Tanzania impose strict measures against elephant poaching

Wildlife conservationists have hailed the government for its initiatives in protecting animals, leading to a sharp drop in poaching. Serengeti Preservation Foundation (SPF) and African Environment Tanzania told reporters that threats against animals in national parks had been reduced, compared to the last two years. Tanzania is now recording a good sign in wildlife protection, as poaching incidents dropped considerably. This is apparently attributed to initiatives that the government has taken to tame poachers,” the director of SPF, Mr Meyasi Mollel, said. He urged the government to take more initiatives for curbing threats against wildlife resources. Speaking to Tanzania Journalists for Conservation (TJC) in Tarangire National Park over the weekend, a tour guide with African Environment, Mr David Barisa, poaching by methods such as using snares had been drastically reduced in many parks. “We used to come across snares that had been set in trees and along highways, for capturing animals,” he said, adding that there was an increase in the population of animals in national parks, such as elephants and giraffes,” he said. 

The Chairperson of Community policing at Tarangire National Park, Ms Nae Elias said Tanzania National Park (TANAPA), has tightened the noose against poachers by beefing up security in corridors and dispersal areas. “TANAPA has ventured into serious business; it is liaising closely with the Police Force and community members, to wage a fierce battle against poachers,” she said. Ms Elias said TANAPA regularly conducted seminars for community members, to sensitize them on the importance of protecting wildlife. “We have over 30 groups of community policing groups in Tarangire whose members conduct daily patrols in the park to protect our animals,” she said. The Chairman of TJC, Mr Charles Ngereza, urged the government to inject more resources in the wildlife protection sub-sector, for the nation’s overall benefit. “The government is doing a great job in conservation initiatives but it should increase investments in protected areas like national parks,” he said.