Wetlands Status within the SGR Footprint from Dar es Salaam to Makutupora, Singida

Abstract

Tanzania’s standard-gauge railway (SGR) construction project crosses several wetlands, some of which are of international importance. We studied 16 wetlands, in the Pwani and Morogoro regions, to evaluate their biodiversity status despite human modification. Water-quality parameters were within acceptable ranges, but some sites there had elevated levels of turbidity, dissolved oxygen (DO), biological oxygen demand (BOD5), and total coliforms, indicating human impact. Disturbances affected soils and species diversity along the SGR line. Endangered species like Xylotheca tettensis and species of conservation value like Dalbergia melanoxylon were recorded. Invasive species including Pistia stratiotes, Lantana camara, Calotropis procera, Xanthium stumarium and Ricinus communis were identified, requiring immediate control. We documented 15 waterbird species, mainly hamerkop and pied kingfisher, 17 amphibian and 11 reptile species, 730 macroinvertebrates, and 1139 individual fish. Although no fauna species are of conservation concern, ongoing monitoring and restoration are essential to mitigate construction impact on wetlands and biodiversity.