24.6 - Masai Mara Ecosystem Management

Question 1

Describe the vegetation of the Masai Mara ecosystem.

Answer 1

Vegetation: Divided by Mara River

Savannah ecosystem, rich/grass/woodlands (near river)

Open plains, scattered shrubs & trees (close to river)

Question 2

Describe the animal biodiversity in the Masai Mara ecosystem.

Answer 2

Animals: Annual zebra/wildebeest migration; Buffalos, elephants, leopards, lions inhabit

Formerly dominated by acacia bush > habitat for tsetse fly (carrier for African trypanosomiasis – sleeping sickness).

Govt. worked with indigenous groups to remove acacia bush reducing disease incidence

Question 3

How has the grazing situaiton changed over time?

Answer 3

Traditional grazing by tribes: Masai Mara traditionally used for grazing by tribes.

Semi-nomadic farming: Traditional grazing method.

Tribes would move location due to climate/tsetse flies; this gives vegetation time to regrow

Current grazing situation: Limited to edge of park, indigenous people restricted to entry to national park. Populations grow in these marginal areas.

Trees removed for fuel and selling, soil erosion risk increases.

Question 4

What are the effects of cultivation on the Masai Mara ecosystem?

Answer 4

Effect of cultivation: General recent increase. Natural vegetation removed as grassland is changed to cropland = soil nutrients used up = leads to a reliance of fertilisers

Question 5

Define ecotourism and its principles.

Answer 5

Tourism relied on for economic income.

Ecotourism: Tourism directed at natural environments, intended to support conservation efforts

Principles of ecotourism:

• Ensure tourism does not exploit natural environment/communities
• To consult and engage with local communities on future development
• Infrastructure must benefit locals and tourists.

Question 6

What are the drawbacks of ecotourism?

Answer 6

Repeated use of hiking trails, mechanised transport contributes to soil erosion & habitat change

Question 7

What are the threats to the black rhino and how are these issues being counteracted?

Answer 7

On IUCN critically endangered animal list.

Rhino horn sale is illegal, but huge demand is there

1972>1982 population >100 to <10.

Conservation programme for black rhino: Employment of rangers; Provision of community equipment, vehicles & other equipment/infrastructure

Helped deter poaching.

Question 8

Give examples of scientific research projects in the Masai Mara.

Answer 8

1. MSU – Behaviour & physiology of predator (spotted hyena)
2. Flow assessment of Masai Mara River Basin – to identify river flows needed to provide needy people with water whilst sustaining current ecosystem
3. Mara Predator Project – monitor lion population. Aim: Identify population trend/responses to land management changes/ settlements/ livestock/ tourism
4. Mara-Meru Cheetah Project - Monitor Cheetah population, evaluate effect on Cheetah population and behaviour after human activity

Question 9

Give examples of changes that are made to keep a balance between human land use and wildlife.

Answer 9

1. Elephants (and other grazing animals) affect cultivation, by trampling on crop. You can fence the area, but has -ve effect on natural migration
2. Legal hunting culls excess animals. Successfully maintains numbers and brings considerable money for conservation. Number must be monitored, ensures natural balance in ecosystem.
3. Livestock faces threat from migrating species such as the wildebeest, it outcompetes cattle for grass. They also introduce disease to local cattle. On the contrary, local cattle eat vegetation to be used by migrating wildlife spreading disease and killing them
4. As building density requires, wildlife declines