Displacement Of Wildlife Research Articles

Pastoralism and Resulting Challenges for National Parks in Afar, Ethiopia.

Pastoralists and national parks are key stakeholders in the management and conservation of natural and protected habitats. In Ethiopia, Afar pastoralists migrate seasonally with their livestock in search for grazing and water areas. Livestock are also a source of infectious diseases that can spread into wildlife populations when pastoralists encroach into unfenced national parks. The interactions between pastoralists and national parks, as well as the subsequent impacts, remain insufficiently understood in Afar. Two structured questionnaire surveys were conducted in 2021, including 300 pastoralist households in seven woredas of Afar, and 58 staff from three national parks (Awash, Alidegi and Yangudi Rassa). They captured pastoralist movements and livestock diseases as well as the perception of national park staff regarding challenges resulting from pastoral encroachment into parks. Among the pastoralists, 74.7% migrated with their livestock for a mean 3.5months per year, during which time, 90% of respondents reported contact with other livestock herds, and over 80% with wildlife. A third (34.2%) reported disease outbreaks in their village prior to migration. Pastoralists traveled long distances, crossing woreda, regional or national boundaries. All 58-park respondents reported pastoralists with livestock inside their park and their close contact with wildlife. Additionally, 69% reported the presence of domestic dogs. Wildlife displacement, habitat loss and dog attacks on wildlife were perceived as the main threat caused by the presence of pastoralists, whereas diseases were only mentioned by 15.5%. Overall, park staff showed poor disease knowledge. They reported poor disease surveillance and no disease response. Within pastoral contexts, improved collaboration between wildlife and livestock authorities regarding land use, disease awareness and surveillance is needed to balance the needs of both wildlife and pastoralist's livestock development and mitigate threats to wildlife habitats.

Analysis of the Decisive Factors of Government Attracting Tourists in Public Management from the Perspective of Environmental Protection

Tourism is a critical sustainable social and economic activity that can empower local communities. The current study strived to explore decisive factors that might be used it promotes environmental protection. Governments worldwide might employ to improve conservation and the tourism sector. There is a need to sponsor more publications on tourism and the environment that provide rigor, insight, and significance. There is also a need to address critical impacts, including greenhouse gases for airlines, liquid wastes for cruise ships, water and energy conservation for urban hotels, vegetation clearance, and wildlife displacement for rural resorts, and a range of direct and indirect local impacts on plants and animals for nature-based and adventure tourism in parks and wilderness areas. Governments need to work on economic models that address; currency exchange rates; airfares and taxes; land tenure and wildlife ownership laws; transport infrastructure; police, quarantine, and border security; investment law; public protected-area systems; and a variety of social pressures and fashions. The most effective means to improve environmental management in tourism is through laws and regulations for development planning, pollution control, and protected areas. In developed nations, tourism threatens conservation as property developers push to build private facilities inside public protected areas. In developing nations, tourism is a tool to fund conservation in public parks and private or communal lands. Visitors to the public, and protected areas contribute political and financial capital to park agencies. A few private tourism operators have converted areas of private and communal land to conservation.

Climate change influences the risk of physically harmful human-wildlife interactions

Interactions with wildlife can pose substantial physical risk to humans, as well as damage efforts to protect the species involved. News reports of increasing dangerous interactions with animals indicate climate change may be acting as a risk magnifier for these confrontations, yet its impacts on human-wildlife interactions remain uncertain in the scientific discourse. We analysed 331 media reports on climate change driven human wildlife conflicts involving physically dangerous species and verified the effects found in the media with evidence from scientific literature. Our analysis showed that climate change can increase wildlife-induced physical harm to people. This result was consistent for venomous species, terrestrial-and aquatic carnivorous species and large-bodied terrestrial animals in 44 countries across the globe. We identified four climate driven trends that impact the risk of human casualties: i) increased resource competition between humans and wildlife due to drought; ii) range expansion of dangerous animals due to higher average temperatures; iii) temporary displacement of wildlife due to extreme weather events; iv) and changes in temporal behaviour patterns of wildlife due to higher average temperatures. The identification of overarching trends across different regions and species show the need to bridge the gap between wildlife research and the study of climate-related risks. The existence of, or potential for, wildlife-induced physical harm to people should be taken into account as a component of climate change driven risk. At the same time, we stress the importance of including current and future impacts of climate change into long-term wildlife management- and conservation schemes.

Emergent Sonification: Using Computational Media to Communicate the Anthropocene in ByrdBot

This research note describes ByrdBot, a science communication tool that leverages bird songs to communicate data regarding human impacts on the environment. With ByrdBot, listeners can compare simulated soundscapes of 1970, 2017, and 2065 to immediately, and viscerally, experience decades of past or projected future environmental change. The communication tactic of ByrdBot—what we call emergent sonification—is discussed as one that capitalizes on computational media to facilitate attunement to nonhuman voices and, subsequently, to offer an affective grasping of the impacts of such phenomena as habitat destruction and climate change on wildlife displacement and loss.

Environmental Safeguards in the Construction of Padma Bridge

The Padma Bridge, being the largest infrastructure development project of Bangladesh, required extensive environmental safeguards to make the dream project of Bangladesh environmentally sound. Threat to biodiversity particularly breeding and migration of HIlsha (Tenualosa ilisha) fish, safe disposal of 50 million m3 of dredging spoils, disturbances and displacement of wildlife, conservation of biodiversity, plantation of trees lost to the project, control of construction related noise, air and water pollution, occupational health and safety of the workers were the main environmental impacts of the project. An Environmental Action Plan (EAP) with effective protective measures was successfully implemented. Environmental monitoring of quality of both surface and drinking water, ambient noise level, concentration of PM10, PM2.5, CO, ozone, oxides of nitrogen and sulfur in ambient air, disposal of domestic, construction and hazardous wastes, disposal of dredged spoils, use of personal protective equipment (PPE) and safety at work sites were conducted regularly by a team constituted for this purpose throughout the project period and protective measures were adopted as and when required. Increased flow, water level and temperature in Padma River due to climate change were considered in the design of the Bridge. A wildlife sanctuary has been established in the project area for flourishing of flora and fauna in the protected environment.

Environmental impact assessment of fish farm hatcheries management in lower Niger Basin Area of Nigeria

The environmental impact assessment was carried out in different five geographical zones of Kwara Central, Kwara North, Kwara South, Kogi Central and Kogi West in two phases. Phase 1 was investigation by observation through questionnaire administration and phase 2 was observation by experiment (sampling and analysis) of 5 farms in each zone making a total of 25 farms. Water quality parameters were measured from site to site where alkalinity and hardness differed significantly (p 0.05), while water pollution, insecurity as a result of land exposure and wild life displacement were impacted significantly (p < 0.05). Fish bred and raised were monoculture of family Clariidae of which species of Clarias gariepinus and Heterobranchus longifilis, Heterobranchus bidorsalis and their hybrids were prominent. Poor quality constructions of brood stock ponds, spawning, nursery tanks and fish hatcheries drainage compartments, their effects coupled with uncontrolled discharge of waste water in the hatcheries caused negative residual impacts of pollution, erosion and degradation of farm lands and environment. To prevent the occurrence of these hazards, fish farmers must obtain permits from relevant authorities and contact experts before embarking on pond constructions and fish hatcheries.Keywords: Fish farm hatcheries, impacts, assessments, Kwara state, Kogi state

Grassland birds demonstrate delayed response to large‐scale tree removal in central North America

Summary Maintenance of early successional and open habitats often requires active removal of encroaching vegetation. In many cases, fire or other historically applied methods can no longer maintain or create open or early‐successional habitat. In these situations, managers must employ mechanical or chemical treatments to control vegetation and improve habitat quality for wildlife that depend on open habitats. We conducted a large‐scale study of tree removal from 2005 to 2011 on 14 grassland sites in central North America. Beginning in the autumn of 2005, shrubs, scattered trees, shelterbelts and woodlots were removed from six of fourteen study sites with cutting and burning treatments. Trees and shrubs accounted for 7–21% of pre‐treatment ground cover. We conducted vegetation and bird surveys on each site for one year before and six years after initiating tree removal treatments. Treatments effectively removed larger woody vegetation (&gt;6 m in height), but effects of shrub removal were less consistent due to rapid regrowth. Tree removal sites also experienced reductions in grassy litter as a result of prescribed fires that were used to discourage shrub and tree regrowth. On untreated sites, abundance of all grassland birds declined throughout the study, on average declining by 62%. On tree removal sites, we estimated that grassland bird abundance dropped from 2·04 (birds per count) before treatment to a low of 0·90 in the second year after initiating treatments, but recovered in the final three years of study with a weak, but significant positive response six years after initiating treatment, with an estimated 1·42 birds per count. Waterfowl and wetland birds increased following tree removal, whereas woodland birds, particularly those that nest in cavities, declined on treated sites. Synthesis and applications. Tree removal did appear to improve habitat suitability for grassland birds, but a positive response was weak and delayed, and treatments caused short‐term habitat disturbances that significantly reduced abundance of target species. When planning large‐scale tree removal, it may be beneficial to allow undisturbed habitat in the surrounding landscape to ameliorate potential short‐term displacement of wildlife in early phases of treatment. In addition, managers should expect site recovery to require repeated treatments over multiple years.

Climate, vulnerability and farming: a preliminary study among Australian food growers

The present study examines climate change, vulnerability to climate, and other environmental challenges from the perspective of 80 horticulture operators from different Australian states. Vulnerability in the form of storms and droughts are respondents’ main environmental concerns; in some cases, the impact of wildlife displacement is affecting their production outputs. In addition, substantial negative impacts of climate change on food production, particularly the effects of global warming, are of concern to respondents, which they claim is both limiting the volume and quality of grown crops. Many respondents seek to adapt farming practices to address current climatic and environmental challenges, especially through planting and irrigation practices. However, adaptability, as well as proactive and reactive measures comes at a price that may not necessarily be recuperated. With limited resources and support, growers worry that they may become even more vulnerable to future and potentially more severe climatic challenges and subsequent impacts.

Linking Environmental Drivers to Infectious Diseases: The European Environment and Epidemiology Network

Linking Environmental Drivers to Infectious Diseases: The European Environment and Epidemiology Network

Putting the Spotlight on Internally Displaced Animals (IDAs): A Survey of Primate Sanctuaries in Africa, Asia, and the Americas

As anthropogenic activity makes deeper incursions into forests, fragmenting habitat, wildlife is forced into closer proximity to humans leading to increased incidences of human-wildlife conflict and wildlife displacement. These same incursions facilitate poaching for the commercial trade in dead and live animals. As a direct result, the number of sanctuaries and internally displaced animals (IDAs) in need of sanctuary placement and rehabilitation are increasing. We focus on internally displaced primates given the prevalence of primate-focused facilities and anthropomorphic considerations surrounding this taxonomic group. Surveys were distributed globally to map the extent and range of native primate sanctuaries and species. Over 70 facilities care for more than 6,000 native primates comprising 64 species, with almost half listed as endangered or critically endangered. As not all sanctuaries were identified at the time of the survey distribution, we estimate that the actual number of facilities is closer to double this number with a captive population in excess of 10,000 individual primates. Native primate sanctuaries hold significant numbers of primates in long-term captive care, with less than half (37%) identified as candidates for release. The surveyed sanctuary population accounts for 35% of the world's captive primates, as compared to ISIS-registered (where ISIS is International Species Information System) zoological facilities, although we estimate that the actual population is closer to 58%. For some species, the sanctuary population represents the only population in captivity. We discuss the prevalence of range-state sanctuaries and their primate populations, and issues surrounding their future development and management.

Contraction of Wildlife Dispersal Area in Olgulului – Ololorashi Group Ranch Around Amboseli National Park, Kenya

A majority of large mammals from Amboseli National Park rely on group ranch wildlife dispersal areas for wet season dispersal. However, the contraction of wildlife dispersal areas around Amboseli may be increasing, but the extent is unknown. This study investigated the contraction of wildlife dispersal area by human infrastructure in Olgulului - Ololorashi Group Ranch, which surrounds over 90% of Amboseli Park. Global Positioning System (GPS) was used for location and Geographical Information System (GIS) was used for spatial analysis to determine the area occupied by the structures. The minimum distance of wildlife kept away from institutions was 275 ± 20 m, followed by bomas (214 ± 16 m), roads (163 ± 9 m), and livestock (192 ± 12 m). The minimum distance of wildlife from human infrastructure was used as an index of wildlife displacement. All infrastructure occupied an actual area of 66 km 2 (5%) of the group ranch. This increased to 281 km 2 (23%) with wildlife displacement. Of the area occupied by human infrastructure, fourteen settlement clusters (199 km 2 , 10.82%) were located. Bomas covered 10% of the group ranch area, followed by institutions (6%), roads (5%), and agriculture (2.13%). The infrastructures were widely distributed in the group ranch and around the Amboseli. Although more dispersal space was available, the spatial distribution of clusters and infrastructure threaten wildlife dispersal. If the obstruction of dispersal routes is not addressed, the group ranch will be compromised as a wildlife dispersal area for Amboseli National Park.

The impact of subdivision and sedentarization of pastoral lands on wildlife in an African savanna ecosystem

This study looks at the impact of subdivision and sedentarization of pastoral lands on wildlife numbers and production in a savanna ecosystem of southern Kenya. The study uses aerial counts over a period of 33 years to compare changes in wildlife populations on two adjacent and ecologically similar Maasai group ranches. During the period under study, one group ranch was subdivided and settled. The other remained communally owned under shifting seasonal use. Wildlife populations decreased sharply on the privatized ranch following subdivision and increased steadily on the adjacent ranch where pastoralists continued mobile pastoralism. The results of multivariate analysis show that sedentarization and settlement distribution accounts for wildlife declines on the subdivided ranch. Both the direct displacement of wildlife and the reduction in grass production following a switch from seasonal to permanent grazing associated with sedentarization are discussed as causes of wildlife loss. Given the demand for title deeds among pastoralists to counter land losses, the resulting sedentarization is likely to become the biggest threat to wildlife in the East African savannas.

Contraction of Wildlife Dispersal Area and Displacement by Human Activities in Kimana Group Ranch Near Amboseli National Park, Kenya

Kimana Group Ranch area is a critical area for Amboseli, Chyulu, Tsavo West national parks, and community sanctuaries in the Tsavo - Amboseli Ecosystem. However, growing human populations and associated activities are causing range contraction and wildlife displacement in this dispersal area. This study investigated the contraction of wildlife dispersal area through field mapping and spatial analysis. Human activities displaced wildlife from 140.01 km� (55.74%) of KGR, leaving only about 44% of the land for wildlife. The actual area occupied by these activities was 57.83 km 2 (23% of KGR). Wildlife kept 0.23 ± 0.04 km from Maasai homes, 0.18 ± 0.02 km from roads, 0.07 ± 0.04 km from electric fences, and 0.21 ± 0.02 km from livestock. No wildlife was seen close to agricultural areas, which covered 0.89 km 2 , 0.27%. Kimana and Namelok electric fences covered 52.98 km� (21.10%), but displaced wildlife from 69.29 km� (27.61%). Although Maasai homes covered only 0.24 km� (1.09%), they displaced wildlife from 28.11 km� (11.19%). Spatially, clusters of human activities were cutting off Amboseli and KCWS, forcing the wildlife to find alternative routes with Tsavo / Chyulu. Therefore, Kimana is diminishing as wildlife dispersal area and this will affect the viability of protected areas.

Wildlife Displacement and Dispersal Area Reduction by Human Activities within Kimana Group Ranch Corridor Near Amboseli, Kenya

This article presents an undergraduate student research project on wildlife displacement and dispersal area reduction by human activities in Kenya through The School for Field Studies study abroad program.