Human and wildlife usage of a protected area buffer zone in an area of high immigration

A study on the Selous Game Reserve's buffer zone reveals that population growth, driven by immigration seeking available land, is not directly linked to the protected area but poses risks to wildlife. Using ecological and socio-economic surveys, researchers found that immigrants made up one-third of the local population, with pastoralism reducing signs of large grazing mammals and elephants, while agriculture decreased elephant and buffalo sightings but increased other ungulates. Poor management of the Wildlife Management Area led to low awareness and limited benefits for residents, undermining conservation efforts. If unchecked, human activity could negatively impact the Selous Game Reserve, but proper resource management could benefit local communities.

Bamford, A. J., Ferrol-Schulte, D., & Wathan, J. (2014). Human and wildlife usage of a protected area buffer zone in an area of high immigration. Oryx, 48(4), 504–513. https://doi.org/10.1017/s0030605313000215