Game scouts report March 2008
Category: Wildebeest, general wildlife, predators | Date: Mar 25 2008 | By: admin
Hallo All!
Just received the latest report from the game scouts at Ol Tukai. For the first time in years we have wildebeest breeding again in Ol Tukai. This is a wonderful development and really bodes well for our effort. The scouts got a photo which shows the young wildebeest, its not the clearest image but the animals are there!
We also have more and more predation within the conservancy…now on wildlife as opposed to livestock…which is a great relief and another demonstration of how the land set aside for wildlife is recovering well.
Also we had a lovely herd of Elephants in Ol Tukai last month. They were very nervous and stuck to good cover but the scouts managed to get a decent photo of them…
Thanks again for all the support! 
THE INDIGENOUS TREES AND TRADITIONAL MEDICINES
Category: Uncategorized, general wildlife, health, water | Date: Mar 25 2008 | By: admin
The Tarangire- Manyara Ecosystem, including Ol Tukai, is one of the richest areas in- terms of its Flora and Fauna. This Natural wealth is to a very large extent, the production of the Zonal enormous diversity of Habitat and Climate. Broadly speaking, rainfall is both generous and reliable at the moderate altitudes, their air is cool and vegetation lush. The lowland areas tend to be hot and dry; the climate is both hot and humid along the plain and in the basin near the Lake Manyara.
Climate and ecological variety create ideal environments for a great many different species of plants (and of course Wildlife and Birds). The medicinal plants are an important part of the daily lives, and the Cultural heritage, of many East African peoples. The use of plants in the in the treatment of various diseases, as a specific Antidote against magic, and for Religious ceremonies, has been an integral elements of African society for Centuries. The East African Herbalists often referred to as Bwana Mganga (Medicine Man), is an important and highly respected figure within the society. Knowledge of medicinal plants is normally passed on orally from one generation to the next. Unfortunately, a great deal of valuable information can be lost or distorted if a medicine man dies without revealing such knowledge. For example, Acacia Nubian a back is used as an emetic in the treatment of Malaria and Rheumatism. Ash from the burnt plant is used as protection against Anthrax. In the whole issue of medicinal plants, it becomes clear that there is a lack of detailed documentation on the significance and application of curative plants in East Africa.
Such documentation is an urgent priority in view of fragility of oral tradition knowledge of the rapid pace of urbanization and the consequent erosion of tribal culture in this part of Africa. In the Ethno veterinary knowledge (EVK) it can provide information, diagnosis, dosage and usefulness of plants, in order to avoid highly toxic and that may cause severe allergic reactions or serious poisoning.
The following are few, examples of Traditional medicinal plants;
1. Bombacaceae - Baobab Family.
2. Mimosoideae –Acacia sub family.
3. Rhamnaceae –Buffalo-thorn family.
4. Acacia Lahai -Red –thorn Acacia.
5. Moringa Oleifera Drumstick Tree.
Since these trees and Shrubs are both important for Human use as medicines, and for the environmental conservation, the Society and The Conservancy, are making very sure that, trees survival is the task of all members of the society. This has been possible due to frequent patrol over the area to see that, whoever cuts a tree for medicine purpose should do so only by pruning.
This ensures the survival of the trees, and therefore to make the Habitat of the Wildlife conducive for them to grow well.
This work of conserving the Environment which is home to Wildlife requires both Human efforts, and financial support from interested parties/Persons.
Thank you very much in advance for the cooperation.
Boniface Ngimojino.
The Tourist lodge brings benefits to Wildlife and Community
Category: Uncategorized | Date: Mar 17 2008 | By: admin
Luca Limited (a tour company) had sought for about 500, 000 usd to build a potential Investor Lodge which will be considered amongst the finest lodge in East Africa. The Lodge mission will be the further conservation of Tarangire-manyara Ecosystem through partnership and empowerment of the maasai of Ol tukai Village by creating an income generating Wildlife based-market.
The name of the Lodge is known as Sidan (Sidan is the maasai word for ostrich). The Logde will be built in one of the most scenic and important areas in Tanzania’s Rift Valley. The position of Sidan Lodge , set amongst stands of Borrassus and Doum Palms along the short grass plains of Lake Manyara and facing the 2000 meters Rift Valley escarpment, is one its strongest assets. Combined with efforts of the Ol tukai Conservancy, Sidan Lodge will represent a positive effort in the conservation of one of the most important Ecosystems in East Africa.
Most of the employees will come from Ol Tukai Village itself, creating a valuable training opportunity and income source within the Community.The Ol Tukai Village lies in an area of unparalleled and unique natural beauty. Situated in one of the most dramatic sessions of Rift Valley as well as Central to one of the most spectacular Wildlife systems in East Africa, Ol Tukai is the perfect place to build a Lodge.
The Luca limited has had a tourism right agreement with the Village of Ol Tukai. It has given 80, 000 acres for Lodge use. Sidan Lodge will create a contract with the Village that gives them a 10 percentage equity share, to run the village/conservancy development activities.
Since the construction will cost a total of 200, 000 Usd, Luca Limited has managed to raise only 100,000 Usd, that would be used in initial construction, while waiting for another donations/investment from any source.
Thank you for in advance for the interest you may show.
Boniface Ngimojino.
The Dam can produce a number of benefits for the community
Category: general wildlife, water | Date: Mar 12 2008 | By: admin
The direct benefits of the dam will be the increased water security that a year round water supply will create. People, Livestock and Wildlife may no longer be required to travel long distances in search of water.
Consequently, this may free up labor, time and energy for people to participate in other economic activities, such as business, livestock raising and small-scale farming. Dams also normally become important breeding sites for bird life. Experience has shown that, the dam also provides suitable habitat for large waterbirds. The dam has certainly had a positive impacts on Human, Livestock and Wildlife health, in-terms of increased water security.
Finally, a permanent water supply source may, in times of drought, attract neighbouring communities and Livestock into the area. This dam, as well as up and down streams riverine ecology and grassland areas located near to water flow.
The Native tree planting project is established along the the Ol tukai dam, in which a good number of trees will be planted in different phases. About 1600 trees will be planted. The particular species(of trees), that will be grown, will produce the following advantages, to the soil and environment conservation; To control soil erosion, will be used as home firewood, Timbers,Forages(livestock/wildlife), and shade. This project is being implemented in the areas where earth from the dam has been deposited…and as such is also a means of relatively quickly reversing the environmental damage done by such a large scale project.
Thanks for your cooperation
Bonifase Ngimojino
Thank you for your co
operation,
Boniface Ngimojino.
Category: Uncategorized | Date: Mar 07 2008 | By: admin
Sorry! Having to resize the graphs….reposting them now!
Wildlife Population trends in the Tarangire-Manyara Ecosystem
Category: Wildebeest, general wildlife | Date: Mar 07 2008 | By: admin
Here are some graphic representations of the trends in wildlife populations in the Tarangire-Manyara Ecosystem. This information was provided by Dr. Charles Foley of the Tarangire Elephant project.
These numbers are now 10 years old, it should be interesting to see the latest results of surveys as they come out…the prognosis is not great, but since the publication of these trends lots of efforts have been made to at the very least stall this precipitous decline.
Corbett Bishop
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