Feasibility Study on Elephant Movement between the Greater Ruaha Ecosystem and Selous Ecosystem in Central Eastern, Tanzania By Cuthbert Leonard Nahonyo Department of Zoology and Wildlife Conservation University of Dar es Salaam P. O. Box 35064 Dar es salaam, Tanzania Email:
[email protected],
[email protected] May 2009 ABSTRACT The study to conduct a preliminary investigation of the elephant migration between Greater Ruaha and Selous ecosystems was conducted in 2008/2009. The study was intended to establish if there are elephant movements between Ruaha and Mikumi NPs. Specifically the study attempted to establish and track the existing and possibly dead elephant migration routes from Ruaha to Mikumi, and identifying important locations along the route and threats facing the corridor and elephants in the survey area. The survey used a number of techniques including literature survey, interviews and direct field observations. Researchers tracked on foot from Ruaha to Mikumi the elephant routes, taking GPS coordinates at important locations, taking photographs, interviewing people and assessing habitat and elephant dung along the migration routes. Vehicles, motorcycles and bicycles were used to assist researchers reach certain locations for investigation. The study was spread in three regions of Iringa, Dodoma and Morogoro and encompassing four districts of Iringa rural, Mpwapwa, Kilolo and Kilosa. Villages covered during the study from Ruaha National Park towards Mikumi National Park include Kinyika, Kisanga, Mboliboli, Makuka, Izazi, Migori, Makatapora (Kinyari subvillage), Migori in Iringa Rural District, Mkulula, Nyanzwa, Igunda, Mgowero, Mtandika and Ruaha Mbuyuni in Kilolo District. Others are Malolo, Kisanga, Msolwa, Madizini, Kidai, and Ihombwe in Kilosa District.