The impacts of human development on biodiversity and ecosystem services in Loboi Swamp, Kenya

Aquatic ecosystems play an important role of supporting livelihoods of the local communities. They are also considered as cradle for biological diversity since they support a large number of plants and animals. Currently,... [ view full abstract ]

Aquatic ecosystems play an important role of supporting livelihoods of the local communities. They are also considered as cradle for biological diversity since they support a large number of plants and animals. Currently, aquatic habitats are facing serious threats both at local and global levels. A study to establish various anthropogenic threats facing Loboi Swamp in Baringo County was conducted from 2010 to 2012. Results indicated that recently discovered Nile tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus) genetic resources are threatened by aquaculture development within the swamp. Other threats to the swamp included water abstraction, swamp degradation through drainage, water pollution and disturbance caused by invasive species (Prosopis juliflora). Our study observed an urgent need to harmonize human developments with conservation of Loboi Swamp.