By Willy Chowoo
Nestled in the heart of Uganda, Murchison Falls National Park is a gem of biodiversity, home to a myriad of species ranging from majestic elephants to elusive leopards. The thunderous Murchison Falls, where the Nile River squeezes through a narrow gorge, stands as a testament to nature’s raw power and beauty. Murchison Falls National Park is found in north-western Uganda, spreading inland from the shores of Lake Albert, around the Victoria Nile, up to the Karuma Falls.
The allure of witnessing wildlife in their natural habitat and the breathtaking landscapes has drawn visitors from around the globe. While tourism brings economic benefits and supports conservation efforts through funding. However, the closure of the Karuma Bridge for essential repairs has diverted a significant amount of traffic through the park, raising concerns about the impact on wildlife and the environment. The bridge connects Northern Uganda and other parts of this country.
The Growing Problem
The jewel of Uganda’s natural heritage has been experiencing unprecedented levels of vehicle traffic. The diversion of traffic from Karuma Bridge by the Uganda National Road Authority (UNRA) due to structural faults has rerouted vehicles through this protected area, leading to congestion that threatens the delicate ecosystem. At the start more than 200 vehicles used to pass via the park daily thrice the number of tourist vehicles that used to come to the park according to the park Authority.
Murchison Falls NP, a renowned gem of biodiversity and natural beauty is facing an unexpected challenge of increased traffic congestion. This sudden influx of vehicles on the park’s tarmacked roads is raising alarms among conservationists who warn of dire consequences for the park’s delicate ecosystem. This increased traffic say can lead to habitat fragmentation and noise pollution can disturb sleep, cause stress, and impair concentration among the wildlife.
Video showing the surge of traffic inside Murchison Falls in May 2024
According to a report on Noise pollution in the most protected natural areas published in Science Journal shows that traffic noise pollution influenced as much as 16, 830.3 acres of the road’s surrounding area during the warm seasons and 20, 529.5 acres during the cold seasons of the year. Traffic noise accounts for the most polluting noise in cities. For example, a car horn produces 90 dB and a bus produces 100 dB.
Conservationists have observed a worrying trend park’s dirt roads, once serene pathways through the wilderness are now frequently congested with trucks, Lorries, and buses. This increase in vehicular activity is not without consequence.
“The noise and constant movement disrupt the natural behaviors of wildlife,” as explains by Dr. Tony Kidega, a prominent veterinary doctor and conservation biologist working in the region. Dr. Kidega notes that animals are more likely to avoid areas frequented by vehicles, which can lead to habitat fragmentation and increased stress affecting feeding, reproduction, and health of the wildlife”
The park authority has confirmed that there have already been cases of road kill, littering of the park, and animals migrating from the park. The Chief Warden of Murchison Falls Conservation Area, Mr. Kizza Fredrick says the fumes have led to increased carbon print inside the park. “There is carbon print increase, there is noise pollution, air pollution because of vehicle fumes, and it affects normal behavior of Wildlife, especially that pollution you will see the elephants running away”
Predators such as lions and leopards, who rely on stealth and quiet to hunt, find their efforts thwarted by the constant roar of engines. Prey animals, on the other hand, may become more skittish and less predictable, further upsetting the delicate balance of the ecosystem.
Dr. Kidega maintains that these engine fumes affect animals such as Uganda Kobs from smelling predators and many animals are becoming prey because they cannot properly listen to sounds like lion roar, “fumes from the cars affect and disorganize the Olfactory lobes -sense organ of smell is affected, they will not be able to pick smell neither the sound of the loin, so the interpretation of the sound is affected and the lion takes advantage and come ambushes them”.
Audio file one: Dr Kidega Tony a veterinary Doctor and conservationist talking about the impact of traffic inside Murchison Falls
Impact on Wildlife
Noise pollution poses a significant threat to wildlife by disrupting communication, increasing stress, interfering with reproduction, altering behavior patterns, impairing predator-prey dynamics, and affecting the development of young animals.
Altered Behavior Patterns: With animals exposed to constant noise from vehicles, the park authority fears that in the long run, the animals will develop stress which is not good for their health and well-being. Mr. Hangi Bashir, UWA spokesperson. “We are praying these animals don’t have stress, we hope purposely there will not be much stress caused to the animals”.
The immediate impact being experienced is that feeding pollution can cause animals to change their feeding habits, for instance, some species might avoid noisy areas even if those areas have abundant food resources.
Uganda Kobs are among the most common wildlife at Murchison Falls NP and are the first victims of the current noise pollution, they are always found grazing along the park roads. The Kob’s grazing pattern is through the frequent lifting of their heads and listening while grazing or browsing.
Conservationists say this grazing pattern is being affected by the frequent noise orchestrated by the passing cars in the park impacting their nutrition. This forces them not to eat enough which affects their body condition scores, hence they lose weight which directly impacts their rate of reproduction.
Dr. Kidega, the wildlife’s doctor discloses that for a successful reproduction in animals for example in Kobs, they must feed very well so that they get to puberty faster. “In young female Kobs, the faster they gain weight, the faster they get to puberty, and if these animals are not feeding well, it will take a longer time for it to gain weight, so they begin to take a much longer time to get into puberty and that affects reproduction, their numbers begin to be reducing”.
It is also similar with the matured Kobs, weight loss affects their reproductive system because the ovary needed for reproduction needs energy for their eggs to be produced and released, once the animals are not feeding well, they will have less energy leading to the production of unviable eggs. Dr. Kidega notes that such eggs will not be carried to reproduction because they cannot be fertilized.
The need for balanced nutrition in animals is very important, for Kobs that are on lactation, it requires 70% of her nutrition for milk production, and when it is under-fed it affects her calf, and she may eventually die.
Noise pollution also causes changes in the movement pattern of the animals, the park has already started seeing altered movement patterns as animals want to avoid noisy environments, it is feared that this can lead to habitat fragmentation and reduced access to essential resources. Large mammals like elephants and giraffes, which often traverse the park’s roads, are greatly being affected because the heavy traffic disrupts their natural movements and behaviors. The persistent noise disrupts their low-frequency calls, which are essential for maintaining herd cohesion and coordinating movements.
Elephants, known for their long migratory routes, are already avoiding areas near the roads, leading to habitat fragmentation. This is because they are highly sensitive to disturbances that alter their migration patterns, and this has made them avoid areas near roads. This shift not only affects their access to vital resources like water and food but also increases the risk of human-wildlife conflict as they encroach upon nearby villages. The area already has high cases of Human-Wildlife Conflict.
Mr. Kizza Fredrick the Area Conservation Chief Warden says these animals are moving far due to the change in their routine migratory route, “our fear is that, if they then move again close to communities, they will cause more problems, issue of human-wildlife conflict –because they fear the vehicles thinking they are poachers”.
Mr. Odokorwot Walter, a conservationist and Chief Executive Officer of UMOJA Conservancy Agency Uganda –an organization that supports the conservation of wildlife outside Protected Areas discloses that noise causes fears in the animals that forces them to move away, “sometimes it ends up separating them, the one separated by the cars their movement get distorted, and others are at risk to cross, and they are hit by the cars”.
Dr. Kidega further states that the current exodus is a result of interference with the personal space of different wildlife. because there is a certain distance of elephants they react to movement, and when their Critical Distance of Approach is affected, they begin to feel that there is interference in their personal space, and they end up moving outside the boundaries”.
Audio file Two: Dr Kidega speaking about the battle for personal space among wildlife
Increased Stress Levels: Exposure to chronic noise pollution can elevate stress hormone levels in wildlife, leading to compromised immune systems and reduced fitness. Many studies have shown that animals living near noisy environments, such as highways or industrial areas, exhibit signs of stress, including altered heart rates and behavioral change.
Stress is a serious issue for both human beings and animals, in humans when is not managed well, may lead to serious depression, stress affects animals’ coexistence, and they become uncontrollable, restless, and no longer paying attention to the environment. Animals under stress also lose care for their young ones by not paying attention to them, not feeding well, and beginning to deviate from the normal organization of the groups.
Disruption of Communication, Noise pollution greatly affects communication among wildlife, for example, Chimpeezi make calls to communicate with each other, they make calls inviting their friends that they have found food or distress calls when there is danger, such group of chimps now find it difficult to interpret calls due to increase noise from vehicles inside the park, and this causes distress to the group, making them disperse in different ways and exposes them to their enemies.
In Birds, many species rely on songs for communication, especially during mating seasons. Noise Pollution can mask these songs, making it difficult for birds to find mates or establish territories. Birds abandon their nests if they perceive the noise as a threat, leading to lower reproductive success because for birds to lay more eggs, it must be in a calm and quiet environment. Apart from reproduction, it also increases high signing pitch in birds which affects their vocal cords.
Mr. Odokorwot conservationist says ‘some animals are confined to a particular habitat which is sometimes dissected by the road, noise keeping, and the mating pattern gets distorted’.
Environmental Degradation
The roads leading to Murchison Falls National Park have seen significant improvements over the years, with some sections tarmacked to facilitate better access for visitors. Notably, the Gulu-Olwiyo road, which connects to the Karuma-Pakwach road, is a well-surfaced route that enhances access to the park from various entry points, such as the Tangi Gate and Purongo.
The road from Tangi Gate to Paraa, Busiila in Murchison Falls National Park was recently tarmacked as part of broader efforts to improve infrastructure within the park. This development aimed to enhance accessibility for tourists and ease transportation within the park.
Beyond the direct impact on wildlife, the increased traffic has led to environmental degradation. The park’s roads, originally designed for minimal use, are now subject to frequent wear and tear. This results in considerable stress on the road surface that leads to the formation of ruts, cracks, and potholes. The heavyweight and repetitive loading from heavy trucks accelerates the deterioration of the pavement.
Additionally, vehicle emissions contribute to pollution, impacting air quality and the health of both wildlife and vegetation. The accumulation of litter, often left behind by less conscientious travelers, poses a further threat to the park’s pristine environment. The Conservation Chief Kizza says the community continues to eat and dump in the park, especially plastic bottles, “they buy water and chapatti, dump polythene along the road while in the bus”
Efforts and Solutions
Recognizing the urgency of the situation, conservationists and park authorities are advocating for immediate actions to mitigate potential damage to the delicate ecosystem. Measures under consideration include implementing stricter regulations on the number of vehicles allowed within the park at any given time, promoting alternative modes of transport such as using ferries and raising awareness among tourists and motorists about the impact of their activities to foster more responsible behavior.
The authority has launched a serious campaign encouraging visitors and motorists to adhere to designated paths, minimize noise, and refrain from littering. These are essential components of this strategy. Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA) has responded promptly and strategically to these early warning signs to manage the influx and ensure the protection of the park’s delicate ecosystem.
The authority entrusted with the management of the park has expressively increased the number of ranger patrols throughout the park. These patrols not only ensure the safety of the wildlife but also monitor vehicular movements to prevent off-road driving and reduce disturbances to the animals.
Mr. Hangi Bashir, the spokesperson for UWA, says they are ensuring that there is a serious and comprehensive enforcement of the law based on the guidelines.
Audio file Three. Uganda Wildlife Authority Spokesperson Hangi Bashir speaking about the mitigation measures they put in place
Motorists who continue to violate the speed limit of 40 km per hour are penalized and given express fines. Some are sent back from where they came from, and speed bumps have been installed to ensure vehicles adhere to these limits. Checkpoints have been established at various entry and exit points to manage traffic flow and ensure compliance with park regulations.
Beyond the immediate impact on wildlife, vehicle emissions are another significant concern. Pollution from exhaust fumes is degrading air quality, which can harm both wildlife and vegetation. Some passengers have continued to litter the park, adding to the environmental burden and polluting the pristine landscape.
The Conservation Area Chief Warden Kizza says they have continued to raise awareness at the gate for those particular vehicles that come into the park.
Audio file four. Mr Kizza Fredrick, the Conservation Chief Warden of Murchison Falls NP sharing what they are doing at the park
The park authority also responded quickly by mobilizing resources to fill the gaps in patrols of the road. “We have to pull manpower to come and boost up the existing staff at the entrances but also monitor along the route to ensure that people don’t violate the guidelines we have put in place,” says UWA Spokesperson Hangi Bashir.
Similarly, due to early signs of the impacts of increased traffic on wildlife, the Uganda National Road Authority (UNRA) was later forced to re-divert heavy vehicles such as trucks, trailers, and Lorries from using the 70 km stretch in the protected park zone. This leaves vehicles like buses and small vehicles to pass through the park, minimizing disturbances in key breeding areas and ensuring that animals have the quiet space needed for successful mating and reproduction.
The diversion of truck traffic is from Masindi-Paraa Road (park road) to Luweero-Kafu-Masindi-Paraa, connecting to Pakwach-Gulu via Olwiyo Road, and vice versa from Gulu-West Nile. The new alternative route means motorists will spend about 20 km inside the protected area.
Mr. Allan Kyobe, the public relations officer with UNRA, says the diversion followed stakeholder engagement with the park’s custodians. “There might be some destruction occasioned toward wildlife. The goal is to find measures that can lessen the impact on animals or wildlife in Murchison Falls National Park.”
Audio file Five: Mr. Kyobe Allan, the Spokesperson of Uganda National Road Authority explains why they had to divert traffic further from the park.
A Call to Action
The situation at Murchison Falls National Park serves as a stark reminder of the delicate balance between promoting tourism and preserving natural habitats. As Dr. Kidega poignantly states, “We must remember that our presence in these natural spaces should be as unobtrusive as possible. Conservation is not just about protecting wildlife; it’s about ensuring that these magnificent landscapes can be enjoyed by future generations.”
The call to action is clear: it is imperative to strike a balance that allows for the enjoyment of Murchison Falls’ wonders while safeguarding its ecological integrity. Through collaborative efforts, innovative solutions, and a commitment to responsible tourism, there is hope that this treasured national park will continue to thrive as a sanctuary for wildlife and a haven for those who seek to experience the magic of nature.
The repair of the bridge at Karuma Falls was expected to last for three months according to the Uganda National Road Authority (UNRA). With no specific completion date known, conservationists are urgently calling for measures to address the predicament. They emphasize the need for immediate and long-term solutions to mitigate the impact of increased traffic on Murchison Falls National Park.
Dr. Kidega notes that in such a situation, the park authority needs to adopt an Animal Behavior Control System (ABCS) that would allow cars to pass through the park at times when wildlife is not active. This would provide undisturbed spaces for resting and mating, helping to alleviate stress and promote natural behaviors.
Audio file six: Dr Kidega explains why the park needs to use an Animal Behavior control system to reduce the impact of noise pollution on wildlife
Dr. Kidega emphasizes that continuous research and monitoring are essential to assess the ongoing impact of traffic on the park’s ecosystem. This data can inform adaptive management strategies and policy decisions.
“That means researchers must come out and tell us the amount of noise that is tolerable for the Kobs not to be bothered. If five cars are passing at the same time, does it bother the Kobs? Researchers should research more on sound and everything. They should tell us how many cars should pass for the Kobs not to be dispersed. If 20 cars pass, does it affect all the Kobs? Yes or no, they should tell us, but from a research base.”
The pressing need to expedite repairs on the Karuma Bridge or develop alternative bypass routes to divert traffic away from the park is essential for a lasting solution. The park authority says that while they are intensifying the awareness campaign, UNRA needs to expedite the process of repairing the Karuma Bridge.
Mr. Kizza, the Chief Warden, says the use of alternative routes can help decongest traffic in the park. “We are also talking to responsible agencies like UNRA to expedite the work on Karuma to make sure that the vehicles get back to their normal routes. Also, advise motorists to use other available alternative routes like using the ferry between Wanseko and Panyimur.”
The long-term goal of the Uganda National Road Authority is to build a new bridge at Karuma Falls to replace the 61-year-old bridge, but currently, they are still looking for resources.
The situation at Murchison Falls National Park serves as a critical reminder of the delicate balance required between infrastructure development and environmental conservation. As Uganda continues to grow and develop, such growth mustn’t come at the expense of its natural heritage. Through proactive measures, innovative solutions, and a commitment to sustainability, there is hope that Murchison Falls can continue to thrive as a sanctuary for wildlife and a testament to the beauty of nature.
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