Serengeti General Management Plan

C. Ecosystem Management Programme
Protecting genetic diversity of native wildlife and plant life
The Ecosystem Programme will endeavour to realise the TANAPA policy of “protecting the
full range of genetic types native to plant and animal populations in the Park by perpetuating
natural evolutionary processes and minimising human interference with evolving genetic diversity”.
The need to maintain appropriate levels of genetic diversity will guide decisions on
what actions to take to manage isolated populations of species or to enhance populations of
threatened, endangered, rare and endemic species in order to perpetuate their natural distribution
and abundances. SENAPA management will control visitor access and use of critical
habitats for these species, and may close such areas to entry, except for official purposes.
The manipulation of native plants may be carried out in small, selected areas in a manner
designed to restore or enhance the functioning of the plant and animal community of which
endangered species are a natural part, provided it does not alter major processes or key
park values. Conversely, the introduction of new exotic species will be prohibited and efforts
will be taken to eradicate (where it is economically feasible) all exotic species within the Park,
especially those that threaten park resources or public health.
Managing fire regimes
Fire plays a critical role in the shaping of the Serengeti ecosystem, therefore SENAPA management
will seek to bring under control and minimise the damage caused by wildfires and to
promote the use of prescribed fires for management purposes. The specific objectives and
strategies to be pursued will be stipulated in the Fire Management Plan (Technical Detail
Plan) for SENAPA 2 .
Maintaining hydrological cycles
SENAPA management will ensure the integrity of riverine systems, permanent water
sources, springs, floodplains, wetlands and riverine forest in the Park, with particular focus
on the Mara, Mbalageti and Grumeti systems. Serengeti surface water will only be withdrawn
for consumptive use if absolutely necessary during exceptional conditions (e.g. drought), and
provided it does not significantly alter natural processes and ecosystems. The only permissible
year-round use of surface water within SENAPA will be the Bologonja pipeline supplying
water to Seronera, and tourists conducting walking safaris.
In order to convert these guiding principles into practical actions on the ground, this GMP introduces
a conservation planning technique that prioritises conservation actions and monitoring
of ecosystem components, as described below.
2 Currently in preparation
25