Road Construction Threatens Serengeti's Great Migration

“The Serengeti is the site of one of the last great ungulate migrations left on Earth. To threaten this natural marvel with a road would be a tragedy.” — James Deutsch

Wildlife groups are asking the Tanzanian government to reconsider building a highway through the country’s Serengeti National Park, the world’s best known wildlife sanctuary.

The Zoological Society of London (ZSL) and the Wildlife Conservation Society (WSC) warn that the road would disrupt the migration of 2 million wildebeest and zebras.

“A commercial road would not only result in wildlife collisions and human injuries, but would serve to fragment the landscape and undermine the ecosystem in a variety of ways,” said Prof. Jonathan Baillie, Director of Conservation Programs for ZSL.

The head of WSC’s Africa Program, James Deutsch, says that, "to threaten this natural marvel with a road would be a tragedy. We implore the Tanzanian government — known around the world for its commitment to conservation — to reconsider this proposal and explore other options."

Tanzania's government says the road is necessary to connect the country's west with commercial centers on the eastern coast.

Critics say a new highway could just as easily be built through the southern parts of the park and not disrupt the migration route.

Photo: Serengeti National Park