Charles Luchagula
The Southern Ground Hornbill (Bucorvus leadbeateri), classified as Vulnerable under IUCN criteria A4bcd, is experiencing ongoing population decline and significant habitat degradation driven by anthropogenic pressures. Despite its threatened status, targeted conservation efforts in Western Tanzania have been minimal, and existing research has inadequately addressed the specific ecological needs of this population.
This project seeks to enhance the conservation of Bucorvus leadbeateri within Ugalla River National Park by focusing on four primary objectives: (1) identifying and mapping critical foraging and nesting sites within Ugalla River National Park, (2) estimating the population size and spatial distribution of the species within the park, and (3) Enhancing understanding of specific human-induced threats facing critical foraging and nesting sites of the ground hornbill in Ugalla National Park (4) assessing knowledge gaps to improve awareness of anthropogenic threats among local communities and park staff. These objectives will be pursued through comprehensive field surveys, systematic habitat mapping, and community engagement initiatives, including the implementation of a Training of Trainers program for 5 park rangers and 5 community members.