Impacts of emerging infrastructure development on wildlife species and
habitats in Tanzania
Abstract
The loss of wildlife species due to habitat deterioration and pollution
represents the major threats to biodiversity conservation. This is
compounded by the rapid development of infrastructure i.e., the
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 to the development, the infrastructure
contributes significantly to the loss of wildlife species. For instance,
avoidance, habitat loss, edge effects incursion, population, isolation,
road mortality, and increased human access are among the effects of
highway across the Serengeti, Mikumi, and Katavi National parks in
Tanzania. Effect of on health of aquatic species, pollution and loss of
habitat have been pointed out as impacts due to 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, 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 implementing infrastructure
in biodiversity–rich or protected areas as their decision may
jeopardize the integrity of wildlife species and future generations.