TORO-SEMLIKI WILDLIFE RESERVE GENERAL MANAGEMENT PLAN 2020/21 – 2029/30
A Growing Population of Uganda Kobs in the Reserve
TSWR GMP 2020/21 - 2029/30 TORO-SEMLIKI WILDLIFE RESERVE GENERAL MANAGEMENT PLAN 2020/21 – 2029/30 TABLE OF CONTENTS ACKNOWLEDGMENTS...... v FOREWORD...... vi APPROVAL...... vii ACRONYMS...... viii EXECUTIVE SUMMARY...... x PART 1: BACKGROUND...... 1.1 THE PLANNING PROCESS...... 1 1.1.1 The Planning team...... 1 1.2 ENABLING POLICY AND LEGISLATION...... 2 1.2.1 Constitution of The Republic Of Uganda 1995...... 2 1.2.2 Biodiversity management policies...... 2 1.2.3 Legal framework for biodiversity management...... 3 1.2.4 National Development Plans...... 6 1.2.5 International and Regional frameworks for biodiversity management in Uganda...... 6 PART 2: RESERVE DESCRIPTION AND MANAGEMENT...... 7 2.1 Location...... 8 2.2 Access...... 9 2.3 Reserve management history...... 9 2.4 Climate and Hydrology...... 10 2.5 Geology and Soils...... 12 2.6 Socio-Economic Environment...... 15 2.7 Flora (Vegetation)...... 16 2.7.1 Land cover 1964...... 16 2.7.2 Land cover description between 2007 - 1990...... 17 2.7.3 Land Cover Trends in TSWR between 1990–2016...... 19 2.7.4 TSWR Land Cover in 2017...... 20 2.8 Fauna...... 22 2.8.1 Animal distribution in the reserve...... 22 2.8.2 Distribution of Birds in the Reserve...... 27 2.9 Toro Semliki Wildlife Reserve Surrounding Ecosystems...... 32 2.9.1 Lake Albert (Bordering TSWR)...... 32 2.9.2 The Semliki Flats...... 32 2.9.3 The Rwangara Wetland Area...... 32 2.10 Sensitivity of TSWR Ecosystems...... 33 2.11 Distribution of Features Critical for Animal Survival...... 35 2.11.1 Watering Points...... 36 2.11.2 Kobleks...... 36 2.11.3 Salt Licks...... 36 PART 3: RESERVE CONSERVATION VALUES, PURPOSE AND MANAGEMENT ZONES...... 37 3.1 TSWR conservation values...... 38 3.2 TSWR ten years’ management purpose...... 38 3.3 TSWR management zones...... 39 3.3.1 Zone descriptions...... 39 PART 4: MANAGEMENT PROGRAMS, OUTPUTS AND PLANNED ACTIVITIES...... 42 4.1 MANAGEMENT PROGRAMS...... 43 4.1.1 Resource conservation and management program...... 43 4.1.2 Research and Ecological Monitoring program...... 53 4.1.3 Capacity development program...... 57
TSWR GMP 2020/21 - 2029/30 II TORO-SEMLIKI WILDLIFE RESERVE GENERAL MANAGEMENT PLAN 2020/21 – 2029/30 4.1.4 Community conservation program...... 63 4.1.5 Tourism development & financial sustainability program...... 69 4.1.6 Governance & Corporate affairs program...... 79 PART 5: COST ESTIMATES...... 81 PART 6: MONITORING AND EVALUATION...... 87 6.1 Monitoring and Evaluation Framework...... 88 APPENDIX 1: Monitoring and Evaluation tables...... 89 Appendix 2: Challenges and issues generated and prioritized during the planning process...... 141 2.1 Resource conservation and management...... 141 2.2 Research and ecological monitoring...... 142 2.3 Capacity development...... 143 2.4 Community conservation...... 144 2.5 Tourism development and Financial sustainability...... 145 2.6 Governance and Corporate affairs...... 146 Appendix 3: Benefits from the Reserve as identified by stakeholders consulted...... 147 Appendix 4: List of related legal instruments such as International Conventions and Protocols in Uganda...... 148 Appendix 5:List of Stakeholders and their roles identified...... 149 Appendix 6: List of Planning Team members...... 153 Appendix 7: List of Bird species in TSWR...... 154 APPENDIX 8: List of participants during stakeholder consultations...... 161 Appendix 9: Summary of the end of 2001-2017 GMP evaluation report...... 165 Evaluation Type and Purpose...... 165 Scope of evaluation...... 165 Review Methodology...... 165 Limitations...... 166 Findings, Conclusions and Recommendations...... 167 Findings are based on evidence provided either from documents through document review or provided by key informants through interviews and focus group discussion and direct observation REFERENCES...... 168 LIST OF FIGURES Figure 1: A diagrammatic representation of UWA General Management Planning Process...... 1 Figure 2: Map showing the location of Toro-Semliki Wildlife Reserve...... 8 Figure 3: Rainfall Map for Toro-Semliki...... 11 Figure 4: Average monthly Rainfall Distribution pattern in TSWR...... 12 Figure 5: Geological Units in the Toro-Semliki Wildlife Reserve (A) and the related Soil Units (B).....27 Figure 6: Map showing TSWR Habitats in 1964 which have changed over time...... 13 Figure 7: Land Cover Trends from 1990–2016...... 17 Figure 8: 2017 TSWR Land Cover map...... 20 Figure 9: Data Based on Aerial Results (A) Increase in Uganda Kob (B) Increase in Buffalos...... 21 Figure 10: Graph showing decrease in Elephants...... 25 Figure 11: Distribution of Key Large Mammals in TSWR...... 26 Figure 12: Shoebill Sites...... 30 Figure 13: Bird Sightings in TSWR...... 31 Figure 14: Overall Sensitivity Map of TSWR...... 34 Figure 15: Features Critical for Animal Survival in TSWR...... 35 Figure 16: Map showing TSWR management zones...... 41
TSWR GMP 2020/21 - 2029/30 III TORO-SEMLIKI WILDLIFE RESERVE GENERAL MANAGEMENT PLAN 2020/21 – 2029/30 Figure 17: Graph showing incidences of illegal activities...... 49 Figure 18: Patrol effort comparison graphs, maps and tables...... 50 Figure 19: Map showing cattle grazing and poaching incidences...... 51 Figure 20: Map showing the extent of invasive species...... 55 Figure 21: Map showing current ranger outposts...... 62 Figure 22: Graph showing Revenue sharing trends from 2005 to 2016...... 64 Figure 23: Maps showing population distribution in sub-counties surrounding the reserve...... 67 Figure 24: Map showing existing and proposed infrastructure...... 70 Figure 25: Chart showing revenue totals from each revenue source for each year...... 74 Figure 26: Graph showing revenue total for three years (2015/2016, 2016/2017, 2017/2018)...... 75 Figure 27: Map showing proposed route for water tourism...... 76 Figure 28: Graph showing visitor numbers for the last six years...... 77 Figure 29: Pie chart comparing tourist numbers with NPs over the last six years...... 78 LIST OF PLATES Plate 1: The Chimpanzee and De brazza Monkey as examples of Primate spp in the Reserve...... Plate 2: Animals on the water pool inside TSWR...... 7 Plate 3: A) Surface Cracks in Semliki Series Soil Unit B) Galleys Formed along the Road in TSWR....14 Plate 4: A) Soil Profile of the Wasa Soil Complex...... 14 Plate 5: Fish landing...... 15 Plate 6: Cattle Grazing in Rwebisengo within Semliki Flats area...... 16 Plate 7: Shrub and Wooded Vegetation along Meandering River Wassa...... 18 Plate 8: Typical Riverine Forest around Mugiri...... 18 Plate 9: Swamp Vegetation in Rwangara...... 19 Plate 10: A Bushbuck in TSWR...... 25 Plate 11: Some species of Birds in TSWR...... 28 Plate 12: Shoe bill...... 29 Plate 13: Semliki Flats...... 32 Plate 14: Rwangara Wetland Area...... 33 Plate 15: Koblek in TSWR...... 36 Plate 16: TSWR landscape interspersed with Uganda Kobs...... 37 Plate 17: Example of illegal activities -Debarking of trees...... 42 Plate 18: Negative impacts of public roads inside PAs-African Civet...... 42 Civettictis civetta) knocked by a speeding car (Road kills)...... 44 Plate 19: Picture showing poor garbage management within Kanara Town Council...... 45 Plate 20: Photograph showing good waste management practice at Karugutu wildlife reserve headquarters...... 45 Plate 21: Photograph showing a dead African civet near Ntoroko as a result of being knocked crossing the road (road kill)...... 47 Plate 22: Photograph showing a team of Rangers on patrol...... 50 Plate 23: Photograph showing burnt areas inside the reserve...... 52 Plate 24: Photograph showing a thicket of Dichrostachys cineria around Kachwankumu area...... 55 Plate 25: Photograph showing the floods towards Rwebisengo section of the reserve...... 56 Plate 26: Photograph showing a water poll inside the Reserve drying up...... 56 Plate 27: Dried water pond inside the Reserve...... 87 TSWR GMP 2020/21 - 2029/30 IV TORO-SEMLIKI WILDLIFE RESERVE GENERAL MANAGEMENT PLAN 2020/21 – 2029/30 ACKNOWLEDGMENTS Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA) funded and prepared this General Management Plan. During the early stages of the planning process, an analysis of stakeholders was done that gave guidance on the consultations made. Special appreciation goes to the District leadership of Kabarole and Ntoroko who nominated both Technical and Political staff to be part of the planning team and for voicing concerns to raise the status of the Reserve to National Park level. In addition, UWA appreciates the contributions from stakeholders during consultations at Resource use level, Sub- county level, District level and at National Level through face to face and media consultations. Uganda Wildlife Authority acknowledges the commitment of the Planning Team Members (Appendix 6), Toro-Semliki Wildlife Reserve field staff as well as staff from the Conservation Area (CA) headquarters whose tireless efforts brought this planning effort to reality. Appreciation also goes to the Uganda Wildlife Authority Top Management and members of the Board of Trustees who were instrumental in providing guidance to the planning team. Special thanks also goes to Mr. Edgar Buhanga, Mr. Richard Kapere and M/S Florence Kyalimpa for their role as a planning team secretariat who continuously edited this Management Plan to bring it to the desired quality.
TSWR GMP 2020/21 - 2029/30 V TORO-SEMLIKI WILDLIFE RESERVE GENERAL MANAGEMENT PLAN 2020/21 – 2029/30 FOREWORD Toro Semliki Wildlife Reserve (TSWR) is a habitat to a number of endangered species (IUCN red list) including the chimpanzees in the central savanna and the riverine forests of Mugiri, Wasa, and Nyaburogo rivers. It is also a host of about 400 bird species notably among which are the endangered shoebill, and pigmy kingfisher. These are found on the shores of L. Albert and in the neighbouring Rwangara Community Wildlife Area, which is a permanent wetland. The preparation of management plans for Protected Areas is a statutory requirement as Government recognizes the importance of planning as a management tool. This General Management Plan is therefore aimed at providing Toro-Semliki Wildlife Reserve management team with guidance towards sustainable management of the ecosystem as well as proper development of infrastructure and facilities.
One way of promoting conservation of wildlife is through forming strategic partnerships with all stakeholders. Accordingly, UWA’s planning manual (2003) requires that management plans for Protected Areas are prepared with full stakeholder participation. The preparation of this plan was through a multidisciplinary and consultative approach involving various stakeholders at community, sub-county, district, and national levels to ensure that all concerns are adequately addressed. This plan has been approved out at a time when leaders of Ntoroko and Kabarole Districts have requested for the upgrading of the reserve to a national park status. This is demonstration of the confidence the public has in the management of UWA.
Having taken into consideration emerging opportunities and challenges, I am confident that implementation of this plan will enjoy the support of all stakeholders. It is my strong conviction that the plan will enhance the conservation and management of TSWR for the benefit and enjoyment of the present and future generations. Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA) is committed to the continued sustainable management of the reserve ecosystem. This can only be achieved through proper long-term planning, which government has already identified and provided for in the Uganda Wildlife Act 2019.
I would like to thank all those who worked tirelessly to prepare this General Management Plan. Special thanks go to the Planning Unit and the Planning team for the time and effort put into the process. Allow me to also express my gratitude to the entire Board of Trustees for their valuable comments, which enabled us to improve the document.
It is with great pleasure that I now entrust the Chief Warden of Kibale Conservation Area and particularly the Warden in Charge Toro-Semliki Wildlife Reserve with the authority to implement this General Management Plan for the next ten financial years.
Sam Mwandha EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR
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APPROVAL The 8th Board of Trustees of Uganda Wildlife Authority at their 38th sitting of 1st October 2019 at UWA Headquarters approved this General Management Plan for implementation. The implementation of this plan shall take effect from July 2020 to June 2029.
Sam Mwandha Benjamin Nelson Otto Executive Director Chairman, Board of Trustees
TSWR GMP 2020/21 - 2029/30 VII TORO-SEMLIKI WILDLIFE RESERVE GENERAL MANAGEMENT PLAN 2020/21 – 2029/30 ACRONYMS AOP Annual Operations Plan BoT Board of Trustees CA Conservation Area CAO Chief Administrative Officer CBO Community Based Organization CCR Community Conservation Ranger CHA Controlled Hunting Area CNOOC Community Conservation Ranger China National Offshore Oil Corporation DEO District Environment Officer DTBS Director Tourism, and Business Services DVO District Veterinary Officer ED Executive Director EIA Environment Impact Assessment EMRU Ecological Monitoring and Research Unit ENR Environment and Natural Resources FD Forest Department FMP Fire Management Plan GMP General Management Plan KANCA General Management Plan Kabarole NGOs and CBOs Association LG Local Government LVFO Lake Victoria Fisheries Organization MEIA/MO Manager EIA& Oil Monitoring MoU Memorandum of Understanding NBSAP National Biodiversity Strategy and Action Plan NEMA National Environment Management Authority NFA National Forestry Authority NGO Non-Governmental Organization PA Protected Area RBDC Ranger based data collection SMART Spatial Monitoring and Reporting Tool TM Top Management TSWR Toro Semliki Wildlife Reserve UFNCMP Uganda Forestry Nature Conservation Master Plan UNCCD United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification UNFCC United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change UPDF Uganda Peoples Defence Forces UWA Uganda Wildlife Authority WCC Warden Community Conservation WEM Warden Ecological Monitoring WIC Warden in Charge WLE Warden Law Enforcement WR Wildlife Reserve WT Warden Tourism
TSWR GMP 2020/21 - 2029/30 VIII TORO-SEMLIKI WILDLIFE RESERVE GENERAL MANAGEMENT PLAN 2020/21 – 2029/30 EXECUTIVE SUMMARY Toro-Semliki WR (TSWR) covers an area of 542 km2. It is located in Western Uganda in Ntoroko and Kabarole Districts. The geographical coordinates for this Reserve are 30020’ E- 0053’N, 29057’ - 30011’E. Adjoining the north and northwest boundary are the Semliki Flats. The Ntoroko-Kanara Wildlife Sanctuary borders the north-eastern tip of the reserve in contiguity with Lake Albert. The eastern boundary of the reserve is marked by the rim of the Rift Valley escarpment. The Purpose of conserving TSWR for the next ten years is “to protect and conserve TSWR, as a critical habitat for endangered and vulnerable species for the benefit of the National and International community”.
In trying to achieve the above conservation purpose, the following values as identified during the planning process shall be observed; i. The Scenic beauty including the Kijura Escarpment, Gorges, Lake Albert, Riverine forests, Waterfalls and Flat land forms (lake Albert flats, Semliki flats, and Kaplate among others) ii. Critical habitat for the endangered animal species like the Shoe bill, Elephants and Chimpanzees. iii. Critical breeding habitat for Fish around the confluence of Rivers Muzizi, Wasa and the wetlands infringing the Lake shore. iv. Provision of opportunities for Education and Research v. Unique dry habitat chimpanzees that inhabit riverine forests of Mugiri and Nyaburogo rivers.
In order for the park management to implement the planned activities efficiently and effectively, the park has been zoned into the following zones; i. Tourism zone ii. Wilderness zone iii. Administrative zone iv. Collaborative resource use zone
Planned activities in each of the zones above shall be implemented in the management programmes as described in the subsequent sections of this plan with the aim of achieving the following program objectives and outputs:
Resource conservation and management program Program objective: To restore and maintain healthy ecosystem in the PA Output 1: Critical habitats for wildlife well protected and managed Output 2: Negative impacts of extractive industries and developments minimized Output 3: Illegal activities in the PA reduced
Research and ecological monitoring program Program objective: To generate scientific and management oriented information for wildlife management.
Output 1: Scientific and management oriented information for wildlife management generated
TSWR GMP 2020/21 - 2029/30 IX TORO-SEMLIKI WILDLIFE RESERVE GENERAL MANAGEMENT PLAN 2020/21 – 2029/30 and shared. Output 2: Negative impacts of climate change and disasters minimized Capacity development program Program objective: To ensure effective and efficient operations of the Reserve Output 1: Adequate, skilled and motivated staff in place Output 2: Adequate, appropriate and functional infrastructure including equipment and vehicles in place
Community conservation program Program objective: To minimize conservation conflicts while enhancing wildlife appreciation and benefits Output 1: Community livelihoods supported from benefits of wildlife conservation Output 2: Human-wildlife conflicts mitigated Output 3: Understanding and appreciation of wildlife conservation around the Reserve enhanced.
Tourism and Financial sustainability program Program objective: To increase the number of tourists visiting TSWR and ensure visitor satisfaction Output 1: Identified tourism infrastructure and facilities in the GMP developed and maintained Output 2: New Tourism products developed Output 3: Tourist numbers increased by 10% per annum
Governance and Corporate Affairs program Program objective: To enhance GMP implementation and decision making within the management of the Reserve
Output 1: Annual operation plans to implement the GMP developed and implemented. The successful implementation of this plan shall be achieved if the stakeholders and partners identified in this plan support its implementation through the allocation of the key resources including time, labour and funds. The estimated funds to implement each of the planned activities over a ten-year period are shown in detail under part 5 (Cost estimates) of this plan.
TSWR GMP 2020/21 - 2029/30 X TORO-SEMLIKI WILDLIFE RESERVE GENERAL MANAGEMENT PLAN 2020/21 – 2029/30 PART 1: BACKGROUND
Plate 1: The Chimpanzee and De brazza Monkey as examples of Primate spp in the Reserve
TSWR GMP 2020/21 - 2029/30 TORO-SEMLIKI WILDLIFE RESERVE GENERAL MANAGEMENT PLAN 2020/21 – 2029/30 1.1 THE PLANNING PROCESS 1.1.1 The Planning team The Planning process for TSWR started with the selection of a multi-disciplinary team, which was involved in the solicitation of views and identification of proposals for the management of the reserve. A planning team was composed of 13 people including 5 representatives from the Local government as shown in appendix 6. The team conducted a series of planning steps to come up with this Plan. Among them was the field reconnaissance where members were exposed to all issues in the field; stakeholder consultation process where various members of the communities including the user groups, community leaders, sub-county and district leaders, were consulted regarding their views on the reserve management. Thereafter a proposal generation workshop was held for the planning team to harmonize views received from various stakeholders and agree on proposals for the General Management Plan. Also, the team considered the report on the 2007-2017 GMP end evaluation report from monitoring and evaluation unit in appendix 9. In summary, the process to develop the Plan went through the normal UWA GMP planning process whose detailed steps are shown in the flow chart below. Stakeholders and their respective roles were identified through the planning process as shown in appendix 5. UGANDA WILDLIFE AUTHORITY GENERAL MANAGEMENT PLANNING
Figure 1: A diagrammatic representation of UWA General Management Planning Process TSWR GMP 2020/21 - 2029/30 1 TORO-SEMLIKI WILDLIFE RESERVE GENERAL MANAGEMENT PLAN 2020/21 – 2029/30 1.2 ENABLING POLICY AND LEGISLATION It is essential for PA managers to understand some of the relevant laws that empower them to do their work and the legal notices by which the Reserve was established. With this knowledge, they can effectively conduct law enforcement work, ensure appropriate stakeholder participation in the management of the PA and address any challenges to its integrity. Some of the Policies and Laws pertaining to Wildlife and biodiversity conservation in Uganda are explained below. 1.2.1 Constitution of The Republic Of Uganda 1995 The over-all legal framework for biodiversity management in Uganda is the Constitution of the Republic of Uganda (amended 2005). The National Constitution provides the following provisions for biodiversity management within which this plan is hinged. a) Protection of natural resources: Objective No. XXVII provides that natural resources shall be managed in such a way as to meet the development and environmental needs of the present and future generations of Uganda, particularly by taking all measures to prevent or minimize damage and destruction to land, air and water resources resulting from pollution or any other kind of natural resource degradation. b) Management of natural resources: Article 237 (2)(b) gives powers to Government or Local Government as determined by Parliament by law to hold in trust for the people and protect natural lakes, rivers, wetlands, forests, game and forest reserves, national parks and any land to be reserved for ecological and to touristic purposes for the common good of all citizens. c) Article 245 empowers Parliament to provide, through law for measures to manage the environment and promote sustainable development as well as environmental awareness. d) Article 286 of the Constitution gives effect to international treaties, which Uganda was a party to before the promulgation of the Constitution in 1995. 1.2.2 Management Policies National Environment Management Policy (1995) The National Environment Management Policy (1995) provides for the institutional structure as well as policy measures for biodiversity management in Uganda. The over-all goal of the policy is sustainable social and economic development, which maintains or enhances environmental quality and resource productivity on a longer-term basis that meets the needs of the present generations without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs. The specific objectives of the policy are: a) Enhance health and quality of life of all Ugandans and promote long-term sustainable economic development through sound environmental and natural resources management and use. b) Integrate environmental concerns in all development-oriented policies, planning and activities at national, district and local levels, with participation of the people. c) Conserve, preserve and restore ecosystems and maintain ecological processes and life support systems, including conservation of national biodiversity. d) Optimize resource use and achieve sustainable level of resource consumption. e) Raise public awareness to understand and appreciate linkages between environment and development. f) Ensure individual and community participation in environmental improvement activities Among other things, the policy recognises that PAs are the cornerstone of national efforts to protect biological diversity. It suggested a mechanism for collaboration between Protected Areas management and the neighboring communities to foster conflict resolution by involvement of local communities in the planning, management and decision making process in regard to PAs. The policy is currently under review to include emerging issues like invasive species, TSWR GMP 2020/21 - 2029/30 2 TORO-SEMLIKI WILDLIFE RESERVE GENERAL MANAGEMENT PLAN 2020/21 – 2029/30 climate change, and management of chemicals, petroleum development among others, which were not included in the current policy. This management plan addresses the policy provisions through the various programs such as resource conservation and management, ecological monitoring and research, community conservation and tourism development among others. The Uganda Wildlife Policy, 2014 The Wildlife Policy vision for the Wildlife Sector is “Sustainably managed and developed wildlife resources and healthy ecosystems in a developed Uganda. The Policy goal is to conserve wildlife resources of Uganda in a manner that contributes to the sustainable development of the nation and the well-being of its people. The Policy objectives are as follows; i. To promote sustainable management of Uganda’s wildlife Protected areas ii. To sustainably manage wildlife populations in and outside Protected areas iii. To promote sustainable and equitable utilization of wildlife resources as a viable form of land use for national economic development iv. To effectively mitigate human wildlife conflicts v. To promote wildlife research and training vi. To promote conservation education and awareness across the nation vii. To ensure net positive impacts of exploration and development of extractive industries and other forms of development in wildlife conservation areas viii. To effectively combat wildlife related crime ix. To promote and support local, regional and global partnerships for conservation of wildlife According to the following Policy strategies; i.e. Manage all Protected Areas in accordance with National Protected Area Systems Plan, General Management Plans, Annual Operational Plans and other regulations; and Restore all degraded wildlife protected areas in accordance with approved management plans, the preparation of this General Management Plan for TSWR is in the right direction as highlighted in the Wildlife Policy 2014 and once implemented, this plan will go a long way in addressing the Wildlife Policy provisions. The Tourism Policy of Uganda, 2015 The Tourism Policy recognizes that in the 1960’s Uganda was a main tourism destination in Eastern Africa and therefore tourism was one of the major economic sectors for the country. Unfortunately, the turmoil of the 1970’s and 1980’s drastically reduced wildlife numbers and destroyed infrastructure resulting into reduced numbers of tourists. This policy is aimed at ensuring that tourism becomes a vehicle for poverty eradication in the future to the extent possible within the resource base and market limitations. It further recognizes UWA’s role and contribution towards the achievement of this objective. This is mainly in the area of managing and developing the extensive resource base as well as developing and marketing various products. The policy further emphasizes the need to facilitate the flow of tourists within the region and promotion of East Africa as a single tourist destination. This management plan aims at attracting high numbers of visitors to TSWR through development of tourist attractions and promotional activities so that both domestic and internal visitors are able to plan TSWR as part of their itinerary in their entire package. 1.2.3 Legal framework for Biodiversity Management Wildlife Act, Cap 200 of 2000 This provides for establishment of wildlife conservation areas and management of wildlife resources in these areas and outside. The Act also establishes wildlife use right and the institutional framework for programme development and implementation. The Act requires the Executive
TSWR GMP 2020/21 - 2029/30 3 TORO-SEMLIKI WILDLIFE RESERVE GENERAL MANAGEMENT PLAN 2020/21 – 2029/30 Director to prepare or cause to be prepared a comprehensive General Management Plan for each wildlife protected areas in consultation with various stakeholders including the district council and the general public. It provides for the publication and review of the GMP accordingly. Development of this plan is therefore in line and in fulfillment of the legal provisions of the Wildlife Act. The Environment Act (cap 153) The object of the National Environment Act is to further the principles of environmental management by facilitating the conservation and enhancement of the environment. The Act provides for Wildlife protection and contains provisions, which can be applied to the protection and sustainable use of wildlife. It includes provisions for the conservation of biological resources in situ, and the selection and management of protected and buffer areas. The act also provides a basis for environmental impact assessment. Different sections of the management plan address the provisions of this Act. The National Forestry and Tree Planting Act, 2003 The Act provides for among other things, the conservation, sustainable management and development of forests, and the promotion of tree planting for the benefit of people of Uganda and the international community. It classifies forests in Uganda as central forest reserves, local forest reserves, community forests and forests forming part of a wildlife conservation area declared under the Uganda Wildlife Statute, 1996. The Act recognizes various stakeholders in the management of forest reserves, which should be guided by the Management Plan prepared by the responsible body. In addition, the Act aims at ensuring that forests and trees are conserved and managed in a manner that meets the needs of the present generation without compromising the rights of future generations by safeguarding forest biological diversity and the environmental benefits that accrue from forest and trees. This management plan therefore provides for conservation of riverine forests within the reserve to ensure that the present generations use the forest resources sustainably to meet the demands of the future generations. The plan also promotes tree planting within the surrounding communities through the community conservation program. 1.2.4 National Development Plans Biodiversity management in Uganda is mainstreamed into development plans including the Uganda Vision 2040, the National Development Plan II (2015/16 – 2019/20), National Biodiversity Strategy and Action Plan II (2015 - 2025), National Tourism Sector Development Plan 2015/16 – 2019/20 and UWA Strategic Plan revised edition 2015/16-2019/20. The implementation of UWA Strategic plan is achieved through implementation of the various PA specific GMPs hence contributing to the overall achievement of the various objectives of the National Plans. Their main focus is to ensure that biodiversity concerns are adequately catered for in national development. Uganda Vision 2040 Uganda Vision 2040 provides development paths and strategies to operationalize Uganda’s Vision statement, which is “A Transformed Ugandan Society from a Peasant to a Modern and Prosperous Country within 30 years” as approved by Cabinet in 2007. It recognises that tourism is one of catalytic potentials for sustainable development and its nature based with a variety of flora, fauna and beautiful sceneries. Considering its conservation values, sustainable management of TSWR will contribute to the achievement of vision 2040 through sustaining nature-based tourism and maintaining health ecosystems for the benefit of local and international communities. In addition, government through vision 2040 commits to secure and protect all tourism attraction and destination to ensure their integrity as well as eliminate the problem of wildlife dispersal National Development Plan II (NDPII, 2015/16 – 2019/2020) The National Development Plan II recognizes that the tourism sector has demonstrated high potential for generating revenue and employment at a low cost, implying a high return on TSWR GMP 2020/21 - 2029/30 4 TORO-SEMLIKI WILDLIFE RESERVE GENERAL MANAGEMENT PLAN 2020/21 – 2029/30 investment. The country has numerous tourism attractions including diverse nature based, faith based, culture and heritage, and eco-tourism. This plan will focus on exploitation and improvement of the following tourist attraction products: Chimpanzee tracking; Game viewing (Safaris); and Avi-tourism (Bird watching). These products are prioritized because they contribute the highest tourism revenue in the reserve. TSWR will therefore be a key contributor to the country’s economy through Tourism and therefore calls for improved biodiversity management measures, which are proposed in this GMP for the next ten years. National Biodiversity Strategy and Action Plan (NBSAP, 2015/2025) The National Biodiversity Strategy and Action Plan (2015/2025) provides over-all strategies and actions for management of Uganda’s biodiversity as well as measures for enhancing institutional collaboration in the management of biodiversity in Uganda. The NBSAPII highlights and seek to maintain the contribution of biodiversity and ecosystem services to human wellbeing, poverty eradication, gender equality and national development as well as the economic, social, cultural and other values of biodiversity.
National Tourism Sector Development Plan (2015/16 – 2019/20) According to the National Tourism Sector Development Plan, tourism stimulates the production of goods and services in a wide range of sectors and sub-sectors representing a value chain. These sectors include construction, furniture and fittings, agriculture, fisheries, food growing and processing and light manufacturing, healthy, water, education, handicrafts, as well as transport, telecommunications and financial services. For the crafts sector, three sub-sectors of woodcarving, textiles and clothing, and jewellery have recorded a minimum of 1,489 Ugandan youths and women as suppliers of products to the tourism sector. Currently, a major proportion of leisure tourism expenditures in Uganda is generated in the regions where national parks and wildlife reserves are located. Therefore, the preparation and implementation of this Management Plan for TSWR will ensure sustainable tourism in the region. Uganda Wildlife Authority Strategic Plan revised edition (UWA 2015/16- 2019/20) The Mission of UWA as stated in the strategic plan is to conserve, economically develop and sustainably manage the wildlife and protected areas of Uganda in partnership with the neighbouring communities and other stakeholders for the benefit of the people of Uganda and the global community. The goal is to have sustainably managed wildlife areas that are providing enjoyment, supporting community livelihoods and contributing to National development. In order to achieve the above targets, the strategic plan identifies key conservation challenges mentioned below; i. Restoring and maintaining health ecosystems ii. Management of Human-Wildlife conflicts iii. Achieving financial self-sustainability iv. Improvement of infrastructure and equipment The Strategic Plan identifies six Strategic programs as Key Result Areas where the organization plans to achieve by addressing the identified critical issues but also take advantage of the opportunities that the environment provides to produce positive results. They are: i. Resource conservation and management ii. Research and Ecological Monitoring iii. Capacity Development iv. Community Conservation v. Tourism development and financial sustainability vi. Governance and Corporate Affairs Under the Governance and Corporate affairs strategic program, one of the strategic actions is the preparation and or review of PA general management plans. Protected areas management TSWR GMP 2020/21 - 2029/30 5 TORO-SEMLIKI WILDLIFE RESERVE GENERAL MANAGEMENT PLAN 2020/21 – 2029/30 is guided by planned actions in the GMPs and it is through these GMPs that annual work plans and budgets are generated. Therefore, the management of TSWR shall be guided by this ten-year General Management Plan. Uganda Forestry Nature Conservation Master Plan (UFNCMP, 2002) The Vision of the Master Plan (2002) is “A sufficiently forested, ecologically stable and economically prosperous Uganda”. This Vision is intended to be realized through the following objectives: i. Enhance the capacity of forestry institutions to enable them effectively perform their mandates. ii. Increasing forest resource base by increasing forest cover to the 1990 levels. iii. Increase economic productivity of forests and employment in the forestry sector. iv. Raise incomes for households through forest-based initiatives. v. Restore and improve ecosystem services derived from sustainably managed forests. The conservation of this reserve will increase the forestry resources in the country hence contributing to the vision of the Forestry Master Plan. This can only be possible when PA management is guided sufficiently through preparation and implementation of a General Management Plan for the Reserve. 1.2.5 International and Regional frameworks for Biodiversity Management In Uganda International frameworks Uganda is a signatory to a number of international Conventions, Protocols and Agreements relating to biodiversity management as shown in appendix 4. They include; i. Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD), ii. Cartagena Protocol on Bio-safety, iii. Convention relating to the Preservation of Flora and Fauna in their Natural State, iv. African Convention on the Conservation of Nature and Natural Resources, v. Convention on Wetlands of International Importance Especially as Water Fowl Habitat (The RAMSAR Convention), vi. Convention on the Protection of the World Cultural and Natural Heritage, vii. Agreement on Cooperative Enforcement Operations directed at Illegal Trade in Wild Fauna and Flora, viii. United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification (UNCCD), ix. United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC), x. Convention on the Protection of the World Cultural and Natural Heritage and, xi. World Trade Organization (Sanitary and Phytosanitary Rules). Regional frameworks Uganda is signatory to the following regional protocols and agreements which relate to sustainable utilisation and conservation of biodiversity: i. EAC Treaty, ii. EAC Protocol on Environment and Natural Resources Management, iii. Protocol for Sustainable Development of Lake Victoria Basin, iv. Convention for the establishment of the Lake Victoria Fisheries Organization (LVFO), v. EAC Protocol on Wildlife Conservation and Law Enforcement, vi. Tripartite Management Agreements for Trans-Boundary Wildlife Protected Area, and, vii. Cooperative Framework Agreement on the Nile. Each Convention and protocol including agreements mentioned above are implemented through a national Focal Point in a designated Ministry or Lead Agency. Being a signatory to these international frameworks, the conservation of the reserve is one way Uganda fulfils her commitments. Therefore, the management plan will guide the management of the reserve for the next ten years and by so doing the management actions will directly contribute to addressing the provisions in the international and regional frameworks to which Uganda is a signatory. TSWR GMP 2020/21 - 2029/30 6 TORO-SEMLIKI WILDLIFE RESERVE GENERAL MANAGEMENT PLAN 2020/21 – 2029/30 PART 2: RESERVE DESCRIPTION AND MANAGEMENT
Plate 2: Animals on the water pool inside TSWR TSWR GMP 2020/21 - 2029/30 7 TORO-SEMLIKI WILDLIFE RESERVE GENERAL MANAGEMENT PLAN 2020/21 – 2029/30 2.1 LOCATION Toro-Semliki WR (TSWR) covers an area of 542 km2. It is located in Western Uganda in Ntoroko and Kabarole Districts. The geographical coordinates for this Reserve are 3020’ E- 053’N, 2957’ - 3011’E. Adjoining the north and northwest boundary are the Semliki Flats, which were formally a Controlled Hunting Area (CHA) but the area is currently heavily grazed by cattle. Part of the former CHA now forms the Rwangara CWA most of which is a wetland. The Ntoroko-Kanara Wildlife Sanctuary borders the north-eastern tip of the Reserve in contiguity with Lake Albert. The eastern boundary of the Reserve is marked by the rim of the Rift Valley escarpment. The northernmost foothills of the Rwenzori Mountains lie south of the reserve (UWA, 2019)2 . Figure 2 below shows the location of TSWR.
Figure 2: Map showing the location of Toro-Semliki Wildlife Reserve TSWR GMP 2020/21 - 2029/30 8 TORO-SEMLIKI WILDLIFE RESERVE GENERAL MANAGEMENT PLAN 2020/21 – 2029/30 Currently, the reserve neighbours twelve sub-counties of Hakibale, Rwebisengo, Karugutu town council, Karugutu, Nombe, Bweramule, Butungama, Kabende, Kijura town council, Harugongo, Kanara and Kanara town council. The valley floor which ranges between 620m- 800m above sea level, consists of permanent and seasonal watercourses, most notably the river Wasa which flows the length of the reserve from the Rwenzoris to Lake Albert (UWA,2007)3 . Boundary Description of Toro Semliki Wildlife Reserve The boundaries of the reserve are described below in accordance with Parliamentary resolutions and statutory instruments for changes to wildlife protected areas of 2001;
2UWA, 2019. Protected Areas Assessment report 2019 3UWA, 2007. Toro semliki wildlife reserve general management plan 2007-2017
“Commencing at pillar TO1 at the intersection of the River Munyege (Kichumbwa) with the top of the Lake Albert escarpment; thence northwards downstream along the thalweg of the said river to its confluence with River Wassa at pillar TO2; thence westwards in a straight line marked by cairns to pillar TO3 where the ‘old telegraph line’ crosses the Fort-Portal-Ntoroko road; thence northwards following cairns along the ‘old telegraph line’ to pillar TO4 on the Nyaburogo River; thence following the west bank of the Nyaburogo River to a point due opposite pillar TO5 at North 0o 54”; thence crossing the river to pillar TO5; thence north-westwards for approximately 110 meters to pillar TO6; thence north-eastwards on a bearing of 24.7o along a straight line marked by beacons to pillar TO7 on the Karugutu-Rwebishengo road; thence north-eastwards on a bearing of 24.7o to pillar TO8 situated approximately 900 meters due south of the survey point known as Makoga; thence north-eastwards along a straight line marked by beacons to pillar TO9 on the shore of Lake Albert, 1800 meters to the north of the mouth of the River Wassa; thence along the shore line of Lake Albert eastwards to pillar TO10; thence south-eastwards following a line marked by beacons to pillar TO11 on the Fort-Portal-Ntoroko road at the turnoff to Kanara fishing village; thence north-eastwards following the said road to pillar TO12; thence north-eastwards in a straight line to pillar TO13 on the south side of the said road; thence along the said road to the shoreline of Lake Albert; thence following the shoreline of Lake Albert southwards to the mouth of the River Muzizi; thence following the east bank of the said River in a southerly direction to its intersection with the top of the Lake Albert escarpment; thence following the top of the said escarpment in a general south-westerly direction through pillars TO14, TO15, TO16 and TO17 to pillar TO1, which is the point of commencement”. 2.2 Access Toro Semliki Wildlife Reserve (TSWR) may be accessed using two major roads from Kampala. Kampala – Fort Portal Road via Mubende is about 290 km and Kampala – Fort Portal via Masaka – Mbarara - Kasese is about 465 km. From Fort Portal up to Karugutu Trading Center is 27km. The reserve headquarters are about 3km off Fort Portal- Bundibugyo Road on the Karugutu – Ntoroko Road. 2.3 Reserve Management History The area was gazetted as a Game Reserve (then Toro Game Reserve), under General Notice 546 of 1926. This was aimed at affording protection of large populations of wild animals of which the Uganda Kobs were dominant. The large game included reedbucks, waterbucks, bushbucks, hartebeests, giant forest hogs, lions, buffalos, hippopotamus and elephants. In 1962 and 1963 under legal Notices 245 and 246 respectively, the boundaries of the reserve were modified and constituted an area of 555 sq.km. The Semliki Flats to the north of the reserve were formally gazetted as Controlled Hunting Area (CHA) in 1961 under General Notice 526. Within this area, pastoralism has been and continues to be the main land use system by the Batuku community. Previously when the game numbers
TSWR GMP 2020/21 - 2029/30 9 TORO-SEMLIKI WILDLIFE RESERVE GENERAL MANAGEMENT PLAN 2020/21 – 2029/30 were high, occasional hunting expeditions were organized both in the reserve and the flats. The controlled game hunting in 1960s and early 1970s became a prominent recreational activity and provided fine trophies for hunting enthusiasts. It was also a period that registered tourism based economic boom accompanied with the establishment of the Hunting Safari Lodge in the reserve. The late 1970s and early 1980s however were periods of political and economic degeneration that resulted into serious decimation of large populations of wildlife in most of the Uganda’s PAs. In late 1970s, Game Department annual reports noted alarming threats to wildlife as a result of excessive hunting and poaching. One key animal species, the hartebeest, was hunted to its extinction in the reserve. Major categories of large mammal populations declined (UWA, 2015)4.
During the 1999 PA system plan, changes for TSWR ecosystem included degazetting of the CHA that comprised the Flats but with part of the CHA gazetted as a Community Wildlife Area (Rwangara) to conserve the few remaining wildlife that was still utilizing the Flats. The Rwangara CWA comprised mainly a permanent wetland that formed a vital ecological link between the reserve and protected area systems in Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). The reserve boundaries were modified by excising off approximately 15 sq. km in Kyabandara that were heavily encroached and settled plus 4 sq. km for the fishing community in Ntoroko - Kanara peninsula as a Wildlife Sanctuary. Approximately 3.5 sq. km of Itojo forested area was annexed to the reserve as a chimpanzee habitat. After all the boundary changes, the area of the reserve currently is 542 sq.km (PAA, 2000)5
2.4 Climate and Hydrology Climate is strongly influenced by Lake Albert, but is also influenced by three other separate air masses—those of the Rwenzori Mountains, the uplands to the east of the reserve, and the air mass associated with the Congolese rainforest to the west (UWA, 2017)6 . The temperature of the lake is less variable than the air and soil, so that as the temperature drops at night, the warmer air over the lake rises, creating prevailing winds toward the lake, or northeast. In the day, the lake is typically cooler than surrounding areas, creating a prevailing wind away from the lake, or southwest. The Toro-Semliki climate is dry, particularly in comparison to other PAs in the Albertine Graben. It is also hot and humid. The relative humidity daily maxima average 95% in the wet season and 92% in the dry season (Hunt, et al., 1999). Rainfall in TSWR is one of the major sources of water for wildlife survival. Toro-Semliki has two distinct rainy and dry seasons (Figure 4). The rainy seasons are from March–May, reaching its peak in April; and August–November, with the peak in October. The escarpment in the eastern part receives more rainfall than other parts of the reserve (Figure 3).
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4UWA, 2015: State of wildlife resources in Uganda. 5PAA,2000: Protected Area Assessment report volume 4. 6UWA, 2017: TSWR Sensitivity Atlas
Figure 3: Rainfall Map for Toro-Semliki (Source: UWA, 2017; TSWR Sensitivity Atlas) TSWR GMP 2020/21 - 2029/30 11 TORO-SEMLIKI WILDLIFE RESERVE GENERAL MANAGEMENT PLAN 2020/21 – 2029/30
Figure 4: Average monthly Rainfall Distribution pattern in TSWR (Source: World Bank Data Portal)
2.5 Geology and Soils Plate tectonism dictates that the tectonic plates and subsequent movement along the rift valley floors created igneous and metamorphic bedrocks in the region’s mountains and escarpments. The rocks are mainly granites, gneisses, and schist; of the steep slopes are the nutrient source of the soil deposits along the river floors. Rivers distribute gravel and sands over the wider areas of the valley before depositing sands and clay sediments into Lake Albert (Verner and Jenik, 1984). According to Verner and Jenik (1984)7 , the soils in TSWR are associated with the rift valley faulting, a phenomenon with varied geological processes that are a factor in the existence of various soil types indicated in Figure 5 (a) and (b).
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Figure 5: Geological Units in the Toro-Semliki Wildlife Reserve (A) and the related Soil Units (B) (Source: TSWR Sensitivity Atlas 2018) TSWR GMP 2020/21 - 2029/30 13 TORO-SEMLIKI WILDLIFE RESERVE GENERAL MANAGEMENT PLAN 2020/21 – 2029/30 Verner and Jenik, 1984 describes the soils of the reserve as follows; Bugangari Series: Bugangari soil unit, developed from granites, gneisses, schists, and amphibolites, are characterized by shallow dark brown or black sandy loams, which are often very stony. The loamy soils are of none-to-slight cohesion, meaning that the soil material can be detached easily and transported by rain overland flow. Transportation of soil materials is enhanced by the high energy relief associated with the rift valley escarpment.
Semliki Series: Semliki series soil unit is developed from recent lake and river alluvium parent material that is characterized by dark grey clays that are occasionally saline. The presence of high levels of clay particles explains the expansion (Plate 1a) and contraction nature of the soils during the dry and rainy seasons respectively. The presence of calcium carbonate salts flocculates the clay soil particles thereby forming a weakly aggregated soil structure. These weak structures are easily disintegrated causing the detachment and transportation of soil particles by surface flow water. This phenomenon explains extensive erosion of the Semliki River banks. Areas of low surface cover and high flow accumulation (roads and points of animal concentration, Plate 1b) are vulnerable to soil loss due to surface run off.
7Verner et al,1984: Ecological study of Toro Game Reserve (Uganda) with special references to Uganda Kob
Plate 4: A) Surface Cracks in Semliki Series Soil Unit - B)Galleys Formed along the Road in TSWR Wasa complex: Wasa complex soils (Plate 4) are largely of sandy and loamy textures derived from Rift Valley River and Lake alluvium sediments found below the escarpment that extends from the Wasa fault to the south end of Lake Albert. The coherence of the soil particles ranges from non- coherent (sandy) to slightly coherent (loamy). The soil particles are easy to detach and thereafter transported by overland flow processes.
Plate 4: A Soil Profile of the Wasa Soil Complex TSWR GMP 2020/21 - 2029/30 14 TORO-SEMLIKI WILDLIFE RESERVE GENERAL MANAGEMENT PLAN 2020/21 – 2029/30 Kiamara Series: Kiamara series consist of red sandy clay loams, occasionally underlain by soft laterite, Toro phyllites, schists, and amphibolites. The clayey texture makes the soil aggregates more coherent and therefore resistant to disintegration, dispersion, and detachment of the soil particles. 2.6 Socio-Economic Environment Communities Surrounding the Wildlife Reserve: The Reserve is surrounded by Bantu-speaking ethnic groups mainly Bakonjo, Bamba, Batuku, and Batooro. Although Rutooro is widely spoken by all the four ethnic groups, each group has its own language dialect. These groups are involved in fishing, cultivation, and cattle grazing, as follows;
(a) The fishing community lives along the shoreline of Lake Albert (Plate 3) between the estuaries of River Wasa and River Muzizi, in an area that was excised from the Reserve and gazetted as Wildlife Sanctuary to offer protection of any wildlife that interfaces in this area. The population in this area is continuously growing and has been accorded the status of a town council within a Wildlife sanctuary: Kanara Town Council. In this area, fisheries of Lake Albert are an important source of employment, household income, and food security.
Plate 5: Fish landing Petroleum activities and any other developments in TSWR are likely to have significant negative impacts on fisheries and marine tourism on Lake Albert due to potential negative impacts such as pollution, oil spills, vibrations and noise, infrastructure development, physical presence, and displacement of human settlements.
(b) Other communities found in the area are mainly cattle grazers within the areas of Rwebisengo and Kacwankumu among others (plate 5).
(c) Business communities that trade across the river to the DRC.
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Plate 6: Cattle Grazing in Rwebisengo within Semliki Flats area
2.7 FLORA (VEGETATION) 2.7.1 Land Cover 1964 Diverse habitats occur in the rift valley floor of the Reserve supporting a variety of vegetation types such as grasslands, riverine forests, scrub woodland, swamp forests, papyrus swamps, and savannah woodland mosaic. Figure 6 below shows TSWR habitats, as observed by Langdale and Brown, 1964 which has changed over time.
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Figure 6: Map showing TSWR Habitats in 1964 which have changed over time. (Source: Langdale and Brown, 1964)
2.7.2 Land Cover Description Between 2007 - 1990 The Toro-Semliki GMP 2007–2017 described the composition of the vegetation classes as follows:
1. Grassland Species: Hyparrhenia-Themeda mosaic, Hyparrhenia filipendula, H. dissoluta, and Themeda triandra dominate the north-west of the reserve where there have been frequent fires and intensive grazing. Other species include Chloris spp; Sporobolus spp, a short- to- medium-height grass that occur in patches; Imperata cylindrica;and Panicum echinochloa, a tall grass mainly covering large, moist depressions such as watering holes and forming a thick band on non-forested river banks and lower grounds in the vicinity of Lake Albert.
2. Scrub Woodland Vegetation: This is dominated by wooded grassland characteristic of the Acacia-Hyparrhenia-Themeda woodland with Acacia sieberiana as the dominant tree species associated with Albizia grandibracteata. Others include the Acacia-Imperata, a moist wooded savanna dominated also by Acacia sieberiana, Combretum-Hyparrhenia -Themeda mixed wooded savanna dominated by Combretum spp., Tamarindus indica; and Borassus–Hyparrhenia a palm savanna dominant with other tree species scattered at lower densities. The Borussus aethiopium palm is the frequent species although Acacia and other leguminous species are also common. Plate 7 below shows the vegetation mosaic common within most parts of the reserve.
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Plate 7: Shrub and Wooded Vegetation along Meandering River Wassa 3. Riverine Forest: This mainly occurs in narrow strips along the banks of River Mugiri (Plate 6), River Wasa, and in Nyaburogo valley. Interspersed with the riverine forests are mainly bushland/thicket species mixed with low canopy forest species. The common forest vegetation type includes the Celtis-Chrysophyllum riverine forest, which occurs in thick bands along Mugiri and the southern end of Wasa. The most common main canopy riverine tree species is Ugandan ironwood (Cynometra alexandri), followed by Millettia dura and Kigelia africana. The understory is dominated by Beilschmiedia ugandensis, by far the most common tree in the riverine forests. Celtis africana, Celtis intergrifolia, Celtis mildbraedii, Celtis brownii, Albizia grandibracteata, Albizia coriaria, Chrysophyllum spp., Phoenix reclinata, Polyscias fulva, and Cola gigantea are also common. Other associated tree species include Alistonia bonnei, Strychnos mitis, Diospyros abyssinica, Funtumia africana, Ficus ovata, and Phoenix reclinata.
Plate 8: Typical Riverine Forest around Mugiri TSWR GMP 2020/21 - 2029/30 18 TORO-SEMLIKI WILDLIFE RESERVE GENERAL MANAGEMENT PLAN 2020/21 – 2029/30 4. Wetland Vegetation: Areas of wetland vegetation are mainly located on permanently waterlogged areas adjacent to the riverine forests and along shores of Lake Albert. The areas are dominated by Phoenix reclinata swamp forest, Cyperus papyrus, and Typha payrus swamp (Plate 9).
Plate 9: Swamp Vegetation in Rwangara
2.7.3 Land Cover Trends in TSWR between 1990–2016 Land cover in TSWR has greatly changed over time. According to the analysis done during the sensitivity analysis in 2017, there is a trend that clearly emerges (Figure 7). There was less bush in the 1990s and a substantial area under woodland with equally abundant grasslands. In the subsequent years, there was a reduction in woodland and emergence of bush up to 2010. Yet by 2016, woodlands had reemerged, replacing bush and grassland. Ground verification during field work confirmed that there are mature and climax woodland, in addition to young woodlands, having grown out of grasslands and bush. It is important to note that some of these are invasive bushes (e.g. Dichrostachys cinerea) that have contributed to some of these changes.
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Figure 7: Land Cover Trends from 1990–2016 (Source: TSWR 2017 Sensitivity Atlas) 2.7.4 TSWR Land Cover in 2017 In 2017, Land cover mapping was based on the National Biomass Classification System. Based on this classification, 10 land cover types were found in the reserve. The mapping was based on Sentinel satellite image classification and analysis. The resultant coverage is shown in Figure 8 below. The area covered by each land cover class is summarized in table 1. The dominant land cover type in Rwangara Community Wildlife Area is wetlands (69.32%), followed by grassland (21.59%). In TSWR, the dominant land cover type is woodland that covers 45.06% of the PA followed by grassland that covers 44.06% of the wildlife Reserve.
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Table 1: Area (ha) covered by respective land cover class
Figure 8: 2017 TSWR Land Cover map TSWR GMP 2020/21 - 2029/30 21 –
2.7.4 TSWR Land Cover in 2017 In 2017, Land cover mapping was based on the National Biomass Classification System. Based on this classification, 10 land cover types were found in the reserve. The mapping was based on Sentinel satellite image classification and analysis. The resultant coverage is shown in Figure 8 below. The area covered by each land cover class is summarized in table 1. The dominant land cover type in Rwangara Community Wildlife Area is wetlands (69.32%), followed by grassland (21.59%). In TSWR, the dominant land cover type is woodland that covers 45.06% of the PA followed by grassland that covers 44.06% of the wildlife Reserve.
Figure 8: 2017 TSWR Land Cover map
TableTORO-SEMLIKI 1: Area WILDLIFE (ha) RESERVEcovered GENERAL by respective MANAGEMENT land PLAN cover 2020/21 class – 2029/30
Area Land cover class Area (ha). % land cover Rwangara Community Wildlife Unclassified 0.03 Area 0.00 Woodland 35.02 0.46 Bush 172.36 2.25 Grassland 1,650.75 21.59 Wetland 5,299.66 69.32 Subsistence farmland 5.12 0.07 Built up area 14.77 0.19 Open water 467.69 6.12 TOROSub--SEMLIKItotal area WILDLIFE RESERVE GENERAL AMANGEMENT PLAN 2020/21 – 2029/37,645.41
Toro-Semliki Wildlife Reserve Unclassified 27.68144 0.05 Area Land cover class Area (ha). % land cover Tropical high forest 1,514.525 2.79 23 Woodland 24,483.88 45.06 Bush 3,793.556 6.98 Grassland 23,943.21 44.06 Wetland 215.5386 0.40 Subsistence farmland 116.128 0.21 Built up area 8.283828 0.02 Open water 73.91929 0.14 Unclassified-cloud 162.8226 0.30 Sub-total area 54,339.54 2.7 FAUNASource: Image analysis based on sentinel imagery of 2016; NFA
2.8.1 Animal distribution in the reserve Toro Semliki2.8 Wildlife Fauna Reserve has a variety of wildlife dominated by the Uganda Kob (Kobus kob). In recent years, animal populations that had declined due to conflicts, wars, and insurgencies have begun to recover in the area. In addition to the Uganda Kob, the Reserve is habitat to Elephant, 2.8.1 Animal distribution in the reserve ToroReedbuck, Semliki Hippopotamus, Wildlife Reserve Baboon, has Bush a variety pig, Giant of forest wildl hog,ife Warthog,dominated Buffalo, by the Bushbuck, Uganda Leopard, KChimpanzee,ob (Kobus kob and). WaterbuckIn recent populations.years, animal Table populations 1below shows that 1982,had declined1995, and due2002 to mammal conflicts,population wars, figures. and According insurgencies to Plumptre have begun et al. to(2003), recover the Reservein the area. has aboutIn addition 66 Chimpanzees. to theThe UgandaReserve Kisob, also the known Reserve to host is abouthabitat 400 to bird Elephant, species (InternationalReedbuck, H ippBirdopotamus, Area Assessment BListsaboon, of Birds). Bush Thirteen pig, G Rodentiant forest species, hog, 41 species Warthog, of reptiles, Buffalo, and a Bvarietyushbuck, of butterflies Leopard, have also Cbeenhimpanzee, recorded and in the W Reserve.aterbuck The populations. neighboring Table Rwangara 1below Community shows Wildlife1982, 1995, Area, aand permanent 2002wetland mammal area, is population a notable habitat figures. to Accordingthe endangered to Plumptre shoebill stork.et al. (2003), the Reserve has about 66 Chimpanzees. The Reserve is also known to host about 400 bird speciesThe chimpanzees (International of Semliki Bird WRArea live Assessmentin an unusually Lists dry ofhabitat Birds similar). Thirteen to that Rofodent early human species,ancestors. 41 Fromspecies the of data reptiles, the Chimpanzee and a variety research of butterflies project have collects, also therebeen recordedis hope to better inunderstand the Reserve. Ape andThe earlyneighboring hominine Rwan evolution,gara Communityespecially the Wildlife evolution Area, of bipedalism. a permanent wetland area, is a notable habitat to the endangered shoebill stork.
TheThe aerialchimpanzees survey of of 1996 Semliki (Lamprey WR andlive Michelmore, in an unusually 1996) dry revealed habitat that similar the Uganda to that Kob populationof earlywas reducedhuman ancestors.to several hundreds From the and data that the Buffalo Chimpanzee and Elephant research populations project were collects, at a critically therelow level. is hope When to UWA better came understand into existence Ape inand 1996 early and hominine efficiently evolution, managed theespecially reserve, animal thenumbers evolution started of bipedalism.to recover. Table 1 and Figure 9 below show animal numbers and trends over 46- year period. As a result of this success, District stakeholders are recommending to Government of TheUganda aerial to elevate survey the of status 1996 of(Lamprey the reserve and from Michelmore, a wildlife reserve 1996) to revealeda National thatPark sothe that more Ugandabenefits K areob realizedpopulation from wasthe reserve.reduced to several hundreds and that Buffalo and Elephant populations were at a critically low level. When UWA came into existence inTSWR 1996 GMP and 2020/21 efficiently - 2029/30 managed the reserve, animal numbers started to recover. 22 Table 1 and Figure 9 below show animal numbers and trends over 46-year period. As a result of this success, District stakeholders are recommending to Government of Uganda to elevate the status of the reserve from a wildlife reserve to a National Park so that more benefits are realized from the reserve.
Towards the end of 2015 there were reports from communities that a lion had been sighted and it had killed some cows. A report compiled by the team that was dispatched to trace the reported Lion indeed concluded that a lion could be there
24 TORO-SEMLIKI WILDLIFE RESERVE GENERAL MANAGEMENT PLAN 2020/21 – 2029/30 Towards the end of 2015 there were reports from communities that a lion had been sighted and it had killed some cows. A report compiled by the team that was dispatched to trace the reported Lion indeed concluded that a lion could be there but injured or sick as indicated in the extract shown below from the report and the photographs taken by the team. Second call: the next day on 31st Dec., we went back to the farm and engaged the herdsmen. The purpose was to investigate the last spot they had seen or heard the lion so that a call back station could be set to such nearest vicinity point to maximize the success rates of the response. Then one of the herdsmen (Amos) intimated to us that in that morning at around 10:00am, he had heard the lion roar. We walked with them in the farm in the valleys, the gorges and escarpments, the forests and savannahs in the direction of that roar. This led us to the southernmost escapements of the farm bordering the park. At this point we found foot marks of what seemed like a male lion but the marks were about 3 days old. Amos said that was the belt the lion always took for entering the farm from the park. So, this seemed our best option and we set the call back stage at this place. In the night, we played the calls from 8:20pm to around 1:00am and the lion responded immediately but from an estimated distance of 1km. We suspected it was staging at the adjacent hill east of the call station which is in the farm. It tried to get closer to us through the valley separating the two hills as suggested by the strength of the roar but finally it retrieved back into the valley without reaching us. We aborted the exercise. Third call: on the 1st January, we went back to the farm and re-investigated the closest point and what the villagers heard or saw. We were informed that the lion’s roars approaching us and retrieving from us were heard but there was no further incidence in the farm. We set again the call station at the same place and called again from 8:00pm till around 12:00am. The lion also responded immediately from the same direction though closer and it tried again to get close to us but again it retrieved away. We again aborted the exercise after that. These findings made us suspect that either: - • The lion was injured • Or sick • Or too old to get through the hills and gorges (climbing and descending) with ease to the call station that was located on the next hill. • Or maybe because it was a loner, it was fearing solitary confrontation with call back “lions and hyenas”
Foot print of the suspected Lion
Blood drops suspected from the injured Lion foot
Source: Extract from a field report TSWR GMP 2020/21 - 2029/30 23 –
TORO-SEMLIKI WILDLIFE RESERVE GENERAL MANAGEMENT PLAN 2020/21 – 2029/30 Table 2: Animal population estimates forTable TSWR 2: Animal over population the years estimates for TSWR over the years
Toro Semliki Wildlife Reserve Semliki Flats/Rwangara Area 19691 19781 19822 19952 19951 2002 20102 20132 20152 2017 1982 1995 2002 20102 20132 20152 Uganda Kob 19117 2500 3460 853 652 867 2584 2871 3935 6916 1606 343 196 24 32 6 Waterbuck 537 18 33 5 P 58 137 48 112 81 8 5 Elephant 138 P 25 P 211 47 33 27 13 Buffalo 696 50 P 219 261 323 449 764 41 49 1 Giant forest hog P P 5 4 4 Warthog 43 P P 137 171 163 116 P= Present 1=ground count 2=aerial survey 19691: Kyeyune in Vener and Jenik (1984) 1978P=1 :Present Vener and Jenik1=ground (1984) count 2=aerial survey 2 1982 : Eltringham1 et al (1992) 199519692: Lamphrey: Kyeyune and Michelmore in Vener and Jenik (1984) 199519781: Sivell1: Vener et al. and(1997) Jenik (1984) 2 1982 : Eltringham et al (1992) 19952: Lamphrey and Michelmore 19951: Sivell et al. (1997)
(A) (B)
Figure 9: Data Based on Aerial Results (A) Increase in Uganda Kob (B) Increase in Buffalos
Figure 9: Data Based on Aerial Results (A) Increase in Uganda Kob (B) Increase in Buffalos
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Figure 10: Graph showing decrease in Elephants Recent surveys show that there has been recovery of wildlife in the Reserve area, especially the Uganda Kob—although still far below the population of the 1960s. Buffalo and warthog populations are also recovering. That said, there is notable gradual decrease in the Elephant population of Semliki Wildlife Reserve, as shown in the Table 1 and Figure 10 above.
Plate 10: A Bushbuck in TSWR TSWR GMP 2020/21 - 2029/30 25 TORO-SEMLIKI WILDLIFE RESERVE GENERAL MANAGEMENT PLAN 2020/21 – 2029/30 The map below shows animal species distribution within the reserve;
Figure 11: Distribution of Key Large Mammals in TSWR (Source: TSWR Sensitivity Atlas) TSWR GMP 2020/21 - 2029/30 26 TORO-SEMLIKI WILDLIFE RESERVE GENERAL MANAGEMENT PLAN 2020/21 – 2029/30 2.8.2 Distribution of Birds in the Reserve Toro Semliki Wildlife Reserve (TSWR) is one of 34 National IBAs and lies within the global flyway for migratory birds. The flagship bird of TSWR is the shoebill (Plate 12), located mainly in wetlands of Rwangara and Kanara. Some other bird species are shown below (Plate 11). The Figure 12 below shows the shoebill sites in the swamps of Rwangara and Kanara.
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Long-Crested Eagle Northern Brown-Throated Weaver Black-Bellied Bustard
Long-Crested Eagle Hadada Ibis Wood Sandpiper
Ground Hornbill Yellow Wagtail Black-Headed Heron
Open-Billed Stork Helmeted Guineafowl Sacred Ibis
Marabou Stork Saddle-Billed Stork Woodland Kingfisher Plate 11: Some species of Birds in TSWR TSWR GMP 2020/21 - 2029/30 28 TORO-SEMLIKI WILDLIFE RESERVE GENERAL MANAGEMENT PLAN 2020/21 – 2029/30
Plate 12: Shoe bill
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Figure 12: Shoebill Sites (Source: TSWR Sensitivity Atlas) TSWR GMP 2020/21 - 2029/30 30 TORO-SEMLIKI WILDLIFE RESERVE GENERAL MANAGEMENT PLAN 2020/21 – 2029/30
Figure 13: Bird Sightings in TSWR (Source: TSWR Sensitivity Atlas) TSWR GMP 2020/21 - 2029/30 31 TORO-SEMLIKI WILDLIFE RESERVE GENERAL MANAGEMENT PLAN 2020/21 – 2029/30 2.9 TORO SEMLIKI WILDLIFE RESERVE SURROUNDING ECOSYSTEMS 2.9.1 Lake Albert (Bordering TSWR) Lake Albert is located both in Uganda and the DRC. It is habitat to a wide range of aquatic life (mammals, birds, fish, reptiles, amphibians). The Lake is about 160 kilometers long and 30 kilometers wide, with a maximum depth of 51 meters, and a surface elevation of 619 meters above sea level. Lake Albert is part of the complicated system of the upper Nile. Its main sources of water are the Victoria Nile from Lake Victoria to the southeast and the Semliki River, which drains from Lake Edward. Lake Albert boarders TSWR at its southern end where there are swamps. The swamp system was gazetted as a CWA. The area is home to the shoebill stork, which nests in the shallow waters of Lake Albert.
2.9.2 The Semliki Flats The Semliki Flats (Plate 11) is adjacent to the Reserve and is heavily settled by communities. It also has large herds of cattle, which have led to overgrazing of the area. The area was initially gazetted as a Controlled Hunting Area but was later degazetted. Aerial surveys between 2010 and 2015 record sightings of wild animals in this area. There is a growing human population and settlement areas in trading centers of Makondo, Rwebisengo, Nyakasenyi, Kamuga, Katanga, Rwangara, Katolingo, Masaka, Kacwankumu, and Budiba.
Plate 13: Semliki Flats 2.9.3 The Rwangara Wetland Area The Rwangara wetland (Plate 12) is a Community Wildlife Area on the southern shore of Lake Albert. The wetland is very important for conservation. It serves as a wildlife corridor through which wildlife move to and from DRC and TSWR (Wanyama, 2010). Buffalo and Elephant move through this wetland into the Reserve. It is also one of Uganda’s most important shoebill habitats.
This area has been disturbed by overgrazing from the fishing villages. This is evidenced by the very little wildlife that was encountered in the area (only 32 Uganda Kobs were seen during the 2013 aerial survey conducted by UWA). Poaching has also been rampant in the area, and many cases have been reported. Records show that Buffalos were the main hunted game in the area for commercial purposes. TSWR GMP 2020/21 - 2029/30 32 TORO-SEMLIKI WILDLIFE RESERVE GENERAL MANAGEMENT PLAN 2020/21 – 2029/30
Plate 14: Rwangara Wetland Area 2.10 SENSITIVITY OF TSWR ECOSYSTEMS The sensitivity of the TSWR ecosystem to drivers of change likely to occur in TSWR as a result of developments was determined by the sensitivity Atlas developed in 2017 by UWA under the support of USAID. The process involved a multi-stakeholder and multidisciplinary team to collect and analyse data. The drivers of change used in the analysis included noise, vibration, light, dust, human and vehicular traffic, environmental contamination, habitat disturbance, infrastructure, and petroleum spills as identified and described in the Environmental Monitoring Plan for the Albertine Graben (NEMA, 2012). The overall sensitivity for TSWR is therefore a combination of biological and physical sensitivity. From the figure 15 shown below, areas around Mugiri, the SSL, Kanywataba, Nyaburogo, Kacwankumu, Kanara, and Rwengara are highly sensitive to developments as detailed in the sensitivity atlas for TSWR.
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Figure 14: Overall Sensitivity Map of TSWR (Source: TSWR Sensitivity Atlas) TSWR GMP 2020/21 - 2029/30 34 TORO-SEMLIKI WILDLIFE RESERVE GENERAL MANAGEMENT PLAN 2020/21 – 2029/30 2.11 Distribution of Features Critical for Animal Survival Critical areas for animal survival refer to those areas that sustain survival of animal populations in an ecosystem. Examples are salt licks, watering points, wallows, breeding areas, and congregation points. Those identified so far in TSWR are shown in Figure 15 below.
Figure 15: Features Critical for Animal Survival in TSWR (Source: TSWR Sensitivity Atlas) TSWR GMP 2020/21 - 2029/30 35 TORO-SEMLIKI WILDLIFE RESERVE GENERAL MANAGEMENT PLAN 2020/21 – 2029/30 2.11.1 Watering Points Watering points are those places that provide water to animals for a few months or throughout the year. TSWR is at such a low altitude in the rift valley that it experiences very high temperatures. Availability of water is critical for animals to survive. The Reserve has several water sources that provide water to animals, some of which are permanent (e.g., Lake Albert and Wasa and Muzizi Rivers). Many ponds and wallows are seasonal, but sustain animal water needs for a good time during the dry season before drying up.
2.11.2 Kobleks Uganda Kobs are territorial animals with specific delineated breeding areas called leking grounds or Kobleks (Plate 13), which are controlled by prime males. Individual male territories, measure up to 10 square meters in sizes. Males defend these with ferocity and often lack time to go outside the Kobleks to look for pasture and water and as such they graze just within or on the immediate outskirts of the Kobleks causing great denudation in the areas affected. Kobleks are therefore critical habitats for the survival of Kobs. Kobleks are most often found near water ponds and short grasslands with good pasture. Ecologically, Kobleks are very sensitive sites as they play a critical role in successful reproduction of Uganda kob. The same Koblek areas are often used every year. In TSWR, such Kobleks are found in the areas of Wango, Nyamabare, Kacwakumu, and the Sunset Track.
Plate 15: Koblek in TSWR 2.11.3 Salt Licks Salt licks are natural mineral licks for wildlife that provide essential mineral nutrients for wildlife. Animals lacking essential minerals may show signs of mineral deficiencies, including bone deformations and a reduced immune system. In TSWR, these salt lick areas are found near Bugando.
TSWR GMP 2020/21 - 2029/30 36 TORO-SEMLIKI WILDLIFE RESERVE GENERAL MANAGEMENT PLAN 2020/21 – 2029/30 PART 3: RESERVE CONSERVATION VALUES, PURPOSE AND MANAGEMENT ZONES
Plate 16: TSWR landscape interspersed with Uganda Kobs
TSWR GMP 2020/21 - 2029/30 37 TORO-SEMLIKI WILDLIFE RESERVE GENERAL MANAGEMENT PLAN 2020/21 – 2029/30 3.1 TSWR CONSERVATION VALUES A variety of biological, physical and cultural characteristics contribute important and sometimes unique attributes for TSWR. These are described in this section and have been considered when determining the overall conservation purpose and prioritisation of activities for the next ten years. The identified TSWR conservation values are; 1. The Scenic beauty including Escarpment, Gorges, Lake Albert, Riverine forests, Waterfalls and Flat land forms (lake Albert flats, Semuliki flats, and Kaplate among others) TSWR has a magnificent scenery being in a scenic and exceptional landscape in the Albertine Rift. It is comprised of unique geographical features and landscapes such as the flat open area in the rift valley, gorges, L. Albert and the escarpment with its undulating and dissected hills. 2. Critical habitat for the endangered animal species like the Shoe bill, Elephants and Chimpanzees. TSWR has a variety of wildlife dominated by the Uganda Kob (Kobus kob). In recent years, animal populations that had declined due to conflicts, wars, and insurgencies have begun to recover in the area. In addition to the other fauna, the Reserve is habitat to the endangered Elephant and Chimpanzee. No recent survey has been done to determine the current number of Chimpanzees in the Reserve but according to Plumptre et al. (2003), the Reserve has about 66 Chimpanzees. The Reserve is also known to host about 400 bird species.13 Rodent species, 41 species of Reptiles, and a variety of Butterflies have also been recorded in the Reserve (Plumptre et al. 2003). The neighbouring Rwangara Community Wildlife Area, a permanent wetland area, is a notable habitat to the endangered Shoebill. 3. Critical breeding habitat for Fish around the confluence of Rivers Muzizi, Wasa and the wetlands infringing the Lake shore. Fish form an important component of aquatic ecosystems because of their interaction with other environmental factors (biotic and abiotic). They have a significant influence on the structure and functioning of ecosystems (Holmlund & Hammer, 1999). They are sensitive to changes in their habitat, therefore dedicated monitoring of fish communities can provide a useful indicator of the ecological health of their habitats. Lake Albert has a rich and diverse fish fauna, the most common fish species being Brycinus nurse, Hydrocynus forskahlii, Bagrus bayad, Alestes baremose, Oreochromis leucostictus, Oreochromis niloticus, Lates niloticus, Tilapia galilaea, Tilapia zillii, Clarias gariepinus Aucheno glanis, occidentalis Barbusbynni, Synodontis frontosus, Synodontisschall Synodontis “yellow strip” and Gnathonemus victoriae. The fisheries of Lake Albert are an important source of food security, household incomes and employment for residents in the lake’s catchment, communities living in 7 fish landing sites and revenue to both central and local governments.
4. Provides an opportunity for Education and Research TSWR provides Education and Research opportunities to schools and researchers around and beyond. The main interest for researchers and students include the Dry land Savannah Chimpanzees and a variety of flora both in the low lands and the escarpment. Oil prospects also have encouraged researchers in this Reserve.
5. Unique dry habitat chimpanzees The chimpanzees of TSWR live in an unusually dry habitat similar to that of early human ancestors. From the data the Chimp research project collects, there is hope to better understand ape and early hominine evolution, especially the evolution of bipedalism.Currently, Chimpanzees (Pan troglodytes) are found in Nyaburogo and the Mugiri area. Previous records as far as 1998, show that three separate Chimpanzee communities in the Reserve existed. In the middle of the Reserve, the study population is found along the flanks of the Mugiri River and its tributaries. In
TSWR GMP 2020/21 - 2029/30 38 TORO-SEMLIKI WILDLIFE RESERVE GENERAL MANAGEMENT PLAN 2020/21 – 2029/30 the far northeast a separate community, though certainly much reduced or eliminated by habitat destruction, could be found along the banks of Muzizi River. In the west, a population could be found in forests flanking the Nyaburogo Valley.
3.2 TSWR ten years’ management purpose To protect and conserve TSWR, as a critical habitat for endangered and vulnerable species for the benefit of the National and International community.
3.3 TSWR management zones Zoning is a planning tool used to subdivide protected areas into distinct spatial areas according to their resource values and/ or sensitivity. Zone designation helps prescribe what may or may not take place in each zone in order to accomplish management objectives and achieve the desired future. Certain actions such as enforcement and research and monitoring however can take place in any zone. The zoning strategy for TSWR seeks to achieve harmonious balance between the following; Infrastructure development necessary to manage the Reserve Tourism activities, which generate income and raise the profile of TSWR Sustainable extraction of natural resources by the local people Four management zones have been identified. These are Tourism zone, Collaborative resource use zone, Administrative zone and the rest being the Wilderness zone. Each zone is described below: -
3.3.1 Zone descriptions Tourism zone The tourism zone follows the primary routes intended to facilitate enjoyment and appreciation of the Reserve interior. The primary management objective is the protection of the natural and cultural values of the routes, in order to enable visitors, enjoy a rewarding and aesthetically pleasing Reserve experience. The Tourism Zone is shown in yellow on the map below. Permitted Activities: 1. Visitor use, day and overnight basis 2. Overnight Camping and accommodation for visitors 3. Visitor information and interpretative services 4. Fire management activities Permitted Facilities/Infrastructure: 1. Camp sites 2. Improved trails/bridges 3. Latrines 4. Facilities supporting research, monitoring, and Reserve operations 5. Signs for visitor orientation, security, and interpretation facilities 6. Lodges and Hotels Prohibited Activities: 1. Killing wild animals 2. Timber harvesting 3. Setting fires without following the Fire management plan 4. Picking/harvesting of flora and fauna from the Reserve Prohibited Facilities/Infrastructure: 1. Facilities supporting resource harvesting Designated Areas within this Zone: 1. All tourism trails and tourist attractions.
TSWR GMP 2020/21 - 2029/30 39 TORO-SEMLIKI WILDLIFE RESERVE GENERAL MANAGEMENT PLAN 2020/21 – 2029/30 Collaborative resource use zone. Communities neighbouring the Reserve will be allowed to harvest resources within the Resource Use zone. In principle, this zone consists of a continuous 1km kilometre wide strip along the boundary in the areas shown on the map below where communities may enter the reserve to gather firewood, medicinal plants, and other approved resources. Access and extraction is subject to agreements with TSWR management. Administrative Zone This zone category refers to primary concentrations of infrastructure within TSWR enabling management and research. Administration zones are mostly located around the edge of the Reserve. This strategy minimizes impacts on the Reserve environment, maximizes the effectiveness of community-related activities and enables ready access to services and transport routes by Reserve staff. The Reserve headquarters, Administrative infrastructure and all outposts form the administrative zone. Wilderness zone The Wilderness Zone is shown as green on the map below. Wilderness designation provides a high level of protection to the natural vegetation of TSWR. The primary management objective is to ensure minimal disturbance and maximum protection of the biodiversity and ecological processes within the Reserve. In this zone, protection of biophysical values is the primary consideration because of the sensitivity of the environment in the area. No harvesting of resources is permitted and visitor access must be carefully managed. Pending the results of environmental impact assessments, basic facilities with minimal impact from visitors such as trails, footbridges, and latrines may be acceptable. Where a unique community resource is identified for harvesting in this zone, temporally MoUs and permits specifying controlled access routes and time period will be agreed on. Active fire management will be carried out in the zone to preserve natural grassland habitats and to prevent damaging fires spreading into other parts of the Reserve. Permitted Activities: 1. Research and monitoring activities 2. Overnight use by approved researchers and Reserve staff only 3. Day and night use by visitors on designated routes and Camps 4. Fire management activities 5. Patrols
Permitted Facilities/Infrastructure: 1. Improved trails and bridges in support of research, monitoring, Reserve operations, and visitor use 2. Signs intended for visitor orientation, safety, and resource protection purposes 3. Structures supporting Reserve operations and approved research 4. Access to cultural sites under agreed terms and conditions
Prohibited Activities: 1. Resource harvesting except under an agreed MoU 2. Cultivation 3. Overnight use other than by approved researchers and Reserve staff Prohibited Facilities/Infrastructure: 1. Structures and facilities except Camp sites and patrol huts Designated Areas within this Zone: This zone constitutes the biggest percentage in line with best management principles and practices. The zone commences after immediately after the Collaborative Resource use zone. It also starts immediately after the tourism zone described above. It excludes areas designated for resource access and tourism activities. TSWR GMP 2020/21 - 2029/30 40 TORO-SEMLIKI WILDLIFE RESERVE GENERAL MANAGEMENT PLAN 2020/21 – 2029/30
Figure 16: Map showing TSWR management zones TSWR GMP 2020/21 - 2029/30 41 TORO-SEMLIKI WILDLIFE RESERVE GENERAL MANAGEMENT PLAN 2020/21 – 2029/30 PART 4: MANAGEMENT PROGRAMS, OUTPUTS AND PLANNED ACTIVITIES
Plate 17: Example of illegal activities -Debarking of trees
Plate 18: impacts of public roads inside PAs-African Civet (Civettictis civetta) knocked by a speeding car (Road kills) TSWR GMP 2020/21 - 2029/30 42 TORO-SEMLIKI WILDLIFE RESERVE GENERAL MANAGEMENT PLAN 2020/21 – 2029/30 4.1 MANAGEMENT PROGRAMS 4.1.1 Resource conservation and management program This program highlights the key program issues and challenges that management faces in securing the integrity of the reserve. The key threats which include poaching, encroachment, wild fires, domestic animal grazing, increasing human population in Kanara town council, inadequate water points for wild animals during the dry season, Oil and gas activities inside the reserve and others are highlighted under this section. These threats if not adequately addressed will have significant negative impacts on the ecosystem. A number of measures have been proposed to ensure that the integrity of the PA is maintained and the wildlife populations are increased. This will also justify the proposal to upgrade the conservation status of the reserve as demanded by the surrounding District Local Governments.
Program objective: To restore and maintain healthy ecosystem in the PA
Output 1: Critical habitats for wildlife well protected and managed
TSWR has a variety of habitats that harbour a diversity of species. The habitats include grassland, wetland, riverine forests and woodland. Protection and management of these habitats is critical for the survival of wildlife species. The riverine forests of Mugiri and Nyaburogo harbour the Chimpanzees, which is a unique species and a variety of other Primates and Antelopes. The riverine forest along L. Albert is an important area for fish breeding and harbour approximately 337 bird species including the Shoebill (appendix 7). The grassland is important for almost all the types of wildlife. The Reserve has some wetlands e.g. Jogojogo, Ndorwa-Wasa and Kandita. These wetlands are a refuge for wildlife during the dry season. In addition, Rwangara, which is outside the Reserve, is also an important wetland especially for Shoebill. Wetlands also act as breeding areas for fish.
Over the years, some of these habitats have been changing due to change in climate and overgrazing. The grassland has been affected by invasive species e.g. Dichrostachys cineria that has invaded most of the areas of Nyamabare, Makondo, Kanyamukura, Kyenyange, Kangonzebwoha, Kacwankumu, Kanara, Kigungu and, Kanywataba and is still spreading to other parts of the Reserve. In addition, these areas get affected by drought, which leads to drying of water sources in the Reserve. Other places are changing to woodland and if not well-managed will turn into forests, which will reduce the grazing areas for wildlife.
Wetlands especially along River Wasa towards L. Albert have been affected by fires caused by the fishermen who burn to increase their fish catches hence affecting breeding of other wildlife species. The burning also affects breeding areas for the Shoebill (UWA,20178 ).
Waste management is increasingly becoming a challenge in Kanara town council, which is a wildlife sanctuary. There is poor sanitation, poor handling of polythene bags and no waste bins. People are not well sensitised on waste management.
8TSWR Fire management plan 2017-2021
Given that this place is one of the tourism sites especially for Shoebill, poor waste management spoils the beauty of the place hence affecting tourism business in the area. Waste also attracts baboons leading to increased human wildlife conflict.
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Plate 19: Picture showing poor garbage management within Kanara Town Council
TSWR GMP 2020/21 - 2029/30 44 TORO-SEMLIKI WILDLIFE RESERVE GENERAL MANAGEMENT PLAN 2020/21 – 2029/30 Management has put in efforts to sensitise communities on waste management including practical demonstrations on waste management techniques (Plate 21). These activities have been participatory involving local, opinion and religious leaders. However, communities are slow in adopting the interventions put in place and have continued with their traditional practices.
Plate 20: Photograph showing good waste management practice at Karugutu wildlife reserve headquarters Management Actions This plan has proposed measures to manage the habitats. Vegetation manipulation will be carried out in places which have been invaded by invasive species and those that have changed from grassland to woodland to create open areas for grazing. Water dams will be constructed in Kandita and at Semuliki Safari Lodge (SSL) junction where water is a problem. Management will work with Ntoroko-Kanara Town Council to ensure that waste is properly managed. A waste management plan for the Reserve will be developed and this will include management of waste outside the Reserve in Kanara Town Council. UWA will work with the District Natural Resources Departments, NEMA and other stakeholders to enforce The National Environment (Wetlands, River Banks and Lake Shores Management) Regulations, No. 3/2000 under the National Environment Act, cap 153 especially – on the use of the lake shores along the reserve boundary. DetailedDetailed Management management Actions actions Activities Resp. Others Time 1 Work with NEMA, DLG and other stakeholders WIC WCC, CDO DEO, Year 1-10 to enforce the Wetlands, River Banks and WP, NEMA Lake Shores Management regulations 2 Develop and implement a waste management WEM WIC, WCC, YR 1; YR 2-10 plan MP,DEO 3 Formulate and enforce regulations for TSWR WLE DDLCA Yr 4
TSWR GMP 2020/21 - 2029/30 45 Output 2: Negative impacts of Extractive Industries and developments minimized
Numerous developments are currently being implemented and some are being proposed within the boundaries of the Wildlife Reserve. These include petroleum development, hydropower, gravity water schemes, roads, and various tourism infrastructure and facilities as detailed below.
Petroleum developments TSWR is one of the protected areas in the Albertine Graben where oil and gas activities are taking place. The first licence of the block that included the Reserve was awarded to Heritage Oil Company in 1997. The Company drilled three wells (Turacco 1, 2, and 3) in Rwebisengo area, which is close to the Reserve. However, these wells were abandoned because no commercially viable quantities of petroleum were discovered. In 2013, another exploratory well, Kanywataba was drilled inside the Reserve by China National Offshore Oil Company (CNOOC) but the Well was also dry. During the first round of licensing, the Government licensed the Kanywataba-Turaco blocks to Amour Energy an Austrian oil company to undertake more exploration for oil and gas in the area. Thus, the Reserve will most likely be affected by the petroleum activities in the next ten years.
Hydropower
In the north east of the Reserve, Government has proposed Muzizi hydropower dam that is planned to generate 44.7 megawatts (MEMD, 2013). Hydropower development can potentially facilitate aquatic habitat degeneration especially for aquatic wildlife. Although the infrastructure will be outside the Reserve on the western bank of River Muzizi, impacts may spill over to the Reserve, given that animals access the River for water and others (such as Hippopotamus and Crocodiles) live permanently in this location.
Roads (management and UNRA roads)
There have been two main proposed roads, which will transverse the reserve including Karugutu-Ntoroko and Masongora-Kanara roads. The Karugutu-Ntoroko road bisects the Reserve into two and is a murram road. UNRA has planned to upgrade the road to bitumen standard though UWA had proposed to divert the road so that it follows the current Karugutu-Rwebisengo road up to the reserve boundary at Makondo. From that point the road would then follow the reserve boundary via Kachwankumu road to Ntoroko to minimize potential negative impacts of road development in the reserve. If this proposal is accepted, then the
TORO-SEMLIKI WILDLIFE RESERVE GENERAL MANAGEMENT PLAN 2020/21 – 2029/30 Output 2: Negative impacts of Extractive Industries and developments minimized
Numerous developments are currently being implemented and some are being proposed within the boundaries of the Wildlife Reserve. These include petroleum development, hydropower, gravity water schemes, roads, and various tourism infrastructure and facilities as detailed below.
Petroleum Developments TSWR is one of the protected areas in the Albertine Graben where oil and gas activities are taking place. The first licence of the block that included the Reserve was awarded to Heritage Oil Company in 1997. The Company drilled three wells (Turacco 1, 2, and 3) in Rwebisengo area, which is close to the Reserve. However, these wells were abandoned because no commercially viable quantities of petroleum were discovered. In 2013, another exploratory well, Kanywataba was drilled inside the Reserve by China National Offshore Oil Company (CNOOC) but the Well was also dry. During the first round of licensing, the Government licensed the Kanywataba-Turaco blocks to Amour Energy an Austrian oil company to undertake more exploration for oil and gas in the area. Thus, the Reserve will most likely be affected by the petroleum activities in the next ten years.
Hydropower In the north east of the Reserve, Government has proposed Muzizi hydropower dam that is planned to generate 44.7 megawatts (MEMD, 2013). Hydropower development can potentially facilitate aquatic habitat degeneration especially for aquatic wildlife. Although the infrastructure will be outside the Reserve on the western bank of River Muzizi, impacts may spill over to the Reserve, given that animals access the River for water and others (such as Hippopotamus and Crocodiles) live permanently in this location.
Roads (management and UNRA roads) There have been two main proposed roads, which will transverse the reserve including Karugutu- Ntoroko and Masongora-Kanara roads. The Karugutu-Ntoroko road bisects the Reserve into two and is a murram road. UNRA has planned to upgrade the road to bitumen standard though UWA had proposed to divert the road so that it follows the current Karugutu-Rwebisengo road up to the reserve boundary at Makondo. From that point the road would then follow the reserve boundary via Kachwankumu road to Ntoroko to minimize potential negative impacts of road development in the reserve. If this proposal is accepted, then the existing road will be used exclusively by tourists. Road development can lead to loss of habitat, introduction of invasive species, increase in road kills (from vehicle collisions) and increased human access to the reserve. Socially, the option of diversion would benefit communities neighbouring the reserve much more than the one going through the middle of the reserve.
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Plate 21: Photograph showing a dead African civet near Ntoroko as a result of being knocked crossing the road (road kill) Transmission lines Ministry of Energy and Mineral Development and the Rural Electrification Agency have proposed a transmission line from Karugutu connecting to Ntoroko. This line will pass through the reserve. Transmission lines cause visual intrusion, may lead to vegetation loss, land take and reduce the visitor experience. These lines also pose a potential risk of electrocution to birds with wide wing spans e.g. the Marabou stork.
Gravity water scheme Government has proposed extension of gravity water originating from Rwenzori Mountains to supply the areas of Ntoroko and Rwebisengo. Distribution pipes will be laid through the reserve. This will result into land take; soil erosion; and interference with wildlife movement and breeding. The above developments can potentially result into negative environmental impacts to the Reserve if not well managed. UWA has prepared an environmental sensitivity atlas for the Reserve that identifies areas that are more sensitive to these developments so that they can be protected during these developments. This Management plan further puts in place management actions to minimise impacts of these developments.
Management actions Management will carry out baseline studies for those areas to be opened up for developments to assess their status in terms of plant species and coverage, soil conditions, animal access among others. This information will be used during restoration after the activities have been completed. The information will also supplement the one that will be generated by the companies and contractors during the EIA process. In order to address long-term impacts of these developments, management will partner with Research institutions to generate data for future monitoring. The Reserve staff will be involved in the EIA process including identifying the impacts and mitigation measures of the projects to be implemented and during the review process. They will monitor implementation of the mitigation measures to ensure compliance. Tools that will guide management in monitoring compliance will be developed. For UWA initiated projects, staff in collaboration with the EIA unit at UWA headquarters will prepare project briefs to address the impacts of these projects on the Reserve. They will then monitor to ensure that the mitigation measures are implemented. Environmental audits will be periodically conducted for all the ongoing projects to ensure compliance to environmental provisions.
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these developments so that they can be protected during these developments. This Management plan further puts in place management actions to minimise impacts of these developments.
Management actions Management will carry out baseline studies for those areas to be opened up for developments to assess their status in terms of plant species and coverage, soil conditions, animal access among others. This information will be used during restoration after the activities have been completed. The information will also supplement the one that will be generated by the companies and contractors during the EIA process. In order to address long-term impacts of these developments, management will partner with Research institutions to generate data for future monitoring. The Reserve staff will be involved in the EIA process including identifying the impacts and mitigation measures of the projects to be implemented and during the review process. They will monitor implementation of the mitigation measures to ensure compliance. Tools that will guide management in monitoring compliance will be developed.
For UWA initiated projects, staff in collaboration with the EIA unit at UWA headquarters will prepare project briefs to address the impacts of these projects on the Reserve. They will then monitor to ensure that the mitigation measures are implemented.
Environmental audits will be periodically conducted for all the ongoing projects to ensure compliance to environmental provisions. TORO-SEMLIKI WILDLIFE RESERVE GENERAL MANAGEMENT PLAN 2020/21 – 2029/30
DetailedDetailed Management manage Actionsment actions Activities Resp. Others Time 1 Carry out project baseline studies before start of WEM EMRU, Research Year1-10 activities institutions 2 Monitor compliance to EIA conditions of approval WEM MEIA/OM, CW Year1-10 3 Monitor long term impacts of developments WEM MEIA/OM, CW Year1-10 4 Carry out environmental audits MEIA/OM WEM, WIC Year1-10 5 Carry out project briefs for UWA initiated MEIA/OM WEM, WIC Year1-10 projects 6 Participate in the review of EIS and project briefs MEIA/OM WEM, WIC Year1-10 for externally initiated developments
OutputTORO-SEMLIKI 3: Illegal activities WILDLIFE in RESERVE the PA reduced GENERAL AMANGEMENT PLAN 2020/21 – 2029/3 Output 3: Illegal activities in the PA reduced WhileWhi ltheree the havere h beenave beffortseen e byffo managementrts by mana toge combatment t illegalo com activitiesbat ille gina thel ac PA,tiv someities iofn themthe are still a big challenge. They include poaching, charcoal burning, cattle grazing, area encroachment PAKac, wankumu,some of th Kakaraem are andstill Nyabigari. a big ch aPoachingllenge. T haelsyo intakesclude pl paceoac hinin gRwangara, charcoa lareas for farming and bush burning among others. bouturnsideing, thecatt lReserve.e grazing, area encroachment for farming and bush burning among others. Poaching Poachers target Antelopes and Warthogs though sometimes they go for Buffalos. PoachingPoaching is still one of the problems faced in the reserve. The Reserve was originally used as a huntingPoaching area for is themai omukamanly for ofsubsisten Tooro force recreation although and oth trophies.ers do Up it to fornow, commerc some communitiesial reason s. PMostoach iofng theis stpoachersill one o fuse th edogs, pro bspleeamsrs f aandced sometimesin the res ewirerve. snaresThe R etose rkivell animawas ls. stillor iregardginally this us earead a sas a a hunhuntingting areaare aand fo dor th note takeomu khuntingama o asf To ano illegalro fo ractivity. recrea Poachingtion and is Given the proximity of the Reserve to DRC, there is also an anticipated threat of rampanttrophie sin. Uthep tareaso now of, s oWango,me co mmRwamikira,unities sNyamabale,till regard Rwenzunza,this area a s Ndorwa,a hunti nMuzizi,g area Wasa,and Konayanika,darmedo not tpoachinga kKacwankumu,e hunt itargetingng a Kakaras an Elephants.ill andega Nyabigari.l acti vity Poaching. Poachi nalsog i stakes ram pplaceant iinn Rwangarathe area sareas of outsideWango the, R Reserve.wamikir aPoachers, Nyama targetbale, AntelopesRwenzun zanda, NWarthogsdorwa, Mthoughuzizi, sometimesWasa, Ko ntheyaya ngoik afor, Buffalos.Management Poaching has is mainly intensif forie subsistenced patrols althoughto curb othersthis problem do it for commercialand curre ntreasons.ly most Most of the of areasthe poachers are acce usess dogs,ed by spears Rangers and sometimes except al wireong snaresthe escarpme to kill animals.nt be Givencause the of proximity the ragged of terrthe Reserveain making to DRC, it there impo isss alsoible an to anticipated access. threatThese of effortsarmed poaching along witargetingth inte Elephants.lligence and community sensitisation have resulted into reduced illegal activities in general. ManagementPoaching hasand intensified encroachm patrolsent sto a curbppear this as problem on incr andea currentlyse probably most ofdue the toareas incr areea sed accessedpatrol byefforts Rangers and except improved along report the escarpment by comm becauseunities. of the ragged terrain making it impossible to access. These efforts along with intelligence and community sensitisation have resulted into reduced illegal activities in general. Poaching and encroachments appear as on increaseTable probably 3: Summary due to table increased sho patrolwing incidenefforts andce simproved of illegal report activit by communities.ies encountered from 2012- 2018 Table 3: Summary table showing incidences of illegal activities encountered from 2012- 2018
Type of illegal activity Number of incidents 2012-2018 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016 2017 2018 Encroachment 2 71 147 87 66 16 15 Hunting/Poaching 66 87 211 130 328 438 374 Fishing 0 0 4 0 0 1 0 NTFP collection: Honey 2 0 0 0 2 0 0 Stakes 0 1 12 7 0 0 1 Poles 7 18 54 38 41 14 5 Grass 1 1 0 0 0 0 0 Forest Products Firewood 8 14 27 18 28 10 1 Charcoal 1 0 0 0 4 0 2 Total 87 192 455 280 469 479 398 (Source: UWA records-SMART)(Source: UWA records-SMART)
TSWR GMP 2020/21 - 2029/30 48 TORO-SEMLIKI WILDLIFE RESERVE GENERAL MANAGEMENT PLAN 2020/21 – 2029/30 TORO-SEMLIKI WILDLIFE RESERVE GENERAL AMANGEMENT PLAN 2020/21 – 2029/3 TORO-SEMLIKI WILDLIFE RESERVE GENERAL AMANGEMENT PLAN 2020/21 – 2029/3
FigureFigure 17: Gra 17:ph s how Graphing inc showingidences o fincidences illegal activit ofies illegal activities (Source: UWA records-SMART)
Figure 17: Graph showing incidences of illegal activities (S ource: UWA2018 re cPATROLords-SMAR COVERAGET) 2017 PATROL COVERAGE
(Source: UWA records-SMART) 2018 PATROL COVERAGE 2017 PATROL COVERAGE
2018 PATROL COVERAGE 2017 PATROL COVERAGE
Summary table of patrol effort 2018 Summary table of patrol effort 2018 Transport type Number of Numb e r of Days Number of Distance (km) Perso n - Days Summary table of patrol effort 2018 Patrols Nights Transport type Number of Number of Days Number of Distance (km) Person - Days Airplane 1 1 0 39.45 2 Patrols Nights Foot 809 2010 1201 10461.12 4608 Airplane 1 1 0 39.45 2 Motorized 70 75 5 2586.81 173 Foot 809 2010 1201 10461.12 4608 Observational 1 1 0 28.33 2 Motorized 70 75 5 2586.81 173 Observational Total 881 1 2081 7 1200 6 1311528.33.7 1 4782 5 Summary table of patrol effort 2017 Total 881 2087 1206 13115.71 4785 SummarySumTrmanasrpyo tra ttableb tlyep oef ofpa tpatrolroNl uemffb oeffortertr 2o01f 72017 Number of Days Number of Distance (km) Person - Days Patrols Nights Transport type Number of Number of Days Number of Distance (km) Person - Days Airplane 1 1 0 63.52 2 Patrols Nights FooAirptl ane 9610 2311 5 1350 5 926263.5.29 2 5202 3 MFoootot rized 96290 23134 5 1355 5 9262724..5962 520853 ObseMotorvaizedtio nal 229 344 52 72421..7586 895 Observational Total 992 2 2354 4 1362 2 1007221.78.7 9 5299 9 Graph showing Toefftalor t per m99ont2 h 2018 2354 1362 10072.79 5299 Graph showing effort per month 2018 TSWR GMP 2020/21 - 2029/30 49
TORO-SEMLIKI WILDLIFE RESERVE GENERAL MANAGEMENT PLAN 2020/21 – 2029/30 Graph showing effort per month 2018
Graph showing effort per month 2017
Figure 18: Patrol effort comparison graphs, maps and tables (Source: UWA records-SMART)
Plate 22: Photograph showing a team of Rangers on patrol Grazing The reserve is surrounded by a big community of cattle keepers more especially in Rwebisengo, Bweramure and Butungama sub-counties. They have big herds of cattle but have limited land to accommodate them hence end up pushing them to the reserve for pasture and water. This problem increases during the dry seasons though sometimes when it floods also the owners go to the reserve. Management has been impounding these cows and confining them into the designated kraals and the owners fined although this is changing to allow offenders be taken to courts of law for prosecution. In addition, UWA is developing regulations for PAs that will address cattle grazing in protected areas among other things and the process for developing regulations for TSWR has already started. TSWR GMP 2020/21 - 2029/30 50 TORO-SEMLIKI WILDLIFE RESERVE GENERAL MANAGEMENT PLAN 2020/21 – 2029/30
Figure 19: Map showing cattle grazing and poaching incidences (Source: UWA records-SMART) TSWR GMP 2020/21 - 2029/30 51 TORO-SEMLIKI WILDLIFE RESERVE GENERAL MANAGEMENT PLAN 2020/21 – 2029/30
Plate 23: Photograph showing burnt areas inside the reserve Management actions ManagementTORO-SEM willLIKI WenhanceILDLIFE R patrolsESERVE GEbothNERAL routine AMAN andGEM EtargetedNT PLAN 2based020/21 on– 2 02intelligence.9/3 In addition, Drones (Unmanned vehicles) shall be used to enhance patrols and to detect problem Elephants as wellIn oasrd monitoringer to mana impactsge the gr ofaz developmentsing problem, r einsidegulat itheons reserve. will be fForina ltheised hot an dspot enf oareas,rced. spot checksStr willong be kr conducted.aals will b eThe con arrestedstructed suspects to confi willne thbee taken impo toun courtsded ca ofttl lawe a nford tprosecution.he owners Maintainingwill be ofpro thesec boundaryuted. will be carried out through slashing. Boundary trees will be planted in areas of Munyege to Nyakatehe and along the escarpment. Pillars will be re-installed where they wereM removed.anagement will continue implementing the fire management plan to ensure that fire incidences are minimised. Fire lines will be maintained and new ones created In orderin t tohe manage fire pro thene grazingareas. problem, regulations will be finalised and enforced. Strong kraals will be constructed to confine the impounded cattle and the owners will be prosecuted. Management will continueIntensif implementingied sensitisat theion firewill management take place planto toen ensuresure c othatmm fireuni tincidencesies appre areciat minimised.e the Fire linesvalu ewill of be con maintainedservation andand new stop ones illeg createdal activ iintie thes. fire prone areas. Intensified sensitisation will take place to ensure communities appreciate the value of conservation and stop illegal activities.
DetailedDetailed management managem actionsent actions Activities Resp. Others Time 1 Carry out routine and targeted patrols WLE WIC, IS YR 1-10 2 Conduct spot checks WLE WIC, IS YR 1-10 3 Prosecute suspects WLE WP, IS YR 1-10 4 Enhance the boundary marking by planting live WCC WIC, WLE, LCs YR 1-5 markers from Munyege to Nyakatehe 5 Monitor and Maintain the Reserve boundary WLE WIC.WCC YR 1-10 6 Construct and maintain cattle kraals for impounded WLE WIC YR 1-10 domestic animals inside the Reserve 7 Implement the fire management plan WEM WIC, WLE YR 1-10 8 Gather and manage intelligence information WLE IS, WIC YR 1-10 9 Formulate and enforce regulations for TSWR WLE DDLCA Yr 1-2
OuOutputtput 4 :4: S Securityecurity a andnd sasafetyfety ooff vvisitorsisitors andand staffstaff whilewhile in in the th ereserve reserv ensurede ensured TSWR GMP 2020/21 - 2029/30 52 Issues and Rationale The Rwenzori region where TSWR is located has suffered insecurity from a number of elements including Allied Democratic Forces (ADF) and Rwenzururu intertribal conflicts. The ADF terrorized the region in the late 90s and continue to be a threat in the region. There have been recent tribal clashes in the districts of Bundibugyo and Kasese which has claimed a number of lives. In addition, the insecurity in DRC has potential to spill over to TSWR given that the reserve is at the border where wrong elements can cross through Lake Albert to hide in the reserve.
Management actions Staff will conduct regular joint patrols in and around the park with UPDF to ensure security and safety. Cross border coordinated meetings on security will be organized and conducted with DRC Authorities. Gathering and sharing of intelligence information will be emphasized to ensure that all parties are well informed. In case suspects who come from DRC are arrested on the Ugandan side, management will handover suspects to the concerned authorities across the border for prosecution according to agreed terms between the two sister forces.
Detailed management actions Activities Resp. Others Time 1 Carry out regular joint patrols with UPDF WLE WIC, IS YR 1-10 2 Hold security meetings both with other security WLE WIC, IS YR 1-10 agents and with DRC Authorities
TORO-SEMLIKI WILDLIFE RESERVE GENERAL AMANGEMENT PLAN 2020/21 – 2029/3
In order to manage the grazing problem, regulations will be finalised and enforced. Strong kraals will be constructed to confine the impounded cattle and the owners will be prosecuted.
Management will continue implementing the fire management plan to ensure that fire incidences are minimised. Fire lines will be maintained and new ones created in the fire prone areas.
Intensified sensitisation will take place to ensure communities appreciate the value of conservation and stop illegal activities.
Detailed management actions Activities Resp. Others Time 1 Carry out routine and targeted patrols WLE WIC, IS YR 1-10 2 Conduct spot checks WLE WIC, IS YR 1-10 3 Prosecute suspects WLE WP, IS YR 1-10 4 Enhance the boundary marking by planting live WCC WIC, WLE, LCs YR 1-5 markers from Munyege to Nyakatehe 5 Monitor and Maintain the Reserve boundary WLE WIC.WCC YR 1-10 6 Construct and maintain cattle kraals for impounded WLE WIC YR 1-10 domestic animals inside the Reserve 7 Implement the fire management plan WEM WIC, WLE YR 1-10 8 Gather and manage intelligence information WLE IS, WIC YR 1-10 9 Formulate and enforce regulations for TSWR WLE DDLCA Yr 1-2
Output 4: Security and safety of visitors and staff while in the reserve ensured
Issues and Rationale TORO-SEMLIKIThe Rwe WILDLIFEnzori r RESERVEegion w GENERALhere TS MANAGEMENTWR is loc PLANate d2020/21 has s –u 2029/30ffered insecurity from a number Issuesof e andlem Rationaleents inclu ding Allied Democratic Forces (ADF) and Rwenzururu intertribal Thec onRwenzoriflicts. T regionhe AD whereF terr oTSWRrized isth locatede region has in suffered the late insecurity 90s and cfromonti nau numbere to be of a elementsthreat in¬cludingin the r Alliedegion Democratic. There ha Forcesve bee (ADF)n rec eandnt Rwenzururutribal clash intertribales in the conflicts.districts Theof B ADFund terrorizedibugyo thea regionnd Kas ines thee w latehich 90s ha sand clai continuemed a nuto mbeb ear threat of liv ines the. In region.additi oTheren, th ehave ins ecbeenuri trecenty in D RtribalC clasheshas p ino ttheen tdistrictsial to s pofill Bundibugyo over to TS andWR Kasese given whichthat thashe claimedreserve a i numbers at the of b lives.orde rIn w addition,here thew insecurityrong elem ine DRCnts c hasan cpotentialross thro tough spill La overke A ltobe TSWRrt to h givenide i nthat the the res reserveerve. is at the border where wrong elements can cross through Lake Albert to hide in the reserve. Management actions ManagementStaff will c actionsonduct regular joint patrols in and around the park with UPDF to ensure Staffsec willuri tconducty and regularsafety. joint Cro patrolsss bor inde andr c oaroundordina theted park mee withtin gUPDFs on tos ecensureurity securitywill b eand safety.orga Crossnized borderand coordinatedconducted meetingswith D RonC securityAuthor willitie bes. organizedGatherin andg a conductednd shari nwithg oDRCf Authorities.intellige nGatheringce inform andati onsharing will ofb eintelligence emphasiz informationed to ensu willre thbea emphasizedt all partie tos aensurere we thatll all ipartiesnform eared. wellIn c ainformed.se suspec Int scase who suspects come fr whoom DcomeRC a fromre ar rDRCeste ared on arrested the Ug onan thedan Ugandan side, side,m amanagementnagement w iwillll h ahandoverndover s sus¬pectsuspects to to th thee c onconcernedcerned aauthoritiesuthorities acrossacross thethe borderborde rfor prosecutionfor prose caccordingution ac ctoo ragreedding to terms agre ebetweend terms the be ttwowee sistern the forces. two sister forces.
DetailedDetailed management manageme actionsnt actions A ctivitie s Resp. Oth –e r s Time 1 Carry out regular joint patrols with UPDF WLE WIC, IS YR 1-10 2 Hold security meetings both with other security WLE WIC, IS YR 1-10 agActivitiesents and with DRC Authorities Resp. Others Time 3 Develop and share protocols with other security WLE IS, WIC YR 1-10 agencies to gather and share intelligence information
4.1.2 Research and Ecological Monitoring program The Monitoring and Research program builds on the current research efforts already taking place in the PA. However,4.1.2 emphasis Research has mainlyand Ecological been put on Monitoring monitoring. program The ecological research and monitoring Unit undertakes periodic monitoring censuses of large mammals inside the PA and theThe adjoining Monitoring areas. Therefore, and Research population program estimates builds of large on mammalsthe current in TSWR research are derived efforts from aerialalready surveys taking through place Systematic in the Reconnaissance PA. However, Flights emphasis (SRFs) hasof the mai ecosystem.nly been Despite put on this theremonitoring. are phenomena The thatecological require scientificresearch research and monitoring upon which Unit to base undertakes to make management periodic monitoring censuses of large mammals inside the PA and the adjoining areas. decisions. However, with the new challenges in the PA and new development projects, more Therefore, population estimates of large mammals in TSWR are derived from aerial management oriented research and monitoring will need to be carried out in order to inform surveys through Systematic Reconnaissance Flights (SRFs) of the ecosystem. decisions in addressing some of the major challenges below; Despite this there are phenomena that require scientific research upon which to i. Potential for disease transmission from animals to animals and to humans base to make management decisions. However, with the new challenges in the PA ii. Flooding of the lower parts of the reserve and new development projects, more management oriented research and iii. monitoringHabitat changewill need from to grassland be carried to woodland out in order to inform decisions in addressing iv. someNegative of the majorimpacts challenges of climate changebelow; v. i. ThePotential spread of for invasive disease species transmission from animals to animals and to humans vi. ii. WasteFlooding management of the lower issues parts of the reserve Theiii. program Habitat objective change shall from be grassland achieved tothrough woodland outputs described below when activities proposediv. Negativeare well implemented. impacts of climate change Programv. objective:The spread To of generate invasive scientificspecies and management oriented information for wildlife management.vi. Waste management issues Output 1: Scientific and management oriented information for wildlife management generated andThe shared. program There objective are various shall ecological be achieved information through needs outputscritical to described the management below ofwhen TSWR thatactivities should be proposed generated are for well informed implemented. decision-making and management of the reserve. Key areas include vegetation changes, invasive species, health and ranging pattern of key wildlife, wild animalProgram extinctions objective: as well To as generate the overall scientific species diversityand management of the reserve. oriented TSWR information ecosystem has beenfor a wildlife grassland management habitat but .is consistently changing from open grassland to closed woodland aggravated by the spreading of invasive species especially Dichrostachys cinerea (figure 7 Output 1: Scientific and management oriented information for wildlife TSWRmanagement GMP 2020/21 - 2029/30 generated and shared. 53
There are various ecological information needs critical to the management of TSWR that should be generated for informed decision-making and management of the reserve. Key areas include vegetation changes, invasive species, health and ranging pattern of key wildlife, wild animal extinctions as well as the overall species diversity of the reserve.
TSWR ecosystem has been a grassland habitat but is consistently changing from open grassland to closed woodland aggravated by the spreading of invasive species especially Dichrostachys cinerea (figure 7 above). The vegetation changes may impact on species distribution and health as well as the carrying capacity of the ecosystem. Changes in species distribution could increase the existing interface between wildlife, domestic animals and local people especially in the areas of Makondo, Ntoroko and Kachwankumu. This interaction is a risk for cross transmission of disease, such as Foot and Mouth Disease, between the wildlife and domestic animals as well as to humans such as Tuberculosis. Tourism activities
TORO-SEMLIKI WILDLIFE RESERVE GENERAL AMANGEMENT PLAN 2020/21 – 2029/3
especially chimpanzee tracking and waste management may also result in spread
TORO-SEMLIKIof diseas eWILDLIFE. RESERVE GENERAL MANAGEMENT PLAN 2020/21 – 2029/30 above). The vegetation changes may impact on species distribution and health as well as the carryingFurthe rcapacitymore, uofn ttheil n ecosystem.ow only ae Changesrial cen sinu sspecies surve ydistributions have be ecouldn ca rincreaseried ou tthe in existingTSWR interfaceand ge betweennerally wildlife,tend todomestic unde ranimalsestima andte localthe peoplepopul aespeciallytions of in sthema areasll to of mMakondo,edium Ntorokomamm andals, Kachwankumu.which also ar Thise sh interactiony species. isT ah eriskref forore cross, the transmissiontotal biolog ofica disease,l divers suchity o asf Footthe andres Moutherve i sDisease, not full betweeny assess theed wildlifeand po andpul adomestictions of animals small to as mwelled asium to mhumansamma suchls are as Tuberculosis.underestim Tourismated or activities unknow especiallyn. Asse sschimpanzeeing and ttrackingransloca andtio wasten of managementextinct and may oth alsoer resultspec inie spreads of w ofild disease.life such as Zebra and Hartebeest may increase the PA value in terms of conservation and tourism. Similarly, the vegetation profile including Furthermore,species and until the inowr di sonlytrib uaerialtion censushas ne vsurveyser been have con dbeenucte carriedd whic outh is in a TSWRchall eandnge generally to the tendma ntoa gunderestimateement of the the re spopulationserve’s hab ofita smallt. In to su mediummmary, mammals, plant an dwhich anim alsoal i nareve shynto rspecies.ies as Therefore,well as r theegu totallar biologicalaerial an diversityd groun ofd thewil dreservelife ce isn snotuse fullys a reassessed neede andd to populations provide o ofve smallrall tob imediumologica lmammals diversity are pr ounderestimatedfile of the re sore runknown.ve, tren dAssessings in spec andies translocationpopulations ofan extinctd for andma othernage mspeciesent to of e wildlifensure t suchhat saspe Zebracies p andopu Hartebeestlations co nmaytinu increasee to grow the. PA value in terms of conservation and tourism. Similarly, the vegetation profile including species and their distribution hasMa nevernage mbeenent conductedactions which is a challenge to the management of the reserve’s habitat. In summary,Monitori nplantg th ande i animalnterac inventoriestion and paso sswellibl eas dregularisease aerial tran andsmi groundssion b wildlifeetwee ncensuses wildlif eare, neededlivesto tock provide and hu overallmans biologicalaround t diversityhe reserve profile wil ofl b thee c reserve,onducte trendsd in l iinai speciesson with populations District andsta forke homanagementlders. This to w ensureill be d thatone species through populations sharing a continuend repor toti ngrow.g of information on any Managementoutbreaks tactionshat may occur, and conducting active and passive surveillance of Monitoringdisease a tthe th einteraction wildlife, andhum possiblean and ldiseaseivestoc ktransmission interface. Tbetweenools for wildlife,species livestockhealth a nandd humanspopula aroundtion m theon reserveitoring willwi llbe conductedbe develo inp liaisoned an withd im Districtpleme stakeholders.nted espec iThisally will fo ber donethe throughShoeb isharingll. and reporting of information on any outbreaks that may occur, and conducting active and passive surveillance of disease at the wildlife, human and livestock interface. Tools forRese speciesarch healthalso w andill b populatione carried monitoringout to est awillbli sbeh hdevelopedabitat ch aandng eimplementeds especially especiallyrelating t foro theth eShoebill.Research ecology, exten alsot, im willpa bect carriedand m iouttig atoti oestablishn of in vhabitatasive schangespecies iespeciallyn the Rese relatingrve. Ato thede ecology,tailed p extent,lant a nimpactd anim andal mitigationspecies in ofve invasiventory w speciesill be cino nthedu cReserve.ted to Ae sdetailedtablish plantthe andRese animalrves ’species specie inventorys richness will an bed dconductediversity. Ttoh iestablishs shall b thee ac Reserves’hieved t hspeciesrough richnesspromoti nandg diversity.and su ppThisor tshalling beof achievedmanag ethroughment opromotingriented randesea supportingrch cond ofuc tmanagemented by Sta fforiented and researchresearc hconducteders as we byll aStaffs un danderta researchersking RBDC iasn thwelle r easse rveundertaking. Subseq uRBDCentl yin a ppther oreserve.priate Subsequentlyspecies tran appropriateslocations specieswill be translocationscarried out. will be carried out.
DetailedDetailed management managem actionsent actions Activities Resp. Others Time 1 Monitor and report disease outbreaks WEM DVO, VC, YR1-10 2 Carry out research on Habitat changes, and WEM WIC, EMRU YR 1-10 Invasive species 3 Conduct species inventory (plants and WEM WIC, EMRU YR 4-5 animals) within the reserve 4 Develop monitoring tools and monitor the WEM WIC, EMRU, YR 2; health and movement of the shoebill Nature UG 5 Collect and analyze Ranger Based Data WEM WIC, WLE YR 1-10 (SMART) in the PA 6 Carry out research and liaise with WEM WIC, EMRU YR 1-10 stakeholders to promote research in the PA 7 Carryout periodic Census both aerial and WEM EMRU, WCS YR 2,4,6,8,10 ground 8 A ssess h abitat s u itability and ca rr yout WEM W IC, VC, E –M RU Y R , 4, 6 translocation of locally extinct species of wildlife or whose numbers are minimal in Activitiesthe reserv e Resp. Others Time 9 Monitor key wildlife spp WEM VC, EMRU YR 1-10 (Endangered/vulnerable/rare) including Collaring the Elephants to monitor their movements TSWR GMP 2020/21 - 2029/30 54 Output 2: Negative impacts of climate change and disasters minimized
Climate change is a growing threat to biodiversity conservation globally with potential to damage ecosystems and accelerate biodiversity loss. (IPBES, 2017)9. Observed impacts of climate change in TSWR include changing precipitation patterns especially sporadic rains that result in flooding of the lower parts of the reserve.
In addition, habitat changes have been observed particularly the ecosystem increasingly changing from open grassland to closed woodland and the increasing spread of the invasive species Dichrostahcys cinerea. These changes in vegetation have resulted into the vegetation closing up in many parts of the reserve making it unsuitable for many herbivorous wildlife species.
Figure 20: Map showing the extent of invasive species
9Intergovernmental Science-Policy Platform on Biodiversity and Ecosystem Services
TORO-SEMLIKI WILDLIFE RESERVE GENERAL MANAGEMENT PLAN 2020/21 – 2029/30 Output 2: Negative impacts of climate change and disasters minimized Climate change is a growing threat to biodiversity conservation globally with potential to damage ecosystems and accelerate biodiversity loss. (IPBES, 2017) . Observed impacts of climate change in TSWR include changing precipitation patterns especially sporadic rains that result in flooding of the lower parts of the reserve.
In addition, habitat changes have been observed particularly the ecosystem increasingly changing from open grassland to closed woodland and the increasing spread of the invasive species Dichrostahcys cinerea. These changes in vegetation have resulted into the vegetation closing up in many parts of the reserve making it unsuitable for many herbivorous wildlife species.
Figure 20: Map showing the extent of invasive species
Plate 24: Photograph showing a thicket of Dichrostachys cineria around Kachwankumu area
TSWR GMP 2020/21 - 2029/30 55 TORO-SEMLIKI WILDLIFE RESERVE GENERAL MANAGEMENT PLAN 2020/21 – 2029/30 Present weather stations in the reserve and method/type of data collected, are inadequate thus giving incomplete data sets.
Plate 25: Photograph showing the floods towards Rwebisengo section of the reserve
Plate 26: Photograph showing a water poll inside the Reserve drying up Management actions The reserve management will undertake monitoring of weather patterns to establish long-term impact of climate change on the reserve. At present, the reserve has four (4) manual rain gauges for collecting rainfall data located at Makondo, Ntoroko, Karugutu and Mugiri. The equipment for collecting weather data in the reserve shall therefore be upgraded. Six standard weather stations preferably the automated ones will be set up in the reserve in the outposts of Kijura, SSL, Masongora, Makondo, Ntoroko and Karugutu to collect various weather parameters including rainfall, minimum and maximum temperatures, wind speed and direction as well as sunshine intensity among others. Automated weather stations are recommended in order to address incomplete weather data sets that occur with manual weather stations especially caused by staff
TSWR GMP 2020/21 - 2029/30 56 TORO-SEMLIKI WILDLIFE RESERVE GENERAL AMANGEMENT PLAN 2020/21 – 2029/3
Plate 26: Photograph showing a water poll inside the Reserve drying up
Management actions The reserve management will undertake monitoring of weather patterns to establish long-term impact of climate change on the reserve. At present, the reserve has four (4) manual rain gauges for collecting rainfall data located at Makondo, Ntoroko, Karugutu and Mugiri. The equipment for collecting weather data in the reserve shall therefore be upgraded. Six standard weather stations preferably the automated ones will be set up in the reserve in the outposts of Kijura, SSL, Masongora, Makondo, Ntoroko and Karugutu to collect various weather parameters including rainfall, minimum and maximum temperatures, wind speed and direction as well as sunshine intensity among others. Automated weather stations are recommended in order to address incomplete weather data sets that occur with manual weather stations especially caused by staff transfers. The weather information collected will be shared with stakeholders to help TORO-SEMLIKIcommuni WILDLIFEties nei RESERVEghbou GENERALring th MANAGEMENTe reserve PLAN pre 2020/21dict a –n 2029/30d adapt to the impacts of the transfers.changin gThe cl iweathermate. information collected will be shared with stakeholders to help communities neighbouring the reserve predict and adapt to the impacts of the changing climate. In adapting to the impacts of climate change on the reserve, invasive InDic adaptinghrosta toch theys impactscinerea ofp lclimateant sp changeecies w onill the be reserve, manag invasiveed throu Dichrostachysgh eradicat icinereaon in plantthe speciesareas willof beN managedyamabal ethrough, Kany eradicationamukura, inK theyen areasyang ofe Nyamabale,and Kach wKanyamukura,ankumu to Kyenyangeprevent andfu rKachwankumuther spread i nto t preventhe rese furtherrve. spread in the reserve.
DetailedDetailed management manageme actionsnt actions TORO-ASEcMtiviLItKIie Ws ILDLIFE RESERVE GENERAL AMANGEMENReT Psp.LA N 2020O/2th1e –r s2 029/3 Time 1 Manage the invasive Dicrostachys cenerea in the WEM WIC, CW, EMRU Yr 1-10 areas of Nyamabale, Kanyamukura, Kyenyange aAncdti viKatciehsw ankumu within the reserve to open Resp. Others Time up wild animal grazing areas 2 Establish 6 automatic weather stations (Kijura, WEM WIC, CW, EMRU Yr 3-5 Karugutu and Ntoroko, SSL, Makondo) for weather data collection 3 Analyze and disseminate weather information WEM WIC, CW, EMRU Yr1-10 to stakeholders 4 Construct and maintain water dams for wild WIC CW, WEM Yr 1 animals inside the Reserve 5 Monitor flooding patterns and their impacts on WEM EMRU Yr 1-10 the reserve ecosystems
4.1.3 Capacity development program
Program objective:4.1 To.3 ensureCapac effectiveity devel andop efficientment p operationsrogram of the reserve
OutputProgram 1: Adequate, objecti skilledve: To and en smotivatedure effec stafftive ainn placed efficient operations of the reserve
HumanOutp utcapacity 1: Ad developmentequate, skilled and motivated staff in place Staff in the Reserve have inadequate skills in wildlife management. About 50% of current staff numbersHuman werecapa trainedcity de inv ebasiclopm wildlifeent management in 2013-2014 while some senior staff were trainedStaff inin paramilitary the Reserv skillse ha vine 2007. inad eTheyqua talsoe sk receivedills in w trainingildlife inm aBordernagem Patrolent. toAb combatout 50% cross of boardercurrent wildlife staff crimes.numb eInr saddition, were ttherai nnewed staffin b amemberssic wildl whoife mhaveana beengeme recruitednt in 201 since3-2 0201414 havewhi notle sbeenome trainedsenior in s basictaff wildlifewere tmanagement.rained in pa Newram iconservationlitary skills managementin 2007. T hchallengesey also suchrec eiasv climateed tra ichange,ning in newBor technologiesder Patrol toamong com othersbat c rcallsoss forbo arefresherrder wil trainingdlife c rsessionsimes. In in orderadd ifortio then, tstaffhe n toe wbe srelevanttaff me andmb emeasurers who upha tove the bee conservationn recruite challenges.d since 20 14 have not been trained in basic wildlife management. New conservation management Inadequatechallenge staffs su ch as climate change, new technologies among others calls for refresher training sessions in order for the staff to be relevant and measure up to Currently, there are 11 Outposts including the reserve headquarters at Karugutu. The total number the conservation challenges. of staff both junior and senior is 50. On average, each outpost is manned by at least 2 rangers while at headquarters there are at least 20 junior and senior staff altogether. Considering the existing Inadequate staff management challenges which also require establishment of additional outposts proposed in this Currently, there are 11 Outposts including the reserve headquarters at Karugutu. plan, the staff numbers are below the standard numbers. The standard is that each outpost is The total number of staff both junior and senior is 50. On average, each outpost is manned by a minimum number of 6 rangers while at headquarters or sector outpost; 12 rangers. manned by at least 2 rangers while at headquarters there are at least 20 junior In addition, there is inadequate senior staff numbers to implement management programs. The and senior staff altogether. Considering the existing management challenges which reserve lacks Wardens for Ecological Monitoring and Tourism while Community Conservation also require establishment of additional outposts proposed in this plan, the staff Rangers are glossily inadequate. The table below analyses the staffing levels both current and numbers are below the standard numbers. The standard is that each outpost is proposed over the ten-year period of this plan. manned by a minimum number of 6 rangers while at headquarters or sector outpost; 12 rangers. In addition, there is inadequate senior staff numbers to implement management programs. The reserve lacks Wardens for Ecological Monitoring and Tourism while Community Conservation Rangers are glossily TSWRina GMPdeq 2020/21uate. - 2029/30The t able below analyses the staffing levels both current and57 proposed over the ten-year period of this plan.
TORO-SEMLIKI WILDLIFE RESERVE GENERAL AMANGEMENT PLAN 2020/21 – 2029/3 TORO-SEMLIKI WILDLIFE RESERVE GENERAL MANAGEMENT PLAN 2020/21 – 2029/30 Table 4: ShowTableing c u4:rr e Showingnt and pr currentoposed andstaf fproposed numbers staff numbers
Category Optimum staff number Existing numbers Staff gap
1 1 0 Warden in charge WCC 1 1 0
WLE 1 1 0
WA 1 1 0
WEM 1 0 1
1 0 1 WT Accounts clerk 4 3 1
Head Ranger 1 1 0
Driver 2 1 1
Head guide 1 0 1
1 1 0 Administrative clerk EM Rangers 2 1 1
LE Rangers 60 32 28
Wildlife Intelligence staff 3 2 1
CC-rangers 17 2 15
6 4 2 Tourism guides Porters 3 1 2
Canteen supervisor 1 0 1
Canteen cooks 2 0 2
Canteen waitress 2 0 2
1 0 1 Room attendant Total 112 52 60
Staff exchangeStaff exc visitshange visits ConservationConse rvchallengesation chal areleng diversees are d andiver scomparablee and comp toar asimilarble to PAssimi linar thePA scountry in the candoun beyond.try These challengesand beyon included. The problemse challe animalnges i nmanagement,clude proble mspread anim ofal exoticsmanage andme ninvasivet, sprea speciesd of of plants, poaching,exotics a nmanagementd invasive sp ofec impactsies of p lfromants, developments poaching, ma amongnageme others.nt of i mThepa cPAts stafffrom have not beende exposedvelopmen tots gainamo managementng others. T experienceshe PA staff andha vbeste n opracticest been einxp termsosed ofto howgai nthese challengesman areage beingment managedexperienc ines other and b PAsest inpr Uganda.actices i n terms of how these challenges are being managed in other PAs in Uganda. Management actions During implementationManagement act ofio thisns plan, management will address the challenges mentioned. In order to fill theDur identifieding impl estaffmen tgapsation ino thef th tableis pl aabove,n, ma nstaffagem willent bew irecruitedll addres sin taccordancehe challen gwithes HR recruitmentment plan.ioned Two. In ocommunityrder to fill conservationthe identifie drangers staff g apfors eachin th eoutpost table a locatedbove, s tataff the wi boundaryll be of the reserverecruit eshalld in beac deliberatelycordance wi recruitedth HR rec andruit deployedment plan at. thoseTwo c peripheralommunity outposts.conservat Trainingion needs assessmentrangers for willea cbeh conductedoutpost lo soca tthated abotht th thee b newlyounda recruitedry of th eand re existingserve s hstaffall bbenefite from capacity development program. Refresher training will be conducted in data collection and analysis, financial management, tourism management, vehicle maintenance, field craft and research and monitoring techniques among others. Other specialized training will be conducted to address emerging challenges such as climate change and its impacts, management of oil and gas impacts, use of new technologies in conservation among others. TSWR GMP 2020/21 - 2029/30 58 TORO-SEMLIKI WILDLIFE RESERVE GENERAL AMANGEMENT PLAN 2020/21 – 2029/3
deliberately recruited and deployed at those peripheral outposts. Training needs assessment will be conducted so that both the newly recruited and existing staff benefit from capacity development program. Refresher training will be conducted in data collection and analysis, financial management, tourism management, vehicle maintenance, field craft and research and monitoring techniques among others. Other specialized training will be conducted to address emerging challenges such as climate change and its impacts, management of oil and gas impacts, use of new technologies in conservation among others.
TORO-SEMLIKI WILDLIFE RESERVE GENERAL MANAGEMENT PLAN 2020/21 – 2029/30 To motivate staff and build a coherent team so as to increase staff productivity, Tot eamotivatem bu istafflding and se buildssion as coherentsuch a teams ga msoe ass, tore increasetreats, staffetc. productivity, will be teamcond ubuildingcted. sessionsPerform suchance as games,rewar retreats,d schem etc.es will sp beec conducted.ifically f oPerformancer TSWR w rewardill be schemes identi fspecificallyied and forim TSWRplem willent beed identified. and implemented.
Detailed management actions Detailed management actions Activities Resp. Others Time 1 Recruit staff in their relevant departments WIC CW, HRU YR1-10 2 Conduct staff capacity needs assessment WIC CW, HRU YR1-10 3 Conduct staff training WIC CW, HRU YR1-10 4 Carry out study tours to other Protected Areas WIC CW YR2,5,7,9 5 Organize staff team building functions WIC CW YR 1-10 6 Set up and implement an internal staff reward system WIC CW YR1-10
Output 2: Adequate, appropriate and functional infrastructure including equipment and vehicles in Oplaceutput 2: Adequate, appropriate and functional infrastructure including equipment and vehicles in place Inadequate equipment for operations TSWRInad doesequa notte haveequipm adequateent fo equipmentr operatio andns transport facilities to effectively carry out planned programs.TSWR d oAte spresent, not h atheve Reserveadequa haste eonequ ivehiclepment andan dthree tra nmotorsport cycles,facili twhichies to are e ffnotec enoughtively toca serverry theout entireplann Reserve.ed progr Ina addition,ms. At thereprese isn tlimited, the fieldRese gearrve andhas communicationone vehicle a equipment.nd three Therefore,motor c yadditionalcles, wh iequipmentch are not is e requirednough to to s facilitateerve the the en tmanagementire Reserve .and In aexecutionddition, ofth efieldre activities,is limi timproveed fie lfinanciald gear management,and comm ueasenica tinternalion eq anduip mexternalent. T communication,herefore, add facilitateitional administration,equipment conservationis required educationto facil iactivitiestate th eamong man others.ageme Thent atablend belowexecu providestion of af listiel dof theac requiredtivities, equipment. improve financial management, ease internal and external communication, facilitate administration, conservation education activities among others. The table below provides a list of the required equipment.
TSWR GMP 2020/21 - 2029/30 59 TORO-SEMLIKI WILDLIFE RESERVE GENERAL AMANGEMENT PLAN 2020/21 – 2029/3 TORO-SEMLIKI WILDLIFE RESERVE GENERAL MANAGEMENT PLAN 2020/21 – 2029/30 Table 5:Table Shows 5: a Showslist of acu listrre ofnt current and op andtim aoptimall equip equipmentment requ irequiredred at T WatSR TWSR
Optimum Current Required Equipment number number number Vehicles 02 01 01 Motorcycles (LE outposts, Intelligence staff, 10 03 07 H/ranger, 4CCRs) Patrol motor boat 01 0 01 Hand held radios 20 0 20 Base radios 06 0 06 HF radio 01 0 01 Repeater system 01 0 01 Stand by generator (Ntoroko & Karugutu) 02 01 01 Solar system (all outposts) 05 02 03 Tents 60 02 58 Sleeping bags 60 0 60 Automated weather stations 06 0 06 Video set (for conservation education) 01 0 01 Water bottles 60 15 45 Digital Cameras 03 0 03 Computers 04 03 01 Laptops 05 2 03 Camcorder 01 0 01 Printers 03 2 01 Pistols 06 0 06 Assorted guide books 12 06 06 Telescope ( Kijura and Igogonya) 02 0 02 GPS 13 02 11 Smart phones 15 09 06 Torches 60 0 60 Life jackets 08 04 04 Gum boots 98 50 48 Bullet proof jackets and Helmets 89 0 89 Bicycles (for outposts) 12 01 11 Back packs 60 35 25 Range finder 02 0 02 Lawn mower 02 01 01 First aid kit box 06 0 06 Voice recorders 09 01 08 Binoculars 15 02 13 Office desks 09 01 08 Office chairs 09 01 08 Filing cabinets 08 02 06 Cupboards 06 03 03 Conference tables 02 0 02 Conference chairs 30 0 30 Drones 1 0 1 SMART related equipment
NoteNo thatte th equipmentat equipm needsent n willeed bes w evaluatedill be ev aandlua updatedted and fromupda timeted frtoo timem ti mande toprocured time a asnd need arises.pro cured as need arises. Inadequate staff accommodation TSWRInad lacksequ aadequatete staff astaffcco mmaccommodationodation and the existing ones are not to standard. A standard outpostTSWR is expectedlacks ad etoq uincludeate st staffaff a houses,ccomm oKitchen,dation Waterand tharvestinghe existin tanks,g one Toilet/Latrine,s are not to Solar panels,stan anddard Office. A st shelterandard amongoutpos others.t is exp ected to include staff houses, Kitchen, Water harvesting tanks, Toilet/Latrine, Solar panels, and Office shelter among others. All existing ranger outposts are constructed with mud and wattle while others are unipots except at the reserve headquarters in Karugutu. These outposts are Makondo, Semliki Safari Lodge outpost (SSL), Igogonya, Kachwankumu, Bugando, Kanywataba, Muzizi, Mugiri, Ntoroko and Kijura.
TSWR GMP 2020/21 - 2029/30 60 –
All existing ranger outposts are constructed with mud and wattle while others are unipots except at the reserve headquarters in Karugutu. These outposts are Makondo, Semliki Safari Lodge outpost (SSL), Igogonya, Kachwankumu, Bugando, TORO-SEMLIKIKanywataba, WILDLIFE Muzizi, RESERVE Mugiri GENERAL, Ntoroko MANAGEMENT and PLAN Kijura. 2020/21 – 2029/30
Table 6: Showing theTable status 6: of Showing Ranger theposts status of Ranger posts
Outpost Importance of the outpost Status Proposed improvement Kanywataba To curb down illegal activities Temporary outpost The outpost is proposed to remain especially from the areas of Mud and wattle structure temporary with uniports which escarpment. Four rooms are transferable and other accommodating two staff essential transferable facilities. No kitchen. Bugando This outpost is constructed to curb Temporary outpost The outpost is proposed to remain down illegal activities including Mud and wattle structure temporary with uniports which grazing especially from cattle Four rooms are transferable and other keepers from Bugando village. accommodating two staff essential transferable facilities. No kitchen. Kacwankumu This outpost is constructed to curb Temporary outpost The outpost is proposed to remain down illegal activities including Mud and wattle structure temporary with uniports which grazing especially from the areas of Four rooms are transferable and other Misale, Wango, Wasa and accommodating two staff essential transferable facilities. Nyamabale. No kitchen. Muzizi This outpost is constructed to curb Temporary outpost The outpost is proposed to remain down illegal activities especially Mud and wattle structure temporary with uniports which from the areas of escarpment and Four rooms are transferable and other Kagadi district. accommodating two staff essential transferable facilities. No kitchen. Igogonya This outpost is constructed to curb Temporary outpost The outpost is proposed to remain down illegal activities at the Mud and wattle structure temporary with uniports which escarpment as well as monitoring Four rooms are transferable and other encroachment along the PA accommodating two staff essential transferable facilities. boundary. No kitchen. Makondo This outpost is constructed to curb Currently the outpost is The outpost is proposed to be a down illegal activities especially temporary in form of two old permanent outpost from the areas of Makondo village uniports and one mud and accommodating 6 staff and of Rwebisengo. wattle hut structures which constructed according to UWA accommodate three staffs, the standards. outpost does not have kitchen. Ntoroko This outpost was constructed to Currently the outpost is The outpost is proposed to be sector hdq curb down illegal activities and temporary with three unipots permanent and shall serve as a conduct tourism activities and three mud and wattle hut sector headquarter especially marine and game drives. structures which accommodate accommodating 12 staff and six staffs. constructed according to UWA The outpost does not have standards. Also, a house for the kitchen. tourism warden and Office shall be constructed. All this shall be done at Kigungu about 2km from the current outpost and near the proposed jetty site. SSL The outpost is constructed Currently the outpost is The outpost is proposed to be purposely for tourism activities temporary in form of two old permanent accommodating 6 staff especially nature/ primate walks, uniports and one mud and and constructed according to UWA birding and game drives. wattle hut structures which standards. A six-unit block is accommodate six staffs. proposed for construction. It is The outpost does not have also proposed to change the name kitchen. from SSL to Wasa outpost. The outpost shall be relocated towards Karugutu-Kanara junction. Kijura This outpost is constructed to curb Currently the outpost is The outpost is proposed to be down illegal activities, control temporary in form of two old permanent accommodating 6 staff encroachment at the escarpment uniports and one mud and and– constructed according to UWA and conduct tourism activities wattle hut structures which standards. A six-unit block is especially hiking, and scenic accommodate six staffs. proposed for construction. It is viewing. The outpost does not have also proposed to construct 8 Outpost Importance of the outpost Statuskitchen. Proposedaccommodation improvement unit block, Information centre, Canteen and office for the clerk. Masongora New outpost will be constructed at Currently, the outpost does not The outpost shall be permanent (proposed Masongora to reinforce the existing exist. accommodating 6 staff within a new outpost) permanent out post of Kijura and six-unit block constructed in other temporary outpost of accordance with UWA standards. Igogonya to control poaching and encroachment along the escarpment.
Karugutu Reserve headquarters Currently, there are 5 senior It is proposed that this Reserve staff houses, 20 rooms for headquarter shall also serve as a headquarters junior staff, office block, sector. It is also proposed to Nature centre and a Camp site. construct additional 10 rooms for There also exist a security gate junior staff to carter for the and curio shop for communities increased junior staffing proposed for the sector.
TSWR GMP 2020/21 - 2029/30 61
Figure 21: Map showing current ranger outposts
Detailed management actions Activities Resp. Others Time 1 Karugutu Construct one office block with three rooms (WCC, WIC CW, DDFO, PM Yr 4 WA, WRM) Construct a four-roomed store (food, exhibits, fuel WIC CW Yr 2 and office for an attendant) Construct Education Centre WCC WIC, WT Yr 6 TORO-SEMLIKI WILDLIFE RESERVE GENERAL MANAGEMENT PLAN 2020/21 – 2029/30
Figure 21: Map showing current ranger outposts TSWR GMP 2020/21 - 2029/30 62 –
Outpost Importance of the outpost Status Proposed improvement Information centre, Canteen and office for the clerk. Masongora New outpost will be constructed at Currently, the outpost does not The outpost shall be permanent (proposed Masongora to reinforce the existing exist. accommodating 6 staff within a new outpost) permanent out post of Kijura and six-unit block constructed in other temporary outpost of accordance with UWA standards. Igogonya to control poaching and encroachment along the escarpment.
Karugutu Reserve headquarters Currently, there are 5 senior It is proposed that this Reserve staff houses, 20 rooms for headquarter shall also serve as a headquarters junior staff, office block, sector. It is also proposed to Nature centre and a Camp site. construct additional 10 rooms for There also exist a security gate junior staff to carter for the and curio shop for communities increased junior staffing proposed for the sector.
TORO-SEMLIKIFigure WILDLIFE 21: Map RESERVE showing GENERAL current MANAGEMENT ranger PLANoutposts 2020/21 – 2029/30
DetailedDetailed management management actions actions Activities Resp. Others Time 1 Karugutu Construct one office block with three rooms (WCC, WIC CW, DDFO, PM Yr 4 WA, WRM) – Construct a four-roomed store (food, exhibits, fuel WIC CW Yr 2 and office for an attendant) ConstructActivities Education Centre WCCResp. WIC,Others WT YrTime 6 Re-locate the existing access to Karugutu office and WIC CW Yr 4 the gate away from the existing public access road 2 Gates Construct one gate at the point where the WIC CW, WT Yr. 3 -5 new tarmac roads diverts from the current marrum road towards reserve boundary Construct one gate at the point where the new tarmac road meets the old marrum road towards Kanara t/c Construct one gate at SSL from the airstrip and outpost Construct a Hangar and a flush toilet at the air strip WIC WT Yr 4 Construct a 6-unit accommodation block and WIC CW, PM, DDFO Yr. 4, attendant facilities at the existing outposts at 5, 6, & Ntoroko, Makondo, and Kijura including Kanywataba 8 Procure 30 Unipots for temporary outposts at WIC CW, PM, DDFO Yr. 1,2 Bugando, Kacwankumu, Igogonya, and Muzizi 3, 4, 5 Construct a 6 Unit block each at the new proposed WIC CW, PM, DDFO Yr. 4 outposts (Masongora and Harugongo) and 7 3 Ntoroko sector headquarter Construct a Jetty at Ntoroko WIC WT, CW Yr 3 Construct accommodation and office for tourism WIC CW, PM, DDFO Yr. 5 warden at Ntoroko 4 Equipment Procure 3 vehicles WIC CW, PM, MES, Yr 3, DDFO 7,10 Procure 13 motorcycles for outposts WIC CW, PM, MES, Yr 1, 5, DDFO 7 Procure computers; furniture and other assorted WIC CW, HICT, DDFO Yr 1-10 field equipment as shown above 5 Roads Maintain existing roads, tracks and trails WIC CW Yr 1-10 4.1.4 Community conservation program The Community Conservation program addresses issues that affect the relationship between the neighboring communities and the PA management. The major issues under this program 4.1.4 Community conservation program revolve around community-park relations, human-wildlife conflicts, the various benefits that The Community Conservation program addresses issues that affect the relationship communitiesbetween get the from neighboring the PA, and communities revenue sharing and themechanisms. PA management. A number The of majorissues issues were raised during consultationsunder this program and this planrevolve tries aroundas much community as possible-park to address relations, all the human issues-wildlife raised. Some of majorconflicts, issues include; the various benefits that communities get from the PA, and revenue I. Inadequatesharing mechanisms. alternative A livelihoodnumber of projects issues werefor local raised communities during consultations and this II. Inadequateplan tries as implementation much as possible of to Environmental address all the Ordinances issues raised. by the Some District of major leadership issues III. Inadequateinclude; community sensitization and awareness IV. InadequateI. Inadequate involvement alternati of vecommunities livelihood projects in conservation for local e.g. communities planning for revenue sharing, II. Inadequate implementation of Environmental Ordinances by the District problemleadership animal management, access, etc. V. ConflictIII. Inadequate between the community PA management sensitization staff and and awareness communities VI. CropIV. raidingInadequate involvement of communities in conservation e.g. planning for VII. Povertyrevenue sharing, problem animal management, access, etc. V. Conflict between the PA management staff and communities ProgramVI. objective:Crop raiding To minimize conservation conflicts while enhancing wildlife appreciation and benefitsVII. Poverty
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Program objective: To minimize conservation conflicts while enhancing wildlife appreciation and benefits
Output 1: Community livelihoods supported by benefits derived from wildlife conservation
Communities around TSWR are mainly involved in fishing, cattle keeping and farming. Fishing takes place in Kanara Town Council and Kanara Subcounty, cattle TORO-SEMLIKI keepingWILDLIFE RESERVE takes place GENERAL in MANAGEMENTRwebisengo, PLAN Bweramure 2020/21 – 2029/30 and Butungama subcounties while Output 1: Communityfarming is livelihoodsmainly in Karugutu, supported Kabende, by benefits Hakibale derived and from Harugongo wildlife conservation. subcounties and Kijura Town Council. These activities are carried out for both subsistence and Communitiesincome around generation. TSWR are mainly involved in fishing, cattle keeping and farming. Fishing takes place in Kanara Town Council and Kanara Subcounty, cattle keeping takes place in Rwebisengo, BweramureFor and cattle Butungama keeping subcounties especially while in Rwebisengo, farming is mainly there inis Karugutu, a shortage Kabende, of land Hakibale and watering places, which puts pressure on the reserve for grazing land and water and Harugongo subcounties and Kijura Town Council. These activities are carried out for both especially during the dry season. subsistence and income generation. For cattle keepingThe fishing especially communit in Rwebisengo,ies are currently there isfacing a shortage a challenge of land of and low watering stocks in places, the L akewhich mainly due to influx of fishermen in the area hence encroaching on the fish puts pressure on the reserve for grazing land and water especially during the dry season. breeding areas. The fishing communities are currently facing a challenge of low stocks in the Lake mainly due to influx of fishermenThe Wildlife in the Act area Cap hence 200 ofencroaching 2000 provides on the th atfish 20% breeding of entrance areas. fees to the reserve be shared with the neighbouring local governments. Although TSWR has not The Wildlifegenerated Act Cap 200 a oflot 2000 of revenue provides mainly that 20% due of to entrance absence fees of tothe the gate, reserve there be areshared some with the neighbouringfunds thatlocal have governments. been generated Although over TSWR the last has 10 not years generated that have a lot been of revenue shared withmainly due to absencethe neighbouringof the gate, there district are local some governments funds that have as highlighted been generated in the overtable the below. last 10 years that have been shared with the neighbouring district local governments as highlighted in the table below. Table 7: Revenue shared with TSWR neighbouring districts local governments from Table 7: Revenue2005 - 2016 shared with TSWR neighbouring districts local governments from 2005 - 2016
Year District Amount 2005 Bundibugyo 4,739,500 Kabarole 1,500,000 2009 Bundibugyo 13,989,500 2012 Ntoroko 26,555,000 Kabarole 6,500,000 2016 Kabarole 14,994,000 Ntoroko 20,795,250 Totals 89,073,250 (Source: UWA records) (Source: UWA records) Note: Note: Since 2016, no revenue sharing has been done except the little available Since 2016, fundsno revenue on the sharing account has hasbeen been done declared except the every little yearavailable until funds the districtson the account express has been declaredinterest every to year share until the the funds. districts express interest to share the funds.
Figure 22: Graph showing Revenue sharing trends from 2005 to 2016
TSWR GMP 2020/21 - 2029/30 64 TORO-SEMLIKI WILDLIFE RESERVE GENERAL MANAGEMENT PLAN 2020/21 – 2029/30 The table above shows that revenue sharing has been increasing over the years though at a lower rate compared to other PAs especially the National Parks. This implies that once the entrance gate that has been proposed is put in place and marketing of the reserve improves to attract more visitors, the revenue sharing will correspondingly improve. The current Revenue Sharing Guidelines provide that project proposals are submitted to Local governments which are vetted for funding before they are incorporated in the development plans of the sub-counties and districts. Although this has been happening, the procurement process still has challenges of delays. In addition, the guidelines are not effectively used by Local governments.
Apart from revenue sharing, there are other benefits that communities access from the Reserve. These resources include firewood, poles, grass, among others. TSWR signs resource access MoUs with communities to access these resources from the Reserve. These MoUs have been signed with a number of sub-counties including Kanara and Karugutu for grass, and firewood. Although currently there is limited demand for resources, it is expected to increase as the population around the Reserve grows. This is likely to put more pressure on the Reserve.
Communities have also been involved in boundary management where they are allowed to plant and manage the trees as they intercrop with Beans, Irish Potatoes and Onions. When the trees reach a certain stage, then communities stop growing crops and only tend the trees. When trees mature the outer line is utilised by the communities (owner) while the inner line remains and serves as the boundary live marker. This is being implemented no various sections along the Kijura escarpment.
Management actions UWA will work with other partners such as Local Governments, NGOs to identify possible livelihood projects e.g. beekeeping, improved varieties of seeds (Irish potatoes, Onions), poultry, and tree planting. Communities will be trained in proposal writing to generate project proposals that can attract funding. In addition, training will be carried out in record keeping and financial management.
UWA will work with Local governments to sensitise communities on intensive agriculture such as keeping few but high breed domestic animals. In addition, UWA will lobby Government to construct dams within Rwebisengo areas to provide water to domestic animals in order to reduce pressure on the reserve.
Communities will be sensitised to start community based tourism such as Campsites and hotels, hand craft making and music, dance and drama in order to supplement their income. UWA will support these communities in terms of capacity building, marketing their products and linking them to funding agencies.
TSWR management will carry out resource inventory to determine the abundance and distribution of resources demanded by the communities within the resource use zone. Data on quantities being harvested will be generated to ascertain the resources taken out so as to ensure sustainability of resource utilisation. An economic value will be attached to all resources accessed, which will show how much the communities benefit from the Reserve in addition to revenue sharing. The existing MoUs will be reviewed to incorporate changes and modifications and the new ones will be negotiated, signed and implemented. UWA will work with Local Governments to sensitise the communities and implement the Revenue Sharing Guidelines.
TSWR GMP 2020/21 - 2029/30 65 –
potatoes, Onions), poultry, and tree planting. Communities will be trained in proposal writing to generate project proposals that can attract funding. In addition, training will be carried out in record keeping and financial management.
UWA will work with Local governments to sensitise communities on intensive agriculture such as keeping few but high breed domestic animals. In addition, UWA will lobby Government to construct dams within Rwebisengo areas to provide water to domestic animals in order to reduce pressure on the reserve.
Communities will be sensitised to start community based tourism such as Campsites and hotels, hand craft making and music, dance and drama in order to supplement their income. UWA will support these communities in terms of capacity building, marketing their products and linking them to funding agencies.
TSWR management will carry out resource inventory to determine the abundance and distribution of resources demanded by the communities within the resource use zone. Data on quantities being harvested will be generated to ascertain the resources taken out so as to ensure sustainability of resource utilisation. An economic value will be attached to all resources accessed, which will show how much the communities benefit from the Reserve in addition to revenue sharing. The existing MoUs will be reviewed to incorporate changes and modifications and the new ones will be negotiated, signed and implemented. UWA will work with Local Governments to sensitise the communities and implement the Revenue TORO-SEMLIKISharing Guidelines WILDLIFE RESERVE. GENERAL MANAGEMENT PLAN 2020/21 – 2029/30
DetailedDetailed management management actions actions Activities Resp. Others Time 1 Build capacity of community groups in proposal writing, WCC WIC, Yr 1-10 record keeping, financial management, etc. CDOs 2 Sensitize communities to start community-based WCC WT, WIC Yr 1-10 tourism. 3 Support community initiatives that relate to WCC WIC, CW Yr 1-10 conservation 4 Carry out resource inventories for resources demanded WEM WCC Yr 1-10 by the communities (resource mapping) 5 Negotiate and sign MoUs for resource access WCC WIC, CW Yr 1-10 6 Generate economic values of resources accessed from WCC WIC Yr 1; and the Reserve and disseminate annually the economic Yr 2-10 values obtained 7 Implement Revenue Sharing Guidelines WCC WIC Yr 1-10
Output 2: OutputHuman-wildlife 2: Human conflicts-wildlife mitigated conflicts mitigated
TheThe main main source sourc of humane of human - conflict - conflict in TSWR isin the TSWR problem is the animals probl thatem strayanimals from that the Reservestray to fromthe surrounding the Reserve communities to the surrounding destroying people’scommunities crops anddestroying causing humanpeople’s injury. crops The and most affectedcausing areas human include injury. Kanara The Town most Council, affected Kabende areas sub incounty,clude KarugutuKanara Town CouncilCouncil, and KijuraKabende town council.sub county, The most Karugutu reported Town problem Counc animalsil and are Kijura Baboons, town Bush council. Pigs, Buffaloes The most and Lions.reported The Wildlife problem Act cap animals 200, does are not B provideaboons, for B compensationush Pigs, Buffaloes for these damages,and Lions which. The has furtherWildlife soured Act thecap relationship. 200, does not Although provide the for Act compensation provides for management for –th ese damage of vermins, bywhich Local Governments,has further thesoured districts the ofrelationship. Ntoroko and AlthoughKabarole havethe Actnot providesyet recruited for themanagement Vermin Guards. of Thisvermin affectinghas put by a Localstrainother onGreserveovernment the reserve programs.s ,management the Theredistricts are affecting of a Ntorokonumber other ofand reserve interventions Kabarole programs. have that There nothave yetare a numberrecruitedbeen of implementedinterventions the Vermin thatby G theuards. have reserve been This implementedas has a way put of a mitigating bystrain the reserveon thisthe problemasreserve a way butofmanagement mitigating some of this problemthem but have some not of been them effective. have not beenThe Mauritius effective. thornsThe Mauritius that were thorns proposed that were in the proposed last in the lastGMP GMP were were tried tried in Karugutuin Karugutu Sub Sub County County but but they they failed failed to to establish establish because because of of the the soil type.soil However, type. managementHowever, management has continued ha withs continuedsensitisation with and scaresensitisation shooting and to address scare the problem.shooting to address the problem.
TableTable 8: 8:Showing Showing reported reported problem problem animal animal incidences incidences in in areas areas surroundingsurrounding TSWRTSWR Bus h Baboo Hip Buffalo Crocodil Velvet Elephants Unkno Leopar Year pigs ns pos es Lions es monkey wn ds 2005 3 2006 1 1 1 2007 2 2 1 2009 2 2 1 1 1 2010 1 3 1 2011 2 9 1 1 2013 1 1 2015 2 3 4 1 2016 2 1 1 Total 9 20 1 10 8 1 1 1 1 1
The human-wildlifeThe human-wildlife conflicts conflicts have also have increased also due increased to increasing due humanto increasing population human around the reservepopulation and creating around more the administrative reserve and creatingentities. Themore maps administrative below demonstrate entities. the The fact maps that the highestbelow population demonstrate in the two the districts fact that is inthe sub-counties highest population surrounding in the reserve.two districts is in sub-counties surrounding the reserve.
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Figure 23: Maps showing population distribution in sub-counties surrounding the reserve (Source: UBOS 2017) TORO-SEMLIKI WILDLIFE RESERVE GENERAL MANAGEMENT PLAN 2020/21 – 2029/30
Figure 23: Maps showing population distribution in sub-counties surrounding the reserve (Source: UBOS 2017) Management actions UWA will continue lobbying Local Governments of Ntoroko and Kabarole to recruit vermin guards. When recruited, UWA will train them on vermin handling and animal behaviour. In addition, UWA will work with local leaders to select, train and equip community scouts to control problem animals. While working with communities, a number of problem animal management interventions will be implemented. These include live traps for baboons that are a big threat to the community, use of pepper for Elephant control and scare shooting. Communities will also be encouraged to come up with other interventions which they think can work in addition to the existing ones.
In order to stop the expansion of the town council into the reserve, regulations and guidelines will be developed which will deter encroachment into the Reserve while controlling activities to be carried out in the sanctuary.
UWA will also explore the possibility of electric fencing of the reserve to deter animals from moving out of the Reserve and cattle grazing inside the Reserve.
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Management actions ill continue lo ying ocal overnments o toro o and a arole to recruit vermin guards hen recruited ill train them on vermin handling and animal ehaviour n addition ill or ith local leaders to select train and e uip community scouts to control pro lem animals hile or ing ith communities a num er o pro lem animal management interventions ill e implemented hese include live traps or a oons that are a ig threat to the community use o pepper or lephant control and scare shooting ommunities ill also e encouraged to come up ith other interventions hich they thin can or in addition to the e isting ones