Abstract
Human activities are the primary cause of environmental degradation, particularly around sites where natural resources are extracted nearby. By fitting GPS-enabled satellite collars on six key species, high-resolution spatial data were extracted and analysed using ArcGIS Pro. The research aims to map and examine the distribution and movement patterns of these species, assess how oil and gas infrastructure affects their traditional ranges, and support wildlife conservation through Geographic Information System (GIS) analytics. Spatial analyses overlaying roads, well pads, and flowlines, complemented by kernel density estimations, showed that wildlife largely maintained their historical ranges despite ongoing oil and gas activities. These results challenge claims of severe ecological disruption and highlight the coexistence of petroleum operations with conservation efforts. Moreover, they emphasise the critical role of evidence-based monitoring in countering misinformation. The study demonstrates how GIS can facilitate environmentally responsible resource development in the Albertine Graben, a region renowned for its prolific petroleum resources.
Recommended Citation
Makka, Brian; Nkalubo, Florence; Ochan, Andrew; Okot, Samson; and Nimmagadda, Shastri, "Application of Geographic Information Systems - Monitoring
Wildlife Ecosystem Ranging Patterns in Oil and Gas
Extraction Sites in Murchison Falls National Game Park,
Uganda" (2025). ACIS 2025 Proceedings. 92.
https://aisel.aisnet.org/acis2025/92