Effects of land use changes on herbivores of masai mara ecosystem

Abstract

The Narok District has undergone rapid changes in land use patterns from nomadic pastoralism to a sedentary and farming lifestyle. In this study we describe wildlife and livestock numbers and past and present land-use patterns in three group ranches from 1975 to 1997. The purpose of this paper is to examine the effect of land-use changes on herbivore populations. Research methods included observation and interpretation of satellite imageries and aerial photographs, field checks, participant observation and secondary data. Results indicate that human settlement areas have increased significantly (x 2 = 11.475, 3 df, p=0.001), while natural vegetation area has decreased insignificantly (x 2 = 0.2, 3 df, p = 0.777) between 1975 and 1997. Trend analysis indicated an increase in livestock numbers (601100 + 843 year; r 2 = 0.127; P=0.018), a decrease in wildlife numbers (953400-632 year; r 2 = 0.272; P = 0.036) and an overall increase in large herbivore numbers (155000+211 year; r 2 = 0.150; P=0.043). The information gained in this study can be used in the process of zoning the dispersal areas for different land uses. Also, if supported by a further study it can establish the optimum sustainable land use(s) around Masai Mara Reserve, that can assure the coexistence of man and wildlife.

The tenure factor in wildlife conservation

“…Following this, pressure has been exerted on the government to support land sub-division and titlement in the environs of protected areas. But as Juma and Ojwang [5] and Kimanzi [28] have noted, while privatization of land and resource tenure has the potential to enhance active community participation in conservation, this may, however, in the long term have negative socio-economic, cultural and ecological implications This is evident in the study area (tables 3 and 4) and has to a large extent jeopardized conservation efforts. These views corroborate those documented about Uganda and Ghana in this area of research [15].…”

“…Ipara [18], Sitati [17] and Kimanzi [28] have noted that communal land tenure and collective responsibility were enhanced by traditional communities to curb risks and uncertainties associated socio-economic and ecological dynamics. These strategies also encouraged sharing and reciprocity among the clans.…”

The Effects of Pastoralism and Protection on Lion Behaviour, Demography and Space use in the Mara Region of Kenya

“…Many large potential prey animals for lions such as buffalo are largely absent from the ranches due to competitive exclusion by cattle (Reid et al 2003). More generally, many wildlife species have been displaced from the group ranches of the Mara due to land-use change (Kimanzi & Wishitemi 2001).…”

“…The MMNR and Koyiaki support enormous herds of migratory wildebeest (Connochaetes taurinus), zebra (Equus burchelli) and Thomson's gazelle (Gazella thomsoni) from the neighbouring Serengeti Park to the south and Loita Plains to the northeast during the dry season (Maddock 1979;Reid et al 2003). The Koyiaki pastoral ranch also supports substantial numbers of livestock and wildlife (Stellfox et al 1986;Reid et al 2003), although there has been a marked decline in wildlife numbers there in recent decades due to droughts and land use changes (Kimanzi & Wishitemi 2001). The dry season spans July-October but January/February is also often dry (Norton-Griffiths et al 1975).…”

Pathogens, endosymbionts, and blood-meal sources of host-seeking ticks in the fast-changing Maasai Mara wildlife ecosystem

“…The Maasai Mara ecosystem in southwestern Kenya, represents one such fast-changing environment. While this ecosystem has been long recognized as a biodiversity hub and the home of the spectacular wildebeest migration termed "the 7 th wonder of the world", it has faced severe threats and challenges in the last three decades driven by drastic changes in land use [11][12][13]. Significant land fragmentation has occurred in the Maasai Mara to accommodate an increasing number of conservancies, tourist lodges, human settlements, and agricultural developments [14].…”