Knowledge of birds of conservation interest among the people living close to protected areas in Serengeti, Northern Tanzania

Abstract

We examined the ability to recognise birds of conservation interest among the residents living adjacent to the Serengeti National Park. Data on ability to recognise the photo of eight selected bird species were collected in October 2011, in relation to the respondents' gender, age, tribe and education. Almost all eight species were known by at least 50% of the respondents. The men, older people between 40 and 42 years of age and the Maasai tribe showed good or perfect ability in recognising these birds. Unexpectedly, we found that people with little or no education had greater ability of recognising birds than those who received secondary and/or higher education. Given that only approximately 50% of respondents recognised the selected bird species regardless of age, education, gender and tribe, we emphasise that education programmes on wildlife resources recognition and biodiversity conservation awareness raising activities are to be introduced to communities surrounding the western Serengeti ecosystem. We discuss the results and how to incorporate traditional knowledge into natural resource management, biodiversity conservation and the management of sustainable resource use.

A Historical Perspective of the Maasai - African Wild Dog Conflict in the Serengeti Ecosystem

“…This finding may be attributed to the existing division of labour within the Maasai pastoralist society which favours males doing outdoor activities such as daily livestock herding (FAO, 2013;Mmassy & Røskaft, 2013), whereas females mostly do domestic work such as caring for children, cooking, milking livestock, fetching water and firewood collection (Mwebi, 2007). Our findings further indicate that the Maasai conflict with African wild dogs existed before their eviction from the SNP in 1959, but conflict occurred at a low level.…”

“…This finding supports our hypothesis that male Maasai pastoralists have a greater awareness of local wild dog presence in their area. This is because male Maasai normally follow the livestock out into the bush (Mmassy & Røskaft, 2013) and therefore, acquire more information. Also, this finding indicates that wild dogs were present in the LGCA long before and even after the Maasai were evicted from the SNP in 1959.…”

“…The reported decrease in wild dog population by males was probably because its population observed before 1990 was most likely high, but despite their initially high numbers, African wild dogs were declared locally extinct in the Serengeti National Park (SNP) in 1991 (Carbone et al, 2005;Gascoyne et al, 1993;Stearns & Stearns, 1999). Due to the division of labour within the Maasai pastoralist society (FAO, 2013;Mmassy & Røskaft, 2013), males were expected to observe and be more aware of changes in the wild dog population.…”

Community Opinions about African Wild Dog Conservation and Relocations near the Serengeti National Park, Tanzania

“…Previous studies suggested that local knowledge is a powerful tool for conveying conservation information to managers (Kideghesho, 2008;Ray, Hunter, & Zigouris, 2005). Indigenous knowledge of birds in our study area has been reported to be quite high among the Maasai people (Mmassy & Røskaft, 2013). Thus, the Maasai people have previously proven to be quite knowledgeable about ability to know different wild animal species.…”

“…This may reduce their probability of coming into contact with wild dogs and hence limits their understanding of the species' presence in their area (see also Mmassy & Røskaft, 2013). Abram et al (2015) reported that local knowledge on endangered species should be incorporated in species conservation plans and management.…”