Joseph Isangura
The Tanzania Wildlife Management Authority (TAWA) has made significant strides in wildlife conservation by successfully returning 500 elephants to their designated reserves after they ventured into human settlements, endangering both lives and property.
This milestone was highlighted by Isaac Chamba, TAWA’s Conservation Officer, during a recent seminar organized for media editors by the Environmental Journalists Association (JET) in Bagamoyo, Pwani Region.
The seminar provided a comprehensive overview of the government’s ongoing initiative to address human-wildlife conflicts, a project supported by the German Development Cooperation (GIZ).
Chamba detailed that throughout the 2023/24 fiscal year, more than 500 elephants were carefully relocated from various districts, including Nachingwea, Liwale, Bunda, Same, Mvomero, and Mbarali.
This extensive relocation effort involved utilizing helicopters to transport the elephants to adjacent reserves, ensuring their safe return to their natural habitats.
The encroachment of elephants into human settlements had caused considerable distress among local communities, resulting in the destruction of crops and posing significant safety risks.
By relocating the elephants, TAWA has helped to mitigate these issues, allowing residents to live with greater security and reducing the fear associated with wildlife encounters.
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The successful operation not only demonstrates effective wildlife management but also underscores the importance of preserving the delicate balance between human activities and wildlife conservation.
This initiative reflects the Tanzanian government’s commitment to resolving human-wildlife conflicts through proactive measures. The relocation of these elephants is a testament to the successful implementation of conservation strategies aimed at safeguarding both human and wildlife populations.
The project showcases the collaborative efforts between government agencies and international partners in addressing one of the critical challenges in wildlife management.
