IUCN / SSC Cat Specialist Group - Digital Cat Library |
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| Eltringham, S.K.; Cooksey, I.A.; Dixon, W.J.B.; Raine, N.E.; Sheldrick, C.J.; McWilliam, N.C.; Packer, M.J. | |
| Large mammals of Mkomazi | |
| 1999 Book Chapter | |
Survey on the abundance and distribution of mammals in Mkomazi National Park (Tansania). Mkomazi Game Reserve has never been noted for large populations of large mammals but the diversity of species is as great as in any other east African protected area. The size criterion defining a large mammal must, ultimately, be arbitrary. In ecological terms, individual size correlates with individual contribution to the rate at which ecological processes occur. The threshold size criterion for a large mammal in Mkomazi was set at a weight of 3-5 kg or a height of about 50cm, and so would include, for instance, baboon and dikdik. The threshold is ecologically and logistically justified for it includes individual 'large mammals' that are likely to play significant roles in specific ecological processes and means that the chances of observing individuals of the smaller species is reasonable across a range of habitats, ensuring that widely distributed species have a fair chance of being observed throughout their range. Information on large mammal distribution and abundance patterns, and their seasonal variations, is important to understanding the significance of large mammals as an ecological driving force in Mkomazi. This information is also vital in evaluating various management questions, such as the conservation importance of Mkomazi for the persistence of large mammal species. For example, Mkomazi has the only recorded gerenuk population in a protected area in Tanzania, as well as nationally important populations of oryx and lesser kudu (TWCM 1991). Other management considerations include the tourist potential of Mkomazi for game viewing, the nature and extent of potential wildlife-human conflicts, possibilities for sustainable harvesting of bush meat by local communities and the re-introduction of formerly-present species, such as the black rhino. |
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