Abstract:
Mineral resources are potential for
economic development of any endowed
country. However, mining is generally
associated with serious negative impacts on
existing ecosystems where operations are
carried out. The objective of the study was
to assess the effects of uranium exploration
on wildlife population, vegetation, and
tourists’ visitation in Selous ecosystem in
Tanzania. Data collection took place in
different periods from 2016 to 2017 through
household questionnaire surveys, key
informant
interviews,
focus
group
discussions, direct observations, nested
plots, and secondary data reviews.
Quantitative data were analyzed using
descriptive statistics in SPSS version 20
software. Qualitative data were analyzed
using content analysis through systematic
coding and theme identification. Findings
show that poaching was a leading illegal
activity (55%) in the area. Further effects
reported and observed were habitat
fragmentation, introduction of alien species,
and noise pollution. About 478.57 trees
(with dbh greater than 5 cm) per ha were
removed to expand the main road to the
mining site. However, the number of tourist visitation in the area was almost constant.
This
study
recommends
that
the
government, through its ministries, should
address the weakness identified and put
measures in place that will reduce adverse
impacts during mining process.
