Biodiversity in areas of different land use

By comparing the abundance and diversity over multiple sites covering the region, NTNU, NINA, SUA and UDSM will identify indicators of healthy and natural ecosystems compared to those that are exploited by humans. Microbe diversity (fungi and bacteria) will be investigated by identifying eDNA in soil samples (NTNU, UDSM)) (Acosta-Martinez et al. 2008). eDNA in water samples will be analysed to assess the diversity of amphibians, reptiles and fish (NTNU, UDSM,) (Thomsen et al. 2012). Birds and mammals will be recorded by NTNU, NINA and UDSM using road transects and rodents using traps. Data on local knowledge and utilization of birds and mammals will be collected in villages surrounding Serengeti National Park by presenting questionnaires to villagers (NTNU, SUA).