Expansion of human settlement in Kenya's Maasai Mara: what future for pastoralism and wildlife?

摘要: Aim  Wildlife and pastoral peoples have lived side-by-side in the Mara ecosystem of south-western Kenya for at least 2000 years. Recent changes human population landuse are jeopardizing this co-existence. The aim study is to determine viability pastoralism wildlife conservation Maasai ranches around National Reserve (MMNR). Location  A area 2250 km2 was selected northern part Serengeti-Mara ecosystem, encompassing group adjoining MMNR. Emphasis placed on Koyake Group Ranch, a rangeland owned by pastoralists, one Kenya's major tourism areas. Methods  settlement patterns, vegetation, livestock numbers were analysed over 50-year period. Settlement distributions vegetation determined from aerial photography surveys 1950, 1961, 1967, 1974, 1983 1999. Livestock re-analysis systematic reconnaissance flights conducted Government 1977 2000, ground counts 2002. Corroborating data obtained settlements 2001. Trends related rainfall, production as indicated seasonal Normalized Difference Vegetation Index. With these sets, per capita holdings period 1980–2000, fluctuating rainfall primary production. Results  For first half twentieth century, infested with tsetse-flies, confined Lemek Valley north During early 1960s, active tsetse-control measures both government led destruction woodlands across retreat tsetse flies. then able expand their south towards Meanwhile, wildebeest (Connochaetes taurinus) increasing Serengeti began spill into rangelands each dry season, leading direct competition between wildlife. established 1970 formalize land tenure Maasai. By late 1980s, rapid growth, new areas had been Talek other parts adjacent Over 1983–99, number bomas has increased 6.4% annum (pa), 4.4% pa. same period, cattle varied 20,000 45,000 (average 25,000), relation total received previous 2 years. cannot support greater under current practices. Conclusions  increase Mara, imminent privatization, it probable that populations will decline significantly next 3–5 years. Per ranch now fallen three units/reference adult, well below minimum subsistence requirements. 1980s 90s diversified livelihoods generate revenues tourism, small-scale agriculture land-leases mechanized cultivation. However, there massive imbalance incomes favour small elite. In 1999 membership voted subdivide individual holdings. 2003 subdivision survey allocated plots 60 ha average size 1020 members. This privatization may result cultivation fencing, exclusion wildlife, revenue generator. unique pastoral/wildlife system shortly be lost unless can managed maintain free movement