotic diseases in and other diseases re-occur around the Park frequently
Prevalence and dynamics of Visitors and park staff Low trypanosome rhodesiense in confirmed with HAT large ruminants A need to establish hosts for the causative agent.
Impact of selected diseases Significant mortalities due Medium (Anthrax, Foot and mouth to outbreaks and other disease, Rift Valley fever, incidences reported each Malignant Cattarrhal Fever, year. Skin disease, Rabies, baboon genital disease, Mange etc.) Important to establish to key animal species seasonal occurrence. (wildebeest, zebra, giraffes, baboons) Short and long-term monitoring needed 10 Animal road kills Monitoring of road kills and Data necessary for better Medium littering on public roads management of public traversing the Park transportation through the Park 11 Climate change Impacts of global warming on New area of global interest Low park resources & values
Studies on possibilities of Possibilities for the role of Low Carbon exchange and trading the Park as a major carbon- sinking platform. A new area of global interest and collaboration 12 Biodiversity status Inventories for amphibians, Low taxa biodiversity status Medium of key taxa fish, reptiles and insects poorly understood. Needed for taxa specific tourism guide books 13 Socio -economic Long -term monitoring of the Needed to monitor Medium issues socio-economic status and adjacent human population trends for local communities pressure on Park resources adjacent to the Park 14 Species specific Car nivores (Lions, Cheetah, Ongoing Low -Medium studies Hyena, Wild dogs, Giraffe)
Issue Topic Justification Priority 1 Wetland d ynamics Impacts of human water Tarangire River is a vital dry Very High harvesting upstream on the season refuge for wildlife dynamics of the Tarangire river flow
2 Wildlife corridors Status of wildlife migratory The majority of animal s High and dispersal areas corridors and dispersal areas seasonally move outside of outside the Park the park to unprotected community land. Their Appropriate Land Use status need to be Planning in protecting the understood, and corridors and dispersal areas safeguarded with proper Land Use Plans
Impact of loss of corridors Some of the dispersal areas and dispersal areas to the and corridors are crucial as Tarangire-Manyara calving grounds ecosystem 4 Climate c hange Studies on animal Climate change p oses an High and the populations, migration & environmental risks to Environment reproductive biology in human and wildlife relation to climate change populations including biodiversity Impact of climate change on the economy of communities adjacent to Tarangire National Park
Sustainable livelihood strategies in relation to climate change
5 Status of locally Population ecology of Their status is not well Medium rare, threatened Greater and Lesser kudu, known. Information will and Endangered Oryx, Gerenuk and Wild dog assist their better Species management
6 Bush meat Assess magnitude of the Illegal bush meat trafficking High Trafficking problem and market segment is a major threat to wildlife. profile of bush meat trade Need for a deep understanding of the Options for sustainable problem and effective control of bush meat control options trade(Roan Antelope, Oryx,
36 Issue Topic Justification Priority stripped hyena, Patas monkeys, Black & white colobus, Oribi, Caracal)
7 Wildlife diseases Epidemiology of and control Seasonal migration and High and health of Giraffe skin disease, dispersal of wildlife to Rabies, Anthrax, village land and sharing of Trypanosomoses, Malignant grazing and water catarrhal fever and FMD resources can promote disease transmission Diversity & Distribution of High disease vectors: ticks, tsetse flies, mosquito , and internal Scanty information is parasites in wildlife and available domestic animals
Impacts of climate change on Very high pathogens and vector adaptation diversity and Climate change is likely to distribution spread speed-up disease transmission including zoonotics 8 Fire Impact of fi re on vegetation Fire is an annual problem in Medium dynamics and integrity TNP damaging vegetation and environment in general. Need to document these impacts for better management decisions
37 UDZUNGWA NATIONAL PARK
ISSUE TOPIC Justificat ion PRIORITY 1 Human -Wildlife Impacts of human wildlife Increasing community Very High Conflicts conflicts on local village concerns over the losses of economies & control their crops and livestock to measures wildlife raids
Community altitudes on wildlife impacts 2 Sustainable water Monitoring of water There is i ncreasing and Very High resources quantity and quality and competing water demand for utilization current levels of water domestic and commercial use utilization in rivers and - irrigation schemes and major streams tourism. Data will assist better planning 3 Ecology of r are Monitoring of population Flagship species for the Very High and endemic dynamics and reproductive ecosystem health primate species behavior of the Sanje Long term data needed for Mangabey their sustainable management
Abundance and Role in seed dispersal and Very High distribution of key primate forest regeneration? species: Udzungwa Red colobus, Black and White colobus, Sanje Mangabey, Sykes Monkeys
4 Forest av ifauna Assessment of habi tat This bird is rare and endemic Medium requirements of forest rare and endemic but with birds with special focus on unknown ecological status Rufous Winged Sunbird
5 Medicinal plants Assessment of the The park is thought to be rich Very High medicinal values of in these plants but there is no selected plant species documentation
6 Invasive species Assessment of exotic plant s Need data on impact of Very High dispersal and their invasive plants in the Park ecological impacts and their effective control options Study on effective control options for invasive plants
38 ISSUE TOPIC Justificat ion PRIORITY
7 Tourism and local Assessment of impacts and Need to explore better Medium economy potentials of tourism on utilization of tourism the local economy opportunities by the local community 8 Fire ecology Impact of fire on There is reduced forest cover High vegetation and biodiversity due to fires. Data needed to in general Forest woodland facilitate proper fire and cover management 14 Status of m edium Seasonal distribution and These are poorly understood Medium and large animals abundance of elephants, forest buffaloes, antelopes, and carnivores 15 Long Term Impacts Evaluation of the Information needed to High of Community effectiveness, improve TANAPA’s outreach Based opportunities, challenges program Conservation and Policy Implications of initiatives Outreach Programme (CBC)
39 RESEARCH PRIORITY AREAS FOR THE WILDLIFE DIVISION (WD)
1. Assessment of best practices in combating poaching in Tanzania
2. Assessment of the potential significant impact of mining (Oil, gas, uranium) to the conservation of wildlife resources in Selous Game Reserve.
3. Mitigation measures of problem and dangerous wildlife animals in adjacent areas
4. Impact of revenue (25%) contribution ploughed back to the communities
5. Assessment of potential wildlife corridors in Tanzania
6. Population status of sitatunga in western Tanzania
7. Impact of invasive alien plant species to the game reserves in Tanzania.
40 RESEARCH PRIORITY AREAS FOR NGORONGORO CONSERVATION AREA (NCAA)
1) Wildlife-livestock interaction with emphasis on animal diseases. 2) Crop production as an integral part of NCA resident’s economy and its impact on the ecosystem integrity. 3) Population ecology of hippos and their grazing impacts in the Ngorongoro crater. 4) Human-induced impacts on the environment (both tourists and local inhabitants). 5) Possibilities and consequences of wildlife translocations, in particular elephants, rhinos and lions. 6) The socio-economic and ecological effects of increasing trend of tourists accommodation facilities in and around NCA. 7) The ecology and control measures of unpalatable grass species such as Eleusine jaegeri . 8) The ecology and control measures of alien and invasive plant species in the NCA. 9) The use of fire in the rangeland management. 10) Assessment of the quantity and quality of pasture in NCA in order to determine the optimal stocking rates for sustainable livestock production. 11) Identification of species and livestock breeds most suited to NCA local conditions. 12) Studies of disease resistance, immunity development and economics of mixed production. 13) Cost-benefit analysis and the ecological implications of hardening (i.e. tarmac versus gravel pavement) of major roads in the NCA. 14) Tourist satisfaction, views and attitudes on services provided by NCA. 15) Sustainability and livelihood diversification among the Maasai of NCA. 16) Demographic and socio-economic factors influencing the welfare of the Maasai communities in the NCA. 17) The socio-economic and ecological impacts of restocking in NCA. 18) The ecology and conservation aspects of Lerai Acacia xanthoploea Forest in the Ngorongoro Crater.
41 19) Documentation of indigenous knowledge that supports the management of NCAA objectives. 20) The quantity, quality, requirements and sustainable utilization of water resources in NCA. 21) The impact of climate change on the biodiversity 22) Human-elephant conflicts in agricultural communities neighbouring NCA.
42 RESEARCH PRIORITY AREAS FOR BEEKEEPING A: Beekeeping Development Programme 1) Assess markets and marketing of bee products. 2) Assess productivity and quality of bee products in terms of ecological zones, tree species, bee species and hives as a basis for setting national standards. 3) Identify uses of different bee products (honey, beeswax, royal jelly, propolis etc). 4) Estimate the value of bee products and beekeeping resources lost through illegal activities. 5) Identify ex-situ bee forage systems (monoculture or beekeeping/agroforestry arrangements). 6) Assess gender roles in beekeeping. 7) Survey of indigenous knowledge on beekeeping. 8) Assess private sector involvement in beekeeping. 9) Identify and design appropriate beekeeping equipment. 10) Assess best beekeeping practices in different ecological zones. 11) Assess the value of various land-use and land suitability options for beekeeping. 12) Survey biodiversity of bees and bee plants. 13) Assess bee behavior, breeding and morphology (stingless and stinging bees). 14) Assess impact of disease, pest/pesticides and predators on bee products productivity. 15) Assess the effects of climate change on Beekeeping activities and the environment in general and mitigations recommended for various scenarios, 16) Intergrate Beekeeping activities in REDD and identify mechanism to access carbon credit and trade for different stakeholder groups
B: Legal and Regulatory Framework Programme
1) Survey, analyze and develop criteria and indicators for sustainable bee resource management. 2) Survey, analyze and develop national sector specific guidelines for environmental impact assessment. 3) Setting quality standards and guidelines for Bee products
C: Institution and Human Resources Programme
1. Evaluate Beekeeping contribution to the livelihood of communities, food security, GDP and their incorporation into the national accounting system, 2. Assess population densities or abundance of honeybee colonies and bee fodder plants in Tanzania, 3. Identify appropriate and efficient extension services. 4. Identification of human resource need in the sector.
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