populations and sustainability- case studies Flashcards
Describe the location of the Masai Mara National reserve
- southern kenya
- savannah ecosystem divided by the main Mara river. Fertile regions close to the river.
Describe the effects of the domination of acacia bush in the Masai region
acacia bush provides habitat for tsetse fly which is a carry of African sleeping sickness.. To reduce spread of disease, government workers and indigenous communities communities have cleared tracts of acacia.
Describe traditional grazing in the Masai Mara region
Traditionally the region has been used by local tribes for livestock grazing- semi nomadic farming depending on climate variation and tsetse flies. This allows times for vegetation to recover from animal grazing.
Describe grazing now in the Masai Mara region
grazing is now limited to areas on the edge of the reverse as local tribes are prevented from entering the park. Larger herds graze the grassland areas, more trees removed for fuel. When vegetation is removed, the risk of soil erosion increases.
Describe cultivation in Masai Mara region
level of cultivation has increased. Grassland is converted to cropland, removing natural vegetation and nutrients in soil are used up. Overtime, crop growth will be relient on fertilisers
Describe ecotourism in the Masai Mara region
the region relies on tourism for economic input.
What is ecotourism?
tourism directed towards natural environments, to support conservation efforts and observe wild life. It is sustainable.
What are the key principles of ecotourism?
- ensure not to exploit the natural environment or local communities
- consult and engage with local communities on planned developments
- ensure that infrastructure improvements benefit local people as well as visitors
what are the negative impacts of ecotourism?
the repeated use of hiking trails, or the use of mechanised transport may contribute to soil erosion and other habitat changes
why are black rhino considered the most engaged animals in Africa?
due to poaching for money. The rhino horn is in high demand for the use in traditional medicine
What took place in the Masai mara region due to the endangered species of the black rhino?
- poaching is illegal
- active conservation and protection programme established to encourage a balance between the needs of local communities and those of the wildlife. This included employment of reserve rangers and the provision of communication equipment, vehicles, infrastructure. This is to detect poachers.
what scientific research projects have taken place in the Masai Mara region (Michigan state university)?
-Michigan state university, studying the behaviour and the physiology of the hyena
what scientific research projects have taken place in the Masai Mara region (Subalusky and Dutton)?
-Subalusky and Dutton, completing a flow assessment for Mara River Basin. Aim to identify the river flows needed to provide for both basic human needs and to sustain the ecosystem
what scientific research projects have taken place in the Masai Mara region (The Mara Predator Project)?
-The Mara Predator Project which monitors the lion populations. Aim is to identify the population trends in response to changes in land management, human settlement, livestock movement and tourism
what scientific research projects have taken place in the Masai Mara region (The Mara-Menu Cheetah project)?
aims to monitor the cheetah populations and evaluate the impact of human activity on cheetah behaviour and survival.
why is increasing wildlife density threatening in the Masai Mara region?
increase threatens pastoral and cultivation lifestyles. A constant balance is needed for animal and human population.
How do elephants and other animals in the Masai Mara region threaten cultivation?
large populations often trample and damage homesteads. Grazing animals can eat crops. This can be prevented with fencing but may have negative effects on natural migration.
How can overly high wildlife density be prevented by legal hunting in the Masai Mara region?
this hunting can be used to cull excess animals and successfully maintain population numbers. However, numbers must be constantly monitored
How does migratory wildlife threaten livestock?
due to competition and new diseases
How does the expansion of the human population decline the wildlife density?
more land required for homes and agriculture
How does migratory wildlife threaten livestock?
due to competition and new diseases
Describe the ecosystem of the Tarai region in Nepal
- extreme biodiversity
- national source of income
- As a result of poverty and corruption, large areas have been cleared for agriculture or to sell timber