Impacts of Emerging Infrastructure Development on Wildlife Species and Habitats in Tanzania
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Date
2024
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
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Publisher
Journal of Wildlife and Biodiversity
Abstract
The loss of wildlife species due to habitat deterioration and pollution represents a major threat to
biodiversity conservation. This is compounded by the rapid development of infrastructure i.e.,
expansion of roads, railways, harbours, construction of industries, human settlements and
agricultural infrastructure. A few studies have explored the significant effects of emerging
infrastructure development on wildlife species and habitats particularly in developing countries like
Tanzania. We reviewed 58 research articles and reports, to highlight the significant impacts of
emerging infrastructure on both aquatic and terrestrial species and habitats in Tanzania. We show
that despite the role it plays in the development, the infrastructure contributes significantly to the
loss of wildlife species. For instance, habitat loss, edge effects, population isolation, road mortality,
and increased human access are among the effects of highways across the Serengeti, Mikumi, and
Katavi National Parks in Tanzania. Effects on the health of aquatic species, pollution and loss of
habitat have been pointed out as impacts due to the construction of hotels and industries upstream
and along the coasts, expansion of harbours and agricultural activities. Environment effects i.e.,
reduction of forest, ecosystem services, and riverine habitat, and loss of species are anticipated due
to the construction of Stiegler's Gorge Hydroelectric Dam, across the Rufiji River in eastern
Tanzania. Though infrastructure development undoubtedly offers opportunities to boost economic
growth and reduce poverty in developing nations, it should be planned to have the least possible
negative effects on biodiversity. Well–planned infrastructure development could lessen human
pressure on wildlife species and habitats. This paper would be useful to policymakers and politicians
in developing nations to avoid the implementation of infrastructure development in biodiversity–
rich or protected areas as their decision may jeopardize the integrity of wildlife species and future
generations.
Description
This research article was published by Journal of Wildlife and Biodiversity in 2024