Scientific Publications

The Effect of an Electric Conservation Fence on Vegetation Structure in the Western Serengeti

23rd May 2026 / Scientific Publications

Authors: Michael Honorati Kimaro, Kristen Denninger Snyder, Milenka Ishasha Sloots, Walter Di Nicola, Noel Latiaeli Mbise, Victor Alexander Kakengi, Emmilian Peter Mayemba, Han Olff Abstract Growing human populations near protected area boundaries intensify human–wildlife conflicts and promote illegal livestock incursions. Such activities reduce herbaceous biomass, disrupt fire regimes, and facilitate the encroachment of woody species, thereby altering ecosystems. Electric conservation fencing has

Breeding population status and nesting preferences of the White-backed Vulture Gyps africanus in western Serengeti, northern Tanzania

14th Feb 2026 / Scientific Publications

AUTHORS Vainess Laizer, Peter S Goodman, Noel Mbise, Claire Bracebridge, Kate Tiedeman, Corrine J Kendall, Robert Byamungu, Shombe N Hassan, and Kristen D Snyder ABSTRACT The White-backed Vulture Gyps africanus is Critically Endangered because of its decline across its range in Africa, largely due to poisoning. The western

Elephant Movement Data Provides Insights Into Conservation Challenges and Successes in the Ruaha–Rungwa Landscape

11th Oct 2025 / Scientific Publications

Authors: Ramadhan Juma, Alfred Kikoti, Kristen D. Snyder, Eivin Røskaft, Peter S. Ranke, Han Olff, Alex Lobora, Godwell Ole Meing'ataki, Michael H. Kimaro ABSTRACT The African savannah elephant (Loxodonta africana) is listed as endangered on the IUCN Red List. The Ruaha–Rungwa ecosystem supports Tanzania's largest elephant population and remains a critical yet understudied stronghold for elephant conservation in East Africa.

Demographic drivers of population dynamics reveal subpopulation‐specific conservation needs for giraffes in the Serengeti Ecosystem

14th May 2025 / Scientific Publications

Authors Monica L. Bond, Dominik M. Behr, Derek E. Lee, Megan K. L. Strauss, Petra E. Campbell, Douglas R. Cavener, George G. Lohay, James M. Madeli, Maria Paniw, Arpat Ozgul Abstract Survival, reproduction, and movement are the key demographic parameters that drive population dynamics. Factors affecting these demographic

Crop use structures resource selection strategies for African elephants in a human-dominated landscape

2nd Jul 2024 / Scientific Publications

Authors: Nathan R. Hahn, Jake Wall, Kristen Deninger-Snyder, Kate Tiedeman, Wilson Sairowua, Marc Goss, Stephan Ndambuki, Ernest Eblate, Noel Mbise, George Wittemyer Abstract To conserve wide-ranging species in degraded landscapes, it is essential to understand how the behavior of animals changes in relation to the degree

Sexual dimorphisms in body proportions of Masai giraffes and the evolution of the giraffe’s neck

28th Jun 2024 / Scientific Publications

Abstract Giraffes exhibit a large sexual dimorphism in body size. Whether sexual dimorphisms also exist in body proportions of the axial and appendicular skeleton has been debated, particularly regarding the giraffe's iconic long neck. We examined the anatomical proportions of the neck, forelegs, hindlegs, and body

Moon phase and season alter road use by lions

26th Oct 2023 / Scientific Publications

Abstract Roads within protected areas facilitate management and tourism but can also alter animal movements and foraging opportunities. Animal tracks observed along roads are also used to index species distributions and abundance. We investigated the influence of roads on lion (Panthera leo) movements within the Serengeti

Differentiated drivers in wildlife-induced damage necessitate species-specific mitigation strategies in the western Serengeti, Tanzania.

19th Sep 2023 / Scientific Publications

Abstract In agriculturally dependent regions interspersed with wildlands, crop damage and livestock depredation by wildlife threaten rural livelihoods and undermine conservation efforts. Determining the species, human activities and landscape features correlated with losses to wildlife is critical for developing effective mitigation approaches. To better understand drivers

Staging behaviours identify spatial and temporal risk of human-wildlife conflict.

9th May 2023 / Scientific Publications

Abstract. Habitat conversion to farmland has increased human-wildlife interactions, which often lead to conflict, injury or death for people and animals. Understanding the behavioural and landscape drivers of human-wildlife conflict is critical for managing wildlife populations. Staging behaviour prior to crop incursions has been described across

Risk perception and tolerance shape variation in agriculture use for a transboundary elephant population

12th Nov 2021 / Scientific Publications

To conserve wide-ranging species in human-modified landscapes, it is essential to understand how animals selectively use or avoid cultivated areas. Use of agriculture leads to human-wildlife conflict, but evidence suggests the individuals. Read the full article.

Rethinking assessment of success of mitigation strategies for elephant-induced crop damage

12th Nov 2021 / Scientific Publications

Abstract: Crop damage is the most common impact of negative interactions between people and elephants and poses a significant threat to rural livelihoods and conservation efforts Read the full article

Seasonal and spatial vulnerability to agricultural damage by elephants in the western Serengeti, Tanzania

24th Jul 2019 / Scientific Publications

Abstract: In the western Serengeti of Tanzania, African elephant Loxodonta africana populations are increasing, which is rare across the species’ range. Here, conservation objectives come into conflict with competing interests such as agriculture. Elephants regularly damage crops,which threatens livelihoods and undermines local.. Read Full Publication