Oltukai Conservancy

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.

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