Assessment of the current status of wildlife captive facilities in Tanzania
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Date
2022
Authors
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Journal ISSN
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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