Currently Project

Encouraging local community participation and engagement in the protection of endemic threatened and near threatened species in Kilombero valley.


The Kilombero Valley in south-eastern Tanzania has seen a recent increase in the rate of development owing mainly to a rapid population expansion. This has led to a number of threats to the wildlife of the area, including endemic Kilombero weaver (Ploceus burnieri) bird species and mammals, such as the endemic Puku antelope (Kobus vardonii), and localized populations of the endemic Udzungwa Red Colobus (Procolobus gordonorum) , predominately through habitat loss and the depletion of natural resources, In the past the area has been an important corridor for elephants between the Selous Game Reserve (SGR) and the Udzungwa Mountains National Park (UMNP), and continues to hold some elephant populations.   

       

Through an increase in commercial and subsistence farming, illegal tree cutting and overfishing there has been a significant loss of reeds and tall trees and grasses in the area leaving many dependent species vulnerable. It is identified that these main issues stem from a lack of conservation education as well as a conflict between protecting natural areas and the resource requirements of the growing local population, such as the need for firewood and grasses for thatched housing.

                

This project aims to increase conservation awareness and engage local communities in discussions regarding the protection of wildlife, and particularly endangered species in the area. We hope that through visits to schools and village meetings to improve conservation education we are able to boost the understanding of the key issues affecting local wildlife and natural areas as well as developing potential small scale management strategies, shown to be effective in rural communities’ previously. With this area currently having very little active conservation activities we believe that this work will be extremely important in slowing the current rates of habitat destruction and resource exhaustion.

In the long term we aim to increase the standing of the Kilombero Valley Ornithological Center in the area with the purpose of having a sustainable and lasting impact on local attitudes towards the environment and conservation in the area, along with the protection of endemic, threatened and near-threatened species of the valley.

Please also visit:  http://kilomberoornithology.wix.com/kvoc2#!project/c10d6