| Stop Serengeti road project | Send to a friend |
| Friday, 16 July 2010 09:52 |
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I remember when the road from Arusha to Nairobi was bad, and we saw every species of animal there, wild and abundant, then they fixed the highway, and I saw guys in army uniforms with guns on the road. Now there are no animals there! It is obvious what will happen – the animals will die and the Serengeti will be just a memory and not a treasure for the planet. This brings back memories of the damage caused by the road through Mikumi National Park. The Tanzania-Zambia highway crosses Mikumi over a stretch of 50 km. The road was rehabilitated between May 1990 and November 1991, resulting in higher average driving speeds. Data was collected on the incidence of road deaths of animals within the park boundaries during this period. The list of 183 mammals, birds and reptiles killed by vehicles included at least 52 species, two of which are endangered – the African elephant and the African hunting dog. The road-kill rate increased and was estimated at a minimum of three road kills per day (21•8 road kills per kilometre per year) by the end of the study. Road kills were more frequent near water holes and traditionally used animal tracks. The demographic effect of road kills on troops of yellow baboons, which include the highway in their ranges, is in the order of 10 per cent of the total yearly losses. High speed and the danger of collisions with wildlife are causing regular accidents in Mikumi National Park. Adequate signposts along the road and speed bumps are recommended in order to reduce the average driving speeds for the sake of humans and wildlife. Veronica Barrett, Via email. Add this page to your favorite Social Bookmarking websites           |
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