Dr Andy Marshall, from the Department of Environment and Geography, combines University teaching and research with a role as Director of Conservation Science at Flamingo Land Resort zoo near Malton. As part of his role, he heads up the Collaboration for Integrated Research, Conservation and Learning (CIRCLE), a major research project involving some of our students who have explored issues as diverse as the impact of zoo design on the wellbeing of animals, animal diets and the best way to display zoo information for visitors.
Magombera rainforest
Further afield, Dr Marshall is leading research project which aims to save the endangered Magombera rainforest at the foot of the spectacular Udzungwa Mountains in Tanzania. The forest is home to rare monkeys as well as a new species of chameleon and a species of tree, both discovered by Dr Marshall during field trips to the area.
With the support of a trust fund set up by Flamingo Land, the project is employing local people in Tanzania to monitor and manage the forest. Tree planting trials are underway and the search is on for alternative energy sources to reduce forest damage. Around 10,000 villagers have been trained in the construction of fuel-efficient stoves and have watched educational films with the help of an innovative pedal-powered cinema.
And with the help of the research project, the lessons learned in Tanzania are being applied to the animals and the environment at Flamingo Land.
Threatened habitat
Dr Marshall said: “Lowland tropical forest such as that found in Magombera is one of the world’s most threatened habitats. The remaining forest is about a quarter of the size it was in the 1970s following extensive tree felling to make way for commercial agriculture. Our aim is that one day, the forest will be granted protected status to make sure its future can be secured.”
The research in Tanzania is the longest running project conducted by CIRCLE. The project was awarded the 2013 PraxisUnico Collaborative Impact Award which recognises teams and individuals who have achieved outstanding impact through successful knowledge transfer.
Biodiversity Action Plan
Findings from the Tanzanian rainforest also helped shape the Flamingo Land Biodiversity Action Plan, the first of its type in a UK zoo. As a result, over 6,000 native trees, some planted by our students, now enhance the parkland surrounding the zoo, helping to attract native insects and wildlife. Colourful Cornfield meadows and new nest boxes also boost biodiversity across the site.
“The climates, culture and the landscape might be different, but the work we are doing in Tanzania and at Flamingo Land has the potential to offer insights for both locations in terms of supporting conservation and biodiversity,” said Dr Marshall. “The research is also benefiting zoos and conservation efforts across the UK.”
The text of this article is licensed under a Creative Commons Licence. You're free to republish it, as long as you link back to this page and credit us.
