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Participatory wildlife surveys in communal lands: a case study from Simanjiro, Tanzania
Author(s) -
Msoffe Fortunata U.,
Ogutu Joseph O.,
Kaaya John,
Bedelian Claire,
Said Mohammed Y.,
Kifugo Shem C.,
Reid Robin S.,
Neselle Moses,
Van Gardingen Paul,
Thirgood Simon
Publication year - 2010
Publication title -
african journal of ecology
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.499
H-Index - 54
eISSN - 1365-2028
pISSN - 0141-6707
DOI - 10.1111/j.1365-2028.2009.01170.x
Subject(s) - wildebeest , wildlife , geography , biological dispersal , distance sampling , bushmeat , wildlife conservation , census , population , ungulate , wildlife management , ecology , habitat , biology , national park , demography , archaeology , sociology
It is widely accepted that protected areas alone are not sufficient to conserve wildlife populations particularly for migratory or wide‐ranging species. In this study, we assess the population density of migratory species in the Tarangire–Simanjiro Ecosystem by conducting a ground census using DISTANCE sampling. We focus on the Simanjiro Plains which are used as a dispersal area by wildebeest ( Connochaetes taurinus ) and zebra ( Equus burchellii ). We demonstrate that DISTANCE sampling can provide precise estimates of population density and is an affordable method for monitoring wildlife populations over time. We stress the importance of involving local communities in monitoring programmes across landscapes that incorporate communal lands as well as protected areas.