Research Summary
Tarangire National Park, Manyara Ranch, and Simanjiro Plains, Tanzania — Tanzania's Tarangire National Park is home to an astonishing array of African mammals and more than 450 species of birds, all dwelling among the spectacular scenery of ancient baobabs and flat-topped acacia trees. Vast numbers of ungulates, such as wildebeest, zebras, buffalos, Grant's gazelles, giraffes, oryxes, elands, and hartebeest, migrate into the park in the dry season and out in the wet season. While the populations of some animals are relatively stable, others, such as wildebeest, hartebeest, and oryxes, have declined by roughly 90 percent over the last 20 years. Dr. Doug Bolger, Dr. Dan Doak, Tom Morrison, and Dr. Bill Newmark are investigating migratory species to find out why some are successful, and others are not. Understanding the roles of human activity, birth rates, and breeding sites will help wildlife managers worldwide conserve large mammal migrations.
Meet the Scientists
Dr. Bill Newmark
University of Utah
Tarangire National Park contains the highest known diversity of migratory ungulate species of any park in the world. Yet this spectacular migration is under severe threat. The field activities that you will be conducting are central to understanding why many migratory ungulate species are declining in the Tarangire. We hope that this research will provide a scientific basis for developing strategies to conserve this and other large migrations in this region. We look forward to working with you in Tarangire!
Dr. Douglas Bolger
Dartmouth College
Dr. Daniel Doak
UC Santa Cruz
Thomas Morrison
Dartmouth College