Population Survey

This report presents the results of an aerial wildlife survey of large to small mammals and human activities in the Saadani-Wami-Mbiki Ecosystem in the dry season of 2022. The survey was conducted from 22nd to 28th September 2022, with funding from the Government of the United Republic of Tanzania. The Saadani-Wami-Mbiki Ecosystem covers a total area of 3,485 km2 (1,154 km2 being Saadani National Park and 2,331 km2 of the Wami-Mbiki Game Reserve). The survey's main objective was to establish the population status of medium to large mammals and their spatial distribution as well as human activities in the ecosystem. The survey recorded three (3) sightings of 47 individuals of African Elephants in Saadani National Park, 20 sightings of reedbuck with 43 individuals, 15 sightings of giraffes with 40 individuals, 13 sightings of impala with 37 individuals, two (2) sightings of Hippos with 36 individuals, seven (7) sightings of elands with 36 individuals, eight (8) sightings of kongoni with 35 individuals and four (4) sightings of waterbucks with 28 individuals. Furthermore, the survey recorded 11 Sightings of wild pigs with 24 individuals, eight (8) sightings of kongoni with 35 individuals and one (1) sighting of Sable Antelope was also sighted with seven (7) individuals. One stage three elephant carcass was observed within a strip inside the park boundaries, representing a mortality rate of approximately 2.1%, which is significantly below the typical 8% threshold. The encroachment of humans was evident through various activities, including cattle and resource extraction practices such as tree felling, sawpits and poachers' camps. In particular, the survey recorded 25 sightings of cattle with 1186 individuals and 18 sightings of charcoal kilns in 42 different places within the park, indicating wood extraction for charcoal production. Furthermore, four (4) sightings of Sawpits were documented in four (4) places within the park suggesting the illegal cutting of trees. Additionally, thatched grass bomas were seen 16 times in three different sightings, indicating temporary human settlements within the park. Unfortunately, none of the observed species and human activities above had a sufficient minimum number of the required sightings (≥30) to generate estimates within the park and therefore, our report is based on recorded numbers, not estimates. On the other hand, in Wami-Mbiki Game Reserve, the survey recorded 29 sightings of duiker with 53 individuals, eight (8) sightings of impala with 46 individuals, 26 sightings of bushbuck with 46 individuals and one (1) sighting of kongoni, reedbuck and warthog with one (1) individual each. Similarly, the survey recorded signs of human encroachment, including cattle, tree felling and charcoal kilns. In particular, the survey recorded 46 sightings of cattle with 3,207 individuals and eight (8) sightings of shoats with a count of 305 individuals. As observed in Saadani National Park, none of the observed species and human activities above had a sufficient minimum number of sightings (≥30) required to generate estimates within the park. However, the large number of cattle indicated in the two protected areas may explain the low sightings of species, hence the reason for insufficient sightings to generate reliable estimates. Encroachment threatens biodiversity and leads to habitat degradation and species displacement. The presence of shoats, which typically refers to domesticated sheep and goats, further underscores the human influence within the ecosystem. These animals may contribute to overgrazing and damage to vegetation, affecting the availability of food and shelter for native wildlife. In general, these low records are concerning, as it suggests a potential disruption of the natural habitat and an imbalance in the ecosystem primarily attributed to active human activities. It is, therefore, imperative for TAWA and TANAPA to take the necessary actions to protect and sustain the wildlife populations in the two protected areas.