- The parkland occupies 2,305,100 ha, known for herds of wildebeest, 1,300,000.
- Endangered species, African elephant, perhaps only 2,000 left.
- More than 500 species of birds such as the flamingo.
- Populated by the Masai Mara, who have an extensive system of land management which requires large areas for the grazing of cattle and Mara’s cultural code forbids the eating of wild animals, so biodiversity is protected.
History
- Today over 52,000 Masai Mara.
- 1980’s, economic situation improved, tourism increased which allowed the park authorities to rebuild the infrastructure and to re-establish anti-poaching units.
- 90,000 visitors a year, although tourism is managed sustainably as 200,000 animals are still illegally killed by poachers each year.
Management
- Buffer zones called community Wildlife Management Areas.
- Local people are encouraged and have legal rights to make decisions regarding the management of wildlife, hoping to curb illegal poaching.
- 36% of the population live below the poverty line has resulted in ever increasing pressure on existing resources.
- A new threat to the natural grasslands is the invasion of the non-native Mexican prickly poppy, rapidly takes over an overgrazed land crowding out native species.
- Tanzania is committed to protecting 42,000km² of land, UK has 1/10 of the land protected.
- The main aim is to preserve the country’s rich natural heritage and to provide securing breeding grounds for its flora and fauna, safe from the conflicting interests of a growing human population.