Wildlife poaching practices in Tanzania’s Ruaha landscape
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Date
2022
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
Tanzania Journal of Forestry and Nature Conservation
Abstract
Throughout the world, millions of wild
species and products are illegally collected,
used, traded and exported. Tanzania's Ruaha
landscape is considered a critical area for
biodiversity, as well as an area where
poaching exists. Despite the area being rich
in abundance and diversity of wildlife, in-
depth analysis of wildlife species hunted
most and the methods used by poachers is
lacking. This study assessed the most hunted
wildlife species, extracted products and uses,
and associations between wildlife products,
hunting methods, and ethnic groups. Data
was collected by utilizing the snowball
technique after 123 poachers were given a
semi-structured questionnaire in villages
near the Ruaha National Park. Among the
most hunted species are did-dik, impala,
kudu, lion, buffalo, and elephants. Bushmeat,
skin, claws, ivory, and fat were the most
harvested wildlife products. 60 % of wildlife
products used for food and source of income,
and the methods used for illegal hunting
were domestic dogs, spears, snares, and
torches. The findings are critical for
understanding the link between the most
poached species, products, and methods used
in relation to ethnic groups in the Ruaha
landscape. Increased anti-poaching patrols and wildlife conservation awareness could
help reduce the dependence of local
communities on wildlife products.
Description
Journal article
Keywords
Ruaha landscape, Wildlife products, Poachers, Poaching methods, Ethnic groups