Wildlife Conservation Implications of Large Mammals along the Standard-gauge Railway from Dar es Salaam to Isaka, Kahama, Tanzania

Abstract

Sustainable development strives for harmonization of economic development while protecting environmental resources for present and future generations. The government of Tanzania is implementing the construction of a standard-gauge railway (SGR) from Dar es Salaam to Isaka, Mwanza. This study examines the conservation implications in the pursuit of implementation of the SGR and protection of wildlife resources. A combination of methods was used to collect data including ground-walking transects, camera traps and key informant interviews. A total of 26 species of large mammals were observed along the proposed SGR alignment that are within eight orders and 12 families. Out of 26 observed species, African elephant, giraffe, leopard, lion, zebra and wild dog are listed by IUCN and CITES as species of conservation concern. Installation of electrified and high-tensile steel-wire fences and provision of crossings to facilitate free movements of wildlife along existing corridors are recommended.