Context:
A new study on Mount Kilimanjaro (Tanzania, Africa) shows human land-use change is a bigger threat to biodiversity than climate change.
Key Highlights:
Findings of the Study
- 100+ years data analysed (since ~1911)
- 75% loss of native plant species on lower slopes
- Drivers → conversion of savannahs to farms & towns due to population growth
- Climate change is a stress multiplier, but primary threat = human activity
Ecological Significance
- Kilimanjaro → Africa’s highest peak & UNESCO site-adjacent ecology
- Contains gradient ecosystems → savannahs → forests → alpine zones
- Species loss in lower slopes = ecosystem fragmentation
Recommendations
- Protected Nature Reserves to prevent further land conversion
- Strengthen traditional, multi-layered agroforestry systems to conserve biodiversity while ensuring livelihoods
Relevant Prelims Points:
- Mount Kilimanjaro = dormant stratovolcano in Tanzania
- Located near Great Rift Valley & Serengeti ecosystem belt
- UNESCO focuses on transboundary conservation corridors in East Africa
Relevant Mains Points:
- “Land use change” (IPBES) = #1 driver of biodiversity loss globally – higher than climate change, invasive species, pollution
- Human-Wildlife conflict & agricultural frontier expansion is a major East Africa challenge
Way Forward:
Community-owned conservation + climate-proof agroforestry + demarcated ecological buffers