Research Objectives

General Objective

To investigate the current threats and explore the possible opportunities for the connectivity and ecological linkage in Queen Elizabeth Conservation Area (QECA) to promote elephant and lion movement.

Specific Objectives

1

To identify the major movement pathways of elephants and lions in QECA

2

To investigate the current anthropogenic and ecological threats to the connectivity of elephant and lion pathways in QECA

3

To investigate how community knowledge and perceptions impact the functionality and connectivity of elephant and lion corridors in QECA

4

To explore the opportunities for functional and sustainable connectivity of elephants and lions in QECA

Preliminary Findings

Drone Survey Documentation

The research team has conducted aerial drone surveys to document threats to animal corridors in the Queen Elizabeth Conservation Area. Preliminary findings reveal significant anthropogenic pressures on critical wildlife movement pathways.

Study Focus: Kyambura Wildlife Corridor - A critical linkage area for elephant and lion movement in QECA

Documented Threats to Wildlife Corridors

Drone imagery has captured the following threats to animal corridor functionality:

🐟

Fish Ponds in Kyambura Corridor

Commercial fish farming operations established within the wildlife corridor, blocking movement pathways

🚫 Barrier Threat
🐄

Livestock Grazing

Domestic livestock grazing in wildlife corridor areas, creating human-wildlife conflict zones

⚠️ Conflict Risk
🏘️

Human Settlement Encroachment

Residential structures at the edge of Kyambura wildlife corridor, restricting animal movement

🚫 Habitat Loss
🏨

Safari Lodge Development

Tourism infrastructure (safari lodges) located in Kyambura-KCCA wildlife corridor

⚠️ Disturbance
🛤️

Kyambura Wildlife Corridor

Overview of the corridor showing mixed land use patterns affecting connectivity

📊 Baseline Data

Conservation Significance

Understanding and maintaining wildlife corridors is critical for:

  • Genetic diversity - Enabling breeding populations to interact across landscapes
  • Range connectivity - Allowing elephants and lions to access seasonal resources
  • Climate adaptation - Facilitating species movement in response to environmental changes
  • Reducing human-wildlife conflict - Providing safe passage routes away from settlements
  • Ecosystem functionality - Maintaining ecological processes across the landscape

Community Engagement Component

This study uniquely incorporates community knowledge and perceptions, recognizing that local stakeholders play a vital role in corridor functionality and conservation success.