Status of large mammals along the proposed road across northern Serengeti, Tanzania

A plan by the government of Tanzania to build a road across the northern part of Serengeti National Park prompted the present study which has assessed the status of large mammals along the proposed road before its construction. The data obtained will provide baseline information for subsequently monitoring of biodiversity along the road if constructed. Specifically, the study recorded diversity, density, health status by using population structure as an index, major behaviours as well as magnitude of road kills. Six transects with a total length of 477.1 km were surveyed from Mto wa Mbu to Mugumu. The distance sampling method was used in which observers performed standardized surveys along a series of transects searching for large mammals. All animals to the right and left of the base transect (along the proposed road) were counted and observed for the aspects indicated above. Generally, the diversity and density of large mammals were found to be higher inside the National park than outside the Park; Mugumu transect had the lowest diversity and density. It was also observed that adults were significantly more abundant than either sub adults or young mammals. Resting and feeding were the most frequently performed behaviour in each group of mammals; fleeing was the least performed behaviour. A genet (Genetta tigrina) was found killed by a vehicle on the Mugumu transect within Natta village. Roads across wildlife refuges are an intrusion to wildlife, since the road may affect both the wildlife and its habitat. Simultaneously the roads are will be used to facilitate transportation of human and their properties. Therefore, it is recommended that, the design, routing and management of the proposed road be carefully planned so as to minimize potential impacts to wildlife. Adequate signposts along the road, speed bumps, conservation education and community-based biodiversity management approaches should be considered. Further monitoring studies should be done after construction of the road to identify and document its impacts on biodiversity and periodically advice of mitigation to offset insuring impacts.