The Legacy of urban sprawl on wildlife conservation: A case study of Nairobi National Park

Abstract

Nairobi National Park (NNP) popularly known as “the wildlife capital” is the only national park located within a capital city in the world. The 117km2 Park is surrounded by an ever-extending urban fabric that not only emphasizes its borders but is also influencing what is within the boundaries of this “natural” habitat. This study investigated the emissions of the City into the Park through analysis of the extent of seasonal pollutant load in water, soils, sediments and vegetation. Physico-chemical characteristics were determined in water using standard methods of analysis. Trace elements; Pb, Zn, Cr, Cd, and Hg were determined in water, soil, sediments and vegetation using X-ray Fluorescence (XRF). Coliforms were determined using 3M Petrifilm count plates, while macro invertebrates were identified using a biotic index card. Results reveal compromise of water quality in many water bodies of the NNP Park, while soil, sediments and vegetation were not adversely compromised.