Effects of Oil and Gas Exploration in Murchison Falls National Park on Wildlife Resources
Publication Date: 10/07/2019
Author(s): Elizabeth Diamond Kamara, Pius Mbuya Nina, Lavine Awino Ochieng.
Volume/Issue: Volume 2 , Issue 2 (2019)
Abstract:
This study investigates the impacts of oil and gas exploration on wildlife in the Albertine Rift biodiversity hotspots within Murchison falls National Park. We surveyed wild animals based on sightings along four well pad sites, which were selected for the study. The key variables include excavation activities, road construction, vehicle movements, land cover changes and spatial distribution of wild animals in the park during and after restoration. The number and species of wildlife sighted were recorded for each well pad site, and location coordinates marked using hand held GPS receiver. Data analysis describe frequency distribution of animal sightings and also compare mean population differences between sites, using SPSS version 16.0 for windows. The results show that oil and gas exploration caused land cover change, which in turn influenced the distribution of wild animals. Population mean of wild animals in the oil exploration sites was significantly lower than undisturbed sites within the National Park. Since oil and gas exploration is at the initial stages and will continue for some more years, a comprehensive understanding of likely ecological and environmental consequences might provide new insights and guide monitoring planning.
