Tanzania wildlife body in pipeline to boost conservation


As the government gears towards re-launching of Phase Two of the anti-poaching operation (Operation Tokomeza 11), the Ministry of Natural Resources and Tourism has unveiled elephant population census results for Selous – Mikumi and Ruaha -Rungwa Ecosystem, indicating a shocking 66 per cent decline of the jumbos between 1976 to the present.

Minister Lazaro Nyalandu

The government further announced that it was finalising the process of establishing an autonomous body – Tanzania Wildlife Authority to boost conservation efforts. In addition, the wildlife conservation laws are being reviewed in order to allow adoption of a paramilitary system among the employees of the wildlife sector.

Addressing journalists in Dar es Salaam, the Deputy Minister for Natural Resources and Tourism, Lazaro Nyalandu said in 1976, for example, the Selous-Mikumi Ecosystem had 109,419 elephants but the number has dropped to 13,084 presently.

The elephant census conducted in October and November, last year by the Wildlife Department was aimed at providing the government with knowledge and understanding of the current status of elephant populations within and outside the protected areas,” Nyalandu explained.

He said the ministry, in collaboration with experts, from within and outside the country, conducted the census in Selous-Mikumi and Ruaha-Rungwa ecosystems, the areas which are important strongholds for elephants in Tanzania.

“The results of this census, indicate that the elephant populations in the two ecosystems (Selous-Mikumi and Ruaha-Rungwa) are 13,084 and 20,090, respectively. These figures indicate a notable decline in populations in these ecosystems, compared with previous censuses,” he said.

It was explained that a similar situation appeared in the Ruaha-Rungwa ecosystem where the 1990 census recorded 11,712 elephants due to a wave of poaching.

This number increased to 35,461 in 2006 but as of now only 20,090 has remained. Meanwhile, the deputy minister spelt out corrective measures in place before implementation of ‘Operation Tokomeza’ Two.

He said the ministry has put in place Code of Conduct to be observed during the anti-poaching operation, to avoid human rights violation as was reported in the previous session of the National Assembly.

“The Code of Conduct must be followed in all of our anti- poaching related operations in order to further safeguard people’s rights. All security organs, the Game Rangers, Game Officers and any security unit involved in anti-poaching operations must adhere to the regulations.

We wish to further announce that ‘Operation Tokomeza’ II shall start in due course,” Nyalandu said. Part of the report unveiled yesterday reads; “The results indicate that elephant population in the Selous -Mikumi Ecosystem has declined by 66 per cent, from the 2009 population, which was 38,975 elephants.


On the other hand, the population in the Ruaha-Rungwa ecosystem has declined by 36.5 per cent from the population that was recorded in 2009, i.e. 31,625 elephants,” says the report, adding: “This decrease in elephant population is verified by a number of dead bodies that were counted during the census exercise.

Some 6,516 and 3,496 carcasses were counted in Selous- Mikumi and Ruaha-Rungwa Ecosystems, respectively. In this exercise, the proportion between the live elephants and carcasses which were counted (carcass ratio) were used as criteria to establish the causes of the deaths.

Under normal conditions, the ratio of 7-8 per cent indicates natural mortality such as diseases and old age. The remaining proportion indicates that the mortalities were non-natural.” Given the gravity of the poaching problem facing Tanzania today, said Nyalandu, the government is committed to fighting and defeating poaching.

Phase One of ‘Operation Tokomeza’ started on 4th October before suspension on 1st November, 2013 following allegations of gross misconducts and reported human rights abuses.

“As you may all recall, during his end of the year address, President, Dr Jakaya Kikwete, ordered a formation of Judicial Commission of Enquiry to thoroughly investigate and further prosecute all persons who may be found guilty of the offences against people’s and human rights during the ‘Operation Tokomeza.’

We shall leave no stone unturned in our pursuit to bring to justice those responsible, regardless of their positions. We seek to further demonstrate to our citizens and to the international community, our government’s highest standards in upholding human rights as has been Tanzania’s renowned record and standing among nations.

The census results we have released today, said Nyalandu, is clear evidence that poaching of elephants has reached unprecedented levels.

In response to this unimpressive situation, saying that his ministry was determined to intensify the protection of wildlife in collaboration with other stakeholders including defence and security forces, regional and international institutions.

“We will also promote education and adopt strategies aiming at involving the public in conservation efforts,” he elaborated.

He thanked development partners for standing side by side during the most trying times in the history of conservation in Tanzania and further appreciated the financial as well as logistical support extended to the ministry during the elephants sensor, the exercise jointly financed by Germany’s GIZ, through Frankfurt Zoological, Society (FZS), the UNDP through their joint project with TANAPA and SPANEST.

Source Tanzania Daily News

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