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Research Project Title
Ungulate Ecology, Health, and Conservation in Tanzania including Giraffe Population Genetics and Demography
Research Purpose:
Other -(Specify)
Principle Investigator:
derek@wildnatureinstitute.org
Introduction
Populations of giraffe (Giraffa camelopardalis) have declined throughout the species’ range in recent years, leaving remaining populations increasingly isolated. We seek to better understand the metapopulation dynamics and genetic structure of giraffes across a large region of Tanzania.
Problem Statment
Populations of giraffe (Giraffa camelopardalis) have declined throughout the species’ range in recent years, leaving remaining populations increasingly isolated. We seek to better understand the metapopulation dynamics and genetic structure of giraffes across a large region of Tanzania.
General Research Objective
This project objective is to provide data and analyses to inform priority research areas as described in Tanzania Wildlife Research Agenda 2021-2031 (TAWIRI 2021). This project also provides data and analyses to answer research targets in TAWIRI’s Giraffe Conservation Research Framework 2020.
Other Details
Clearance# Clearance Date Permit# Permit Date Commencement Date Completion Date
None CST00000218-2023-2025-00588 March 12, 2025, midnight March 1, 2011 March 5, 2040
Priority Research Theme & Areas
Priority Research Theme Research Area
WILDLIFE POPULATION MONITORING Population monitoring of Rare, endemic and endangered species - Priority ( M )
WILDLIFE ECOLOGY AND ECOLOGICAL INTERACTIONS Population, distribution and reproductive ecology - Priority ( M )
WILDLIFE POPULATION MONITORING Population monitoring of large mammals - Priority ( H )
WILDLIFE ECOLOGY AND ECOLOGICAL INTERACTIONS Range ecology/management and restoration - Priority ( H )
Project Location
Region Wildlife Area District Species

Arusha

Serengeti

Manyara

Arusha

Ruaha

Tarangire

Nyerere

Ngorongoro

Lake Natron

Lolkisale

Mto-wa-Mbu

Randilen (Lolkisale)

Burunge

Ikona

Grumeti

Ikorongo

Monduli

Arusha

Project Researchers
Researcher Role
Derek Lee Principal Investigator
George Lohay Co-researcher
Monica Bond Co-researcher
James Madeli Co-researcher
Bernard Kissui referee
Thomas Morrison referee
Reseach Objectives
Sn Objective Methods Description
1 Population monitoring of rare, endemic and endangered species
Other We conduct daytime vehicle road surveys. Study design calls for sampling occasions 3 times per year near the end of each precipitation season. During sampling events we attempt to photograph every individual giraffe encountered.
2 giraffes’ habitat use and foraging preference
Other We also collect covariate data relevant to estimates of giraffe density, population size, survival and reproduction. These include vegetation type, species composition, and density.
3 population size, distribution and connectivity
Other Road transects to photograph giraffes according to robust design with sampling at end of precipitation season.
Reseach Attachments
Attachment Name Attachment
Full Proposal 02_TAWIRI_Progress_Report_2025_5cUqYSI.pdf