Impact of Climate Change on Flora and Fauna of Mount Kilimanjaro, Tanzania

Abstract

Mount Kilimanjaro, a giant volcanic mountain in Tanzania, Africa, is the highest mountain in the continent. It has experienced observable changes as this paper will discuss. The objective of this study is to describe Mount Kilimanjaro’s climate, ecosystems, geology, the impact of climate change on its flora and fauna and model the mountain’s lateral cliff retreat with respect to years. Mount Kilimanjaro serves as the source of several water systems in both Kenya and Tanzania. Global warming’s impact on the mountain’s glacier affects the river systems through flood occurrences. The impact is also felt on the mountain as temperatures rise above the optimum temperatures of normal body activities of many species (both flora and fauna). The data was extracted from a publication. The researchers used the model to predict the elevation in 2040.This could result in suppression of some species and enhancement for those that are able to adapt to warmer temperatures. Invasive species may also be introduced to this environment and thrive. This study found that climate change dictated changes in patterns of large animals’ migration and changes in flora and fauna species’ population and structure.