24.6 masai mara

Question 1

where is the Masai Mara National Reserve

Answer 1

southern Kenya

Question 2

what type of ecosystem is the MMNR

Answer 2

savannah ecosystem divided by the Mara river

Question 3

what different regions are present

Answer 3

closer to the river : rich grasslands and woodlands

further from the river : open plains with scattered shrubs/trees

Question 4

what was the region dominated by in the past

Answer 4

the acacia bush which provided a habitat for a fly which carried the sleeping sickness

Question 5

how have acacia bushes been reduced

Answer 5

• government workers and indigenous communities have cleared major tracts
• elephants
• cattle
• fire grazing

Question 6

Farming - grazing

Answer 6

• traditionally used by local tribes for livestock grazing
• used semi-nomadic farming
• tribes moved frequently allowing vegetation time to recover from animal grazing
• grazing is now limited to the areas on the edge on the MMNR as tribes can’t enter the park
• large populations in these marginal areas
• vegetation removal = risk of soil erosion

Question 7

Farming - cultivation

Answer 7

• increased around the region in recent years
• grassland –> cropland
• natural vegetation is removed
• nutrients in soil are used up
• over time = reliance on fertilisers for effective crop growth

Question 8

define ecotourism

Answer 8

tourism directed towards natural environments, to support conservation efforts and observe wildlife

Question 9

what are the 3 key principles of ecotourism

Answer 9

• ensure that tourism doesn’t exploit the natural environment/ local communities
• consult and engage with local communities on planned developments
• ensure infrastructure improvements benefit local people and visitors

Question 10

what are some negative impacts of ecotourism on the ecosystem

Answer 10

tourist movements (e.g. repeated use of hiking trails / use of mechanised transport) can contribute to soil erosion and habitat changes

Question 11

conservation of the black rhinos

Answer 11

• endangered due to people illegally trading the rhino’s horn (medicinal purposes)
• 1972-1982 the rhino population went from over 100 to less than a handful
• active programme was established
• reserve rangers employed, communication equipment, vehicles, infrastructure and other equipment were provided

Question 12

Research project - Michigan State University

Answer 12

study behaviour and psychology of the predator spotted hyena

Question 13

Research project - Subalusky and Dutton

Answer 13

flow assessment for the Mara River Basin to identify flow needed for basic human needs to be met and to sustain current ecosystem

Question 14

Research project - The Mara Predator Project

Answer 14

catalogues and mentors lion populations in the region to identify trends and response to changes (land management, human settlements, livestock movements and tourism)

Question 15

Research project - The Meru-Meru Cheetah Project

Answer 15

monitor the cheetah population and see impact of human activity on their behaviour and survival

Question 16

balance - elephants

Answer 16

• elephants threaten cultivation
• trample crops and damage homesteads
• land has to be fenced but this has negative effect on natural migration

Question 17

balance - legal hunting

Answer 17

• used to cull excess animals
• maintains population numbers and brings money for conservation work
• numbers have to be constantly monitored to ensure sufficient levels

Question 18

balance - migration

Answer 18

• livestock faces threats from migratory wildlife
• diseases can be introduced to domesticated animal populations
• domesticated cattle could eat vegetation that could be used by migrating zebra/wildbeest
• diseases spread from domestic –> wild

Question 19

balance - land

Answer 19

• growing human population means more homes and more land for cattle/agriculture
• wildlife density decreases as density of built environment rises