Assessment of the current status of wildlife captive facilities in Tanzania

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Date

2022

Journal Title

Journal ISSN

Volume Title

Publisher

Sokoine University of Agriculture

Abstract

Wildlife captive facilities (WCF) in Tanzania include; wildlife ranches, wildlife farms, proposed orphanage centers, and zoos. However, information on species composition, abundance, the users of different WCF, costs and benefits of operating WCF is scarcely known in Tanzania. The study was conducted in 71 WCF found in 16 regions of Tanzania, within five TAWA Management zones. Key informant interview was used to collect data from either WCF (owners, managzers, care takers) and Conservation officers from TAWA. Direct observation and counts were used to collect data on the types and numbers of animal species respectively. Descriptive statistics was used to determine frequency and percentage of type and purpose of establishing WCF, origin of species and number of users of WCF. Cost-benefit analysis of WCF was analyzed through Gross Profit Margin. The results showed that Tanzania has a total of 71 WCF, (28 active and 41 dormant and 1proposed orphanage center) and the major purpose of establishing WCF were business and community services (education and recreation). About 182 different species are housed in different captive facilities. The most abundant species are Crocodiles (Crocodylus niloticus) (279), Impala (Aepyceros melampus) and (172), Wildebeest (Connochaetes taurinus) (111). The major sources of animals are capturing from wilderness and acquiring from other Wildlife captive facilities. The main users of WCF are both local and foreign visitors. Annually 223 404 local visitors and 1 781 foreign visitors visit WCF. Main source of revenue in WCF is visiting fees. Most WCF run under loss, specifically zoos by 78.9%. Also, WCF facing the following challenges; Long process to streamline investment and high costs of operation, lack of consultancy, poor relationship between investors and moderator, and lack of banks recognition to the investors. Generally, the study recommends further studies on monitoring the existence of WCF with emphasis on the international standard requirements for establishing, operating and managing of WCF.

Description

Masters dissertation

Keywords

Wildlife captive, Wildlife captive facilities

Citation