| dc.description.abstract | Road development by the Uganda National Roads Authority in the Albertine Graben for oil exploitation has resulted in the construction and improvement of roads that traverse Murchison Falls National Park. To mitigate the adverse effects of roads in protected areas, it is crucial to identify optimal locations for ecological passages, which facilitate wildlife movement and minimize conflicts. This study integrated GPS collar data and environmental variables to identify suitable locations for ecological passages within Murchison Falls National Park.
Analysis revealed that the area adjacent to the Paraa-Pakwach Road exhibited the highest utilization by elephants compared to other roads in the park. Significant relationships were observed between elephant presence and movement patterns and environmental factors, including vegetation cover, water availability, and topography. Using a robust inductive Mahalanobis model, a habitat suitability map was generated, and least cost paths were determined.
Six suitable locations for ecological passages were identified, with the passage along the ParaaPakwach Road deemed the most optimal. This location aligned closely with the least cost path, offering the least resistance for elephant movement. The findings underscore the importance of considering ecological infrastructure within Murchison Falls National Park for effective wildlife conservation.
By prioritizing the establishment of an ecological passage along the Paraa-Pakwach Road, the connectivity of elephant populations can be enhanced, reducing disruptions and human-wildlife conflicts. These research findings have significant implications for the management and conservation of wildlife in the park, providing valuable guidance for future infrastructure planning and land-use decision-making in the region. Strategic placement of passages can ensure the preservation of biodiversity and promote sustainable coexistence between wildlife and human activities in Murchison Falls National Park. | en_US |
