IMPACT OF LAND USE CHANGES ON MIGRATORY WILDEBEESTS AND ZEBRAS IN KITENGELA CONSERVATION AREA, KENYA

Abstract

Wildlife migratory corridors and dispersal areas play a critical role in maintaining the ecological integrity of protected areas. However, increasing land use changes pose serious threats to these vital ecosystems. This study investigated the impacts of land use changes on migratory wildebeest (Connochaetes taurinus) and zebra (Equus quagga) in the Kitengela migratory corridor and dispersal area adjacent to Nairobi National Park. The study aimed to analyse the extent and trends of land use changes between 1988 and 2020; evaluate the relationship between migratory wild ungulate population trends and the increase in human population and changes in land use; determine the major drivers of these changes; and assess the impacts of land use changes on habitat, mortality, and behaviour of migratory wild ungulate populations in the area. The research utilised a mixed-methods approach, combining satellite imagery analysis, human population census data, wildlife population counts, direct observations, household interviews, and conversations with selected community members. A total of 110 households were surveyed using structured questionnaires to assess perceptions of land use changes in the area. Land use classification based on Landsat imagery for 1988 and 2020 revealed that approximately 61.4% of Kitengela’s natural habitats were converted to bare land, cultivated land, and artificial surfaces, primarily driven by urban expansion, industrialisation, and agriculture. Changes in land use and rapid human population increase were associated with reduced migratory ungulate numbers, survival, and movement in and out of Nairobi National Park. The results also showed that migratory ungulates exhibit strong dependence on grassland and riverine habitats and show negative associations with cultivated, bare, and artificial surfaces, underscoring the ecological consequences of land transformation. Major drivers of land use changes included rapid human population growth (90%), agricultural intensification (51.8%), urbanisation (39.1%), changes in land tenure systems (15.5%), economic factors (8.2%), climate change (4.5%), fire (3.6%), and resource extraction activities (1.8%). Analysis of migratory wild ungulate populations showed significant population declines over the three-decade period, with habitat fragmentation emerging as the leading impact factor (91.8%). Land subdivision, fencing, and infrastructure development were identified as key barriers disrupting traditional migration routes and reducing habitat connectivity. The study recommends integrated land use planning, community-based wildlife corridor conservation, and habitat connectivity restoration to safeguard migratory ungulate populations in this rapidly urbanizing landscape. Further research should assess the long-term ecological effects of fragmentation, impacts of large-scale farming, and linkages between land use changes and climate variability in the Kitengela landscape.