Masai giraffe population change over 40 years in Arusha National Park

Abstract

A population of Masai giraffes (Giraffa camelopardalis tippelskirchi) occurs in Arusha National Park (ANP), which is not part of the regular Tanzanian national wildlife monitoring scheme. Urban development of Arusha city and agricultural expansion have contributed to the increasing isolation of ANP from other protected areas in northern Tanzania. The only published data on the Masai giraffe population of ANP were individual-based data collected in 1979 and 1980. Here, we used individual-based data from 2021 to 2022 to provide an update on the current population size, population sex and age structure, movements and genetic connectivity of giraffes in ANP.We documented a 49% population decline and changes in the age distribution, adult sex ratio, reproductive rate and movement patterns relative to the previous study.Mitochondrial DNA analysis revealed genetic connectivity between ANP and other populations east of the Gregory Rift Escarpments in northern Tanzania and southeastern Kenya, evidence that Masai giraffe once moved widely across the landscape.

A range’s core should not only be important in research

“…Scrolling down recent contents of AJE, we can notice that we published many excellent articles that were directly or indirectly important for addressing aspects of habitat loss and fragmentation, but with a clear substantial attention to the “core” and not to “what surrounds it” (the matrix). For instance, we published several demographic studies and other interesting observations/data focusing on wildlife species within protected pristine areas (e.g., Amin et al, 2022; Gush et al, 2022; Lee et al, 2023; Meheretu et al, 2022; Sonhaye‐Ouyé et al, 2022; Turikunkiko et al, 2022; Uwizelimana et al, 2022), whereas those focusing on the matrix areas surrounding pristine protected areas were much less (Kifle & Bekele, 2022; Kisingo et al, 2021; Ncube & Tarakini, 2022).…”

Ecology in a troubled continent

“…The AJE has extensively covered these themes, as evidenced by numerous recent contributions focusing on savannah mammals. (e.g., Ang'ila et al, 2023; Ayechew et al, 2022; Everatt et al, 2023; Lee et al, 2023; Tarugara & Clegg, 2022; Tiller et al, 2022), bushmeat (e.g., Djagoun et al, 2022; Froese et al, 2022; Hariohay et al, 2022; Hart et al, 2022; Sonhaye‐Ouyé et al, 2022), and community forests (e.g. Fa & Luiselli, 2023; Mavah et al, 2022; Oyda et al, 2022; Poulain et al, 2023; Rampheri et al, 2022).…”

Activitybudget and foraging patterns ofNubian giraffe (Giraffa camelopardalis camelopardalis) in Lake Nakuru National Park, Kenya

“…Previous research has examined several aspects of giraffe behaviour, such as nocturnal behaviour (Burger et al., 2020), diurnal activity budgets (Deacon et al., 2024; Paulse et al., 2023) and the impact of seasonal changes on foraging activities (Clark et al., 2023; Pellew, 1984). Studies have shown variation in giraffe behaviour across many environments, including zoos (Fernandez et al., 2008), national parks (Lee et al., 2023; Saito & Idani, 2020), and natural habitats (Fennessy, 2009). These variations can be influenced by factors like sex differences (Bashaw, 2011; Ginnett & Demment, 1997), body size (du Toit & Yetman, 2005), anthropogenic influences (Scheijen et al., 2021), and proximity to human settlements (Bond et al., 2021).…”