Roads as a Threat to the Serengeti Ecosystem

Fyumagwa, Robert D.; Gereta, Emmanuel; Hassan, Shombe N.; Kideghesho, Jafari R.; Kohi, Edward M.; Keyyu, Julius D.; Magige, Flora J.; Mfunda, Iddi M.; Mwakatobe, Angela; Ntalwila, Janemary; Nyahongo, Julius W.; Runyoro, Victor; Røskaft, Eivin

doi:10.1111/cobi.12116

Cited by 40 publications

(42 citation statements)

References 13 publications

(19 reference statements)

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“…[13,14]). An obvious reason for this disconnect is that many of the pressing conservation issues (e.g., [15,16]) simply do not need genomics, but instead need political will.…”

Section: Conservation Biology and Genomicsmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…[13,14]). An obvious reason for this disconnect is that many of the pressing conservation issues (e.g., [15,16]) simply do not need genomics, but instead need political will.The traditional use of genetic data in conservation biology has been historically demarcated into two interrelated areas [3]: i) understanding how evolutionary processes such as genetic drift, selection, and migration shape genetic and 50 phenotypic variation of natural populations and determine population structure; and ii) more specifically, describing the effects of low effective population size on genetic variation and population viability. Nested within these are more general conservation issues, such as resolving taxonomic uncertainties, preserving local adaptation, and offsetting inbreeding depression (Table 1).…”

mentioning

confidence: 99%

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Genomics and the challenging translation into conservation practice

Shafer¹,

Wolf²,

Alves³

et al. 2015

Trends in Ecology & Evolution

474

470

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The global loss of biodiversity continues at an alarming rate. Genomic approaches have been suggested as a promising tool for conservation practice, and we discuss how scaling-up to genome-wide inference can benefit traditional conservation genetic approaches and provide qualitatively novel insights. Yet, the generation of genomic data and subsequent analyses and interpretations are still challenging and largely confined to academic research in ecology and 20evolution. This generates a gap between basic research and applicable solutions for conservation managers faced with multifaceted problems. Before the real-world conservation potential of genomic research can be realized, we suggest that current infrastructures need to be modified, methods must mature, analytical pipelines need to be developed, and successful case studies must be disseminated to practitioners. 3 Conservation biology and genomicsLike most of the life sciences, conservation biology is being confronted with the challenge of how to integrate the collection and analysis of large-scale genomic data into its toolbox. Conservation biologists pull from a wide array of disciplines in an effort to preserve biodiversity and ecosystem services [1]. Genetic data have helped in this regard by 30 detecting, for example, population substructure, measuring genetic connectivity, and identifying potential risks associated with demographic change and inbreeding [2]. Traditionally, conservation genetics (see Glossary) has relied on a handful of molecular markers ranging from a few allozymes to dozens of microsatellites [3]. But for close to a decade [4], genomics -broadly defined high-throughput sampling of nucleic acids [5] -has been touted as an important advancement to the field, a panacea of sorts for the unresolved conservation problems typically addressed 35 with genetic data [6,7]. This transition has led to much promise, but also hyperbole, where concrete empirical examples of genomic data having a conservation impact remain rare.Under the premise that assisting conservation of the world's biota is its ultimate purpose, the emerging field of conservation genomics must openly and pragmatically discuss its potential contribution towards this goal. While there 40are prominent examples where genetic approaches have made inroads influencing conservation efforts (e.g., Florida panther augmentation [8,9]) and wildlife enforcement (i.e., detecting illegal harvest [10]), it is not immediately clear that the conservation community and society more broadly have embraced genomics as a useful tool for conservation.Maintaining genetic diversity has largely been an afterthought when it comes to national biodiversity policies [11,12], and attempts to identify areas that might prove to be essential for conserving biological diversity rarely mention 45 genomics (e.g. [13,14]). An obvious reason for this disconnect is that many of the pressing conservation issues (e.g., [15,16]) simply do not need genomics, but instead need political will.The traditional use of gene...

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“…[13,14]). An obvious reason for this disconnect is that many of the pressing conservation issues (e.g., [15,16]) simply do not need genomics, but instead need political will.…”

Section: Conservation Biology and Genomicsmentioning

confidence: 99%

mentioning

confidence: 99%

Genomics and the challenging translation into conservation practice

Shafer¹,

Wolf²,

Alves³

et al. 2015

Trends in Ecology & Evolution

474

470

View full text Add to dashboard Cite

show abstract

“…In addition to this, the authors argue that the road will split newly re-established populations of African wild dogs (Lycaon pictus) and black rhinoceros (Diceros bicornis), preventing gene flow between populations. However, there are also arguments to why these claims may be over exaggerated, and that the road may divert some of the increasing traffic from existing roads which experience annual increases in traffic (Fyumagwa et al 2013;Homewood et al 2010). It is therefore an important issue to assess the effects of roads and traffic on wildlife in the Serengeti, to ensure that the animals will not suffer from the proposed road project.…”

Section: The Serengeti Roadmentioning

confidence: 99%

Assessing the effect of roads on impala (Aepyceros melampus) stress levels using faecal glucocorticoid metabolites

Lunde

2016

Afr. J. Ecol.

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PrefaceThe background for this study is the imminent threat of global species decline, which I believe deserve immediate attention to enable us to preserve the Earth's biosphere and ensure that future generations will inherit a functioning planet. It is in direct association with the principles of the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD) of the United Nations, which aims to conserve biological diversity, ensure sustainable use and an equal sharing of our resources.

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“…This suggests some negative ecological impacts roads have on the animals in Mikumi National Park (Newmark 1996). These data suggest that the inception of the proposed road through the Serengeti area will have consequences such as increasing animal physiological stresses, mortality and sustainability of the ecosystem (Lunde 2013, Fyumagwa et al 2013). …”

Section: Emergence Of New Economic Opportunities and Competing Develomentioning

confidence: 96%

Emerging issues and challenges in conservation of biodiversity in the rangelands of Tanzania

Rija¹,

Kideghesho²,

Mwamende³

et al. 2013

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Tanzania rangelands are a stronghold for biodiversity harbouring a variety of animal and plant species of economic, ecological and socio-cultural importance. Efforts to protect these resources against destruction and loss have involved, among other things, setting aside some tracks of land as protected areas in the form of national parks, nature reserves, game reserves, game controlled and wildlife management areas. However, these areas and adjacent lands have long been subjected to a number of emerging issues and challenges, which complicate their management, thus putting the resources at risk of over exploitation and extinction. These issues and challenges include, among other things, government policies, failure of conservation (as a form of land use) to compete effectively with alternative land uses, habitat degradation and blockage of wildlife corridors, overexploitation and illegal resource extraction, wildfires, human population growth, poverty, HIV/AIDS pandemic and human-wildlife conflicts. In this paper, we review the emerging issues and challenges in biodiversity conservation by drawing experience from different parts of Tanzania. The paper is based on the premise that, understanding of the issues and challenges underpinning the rangelands is a crucial step towards setting up of plausible objectives, strategies and plans that will improve and lead to effective management of these areas. We conclude by recommending some proactive measures that may enhance the sustainability of the rangeland resources for the benefit of the current and future generations.

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Roads as a Threat to the Serengeti Ecosystem

Cited by 40 publications

References 13 publications

Genomics and the challenging translation into conservation practice

Genomics and the challenging translation into conservation practice

Assessing the effect of roads on impala (Aepyceros melampus) stress levels using faecal glucocorticoid metabolites

Emerging issues and challenges in conservation of biodiversity in the rangelands of Tanzania

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