Emerging issues and challenges in conservation of biodiversity in the rangelands of Tanzania

Abstract

Tanzania rangelands are a stronghold for biodiversity harbouring a variety of animal and plant species of economic, ecological and socio-cultural importance. Efforts to protect these resources against destruction and loss have involved, among other things, setting aside some tracks of land as protected areas in the form of national parks, nature reserves, game reserves, game controlled and wildlife management areas. However, these areas and adjacent lands have long been subjected to a number of emerging issues and challenges, which complicate their management, thus putting the resources at risk of over exploitation and extinction. These issues and challenges include, among other things, government policies, failure of conservation (as a form of land use) to compete effectively with alternative land uses, habitat degradation and blockage of wildlife corridors, overexploitation and illegal resource extraction, wildfires, human population growth, poverty, HIV/AIDS pandemic and human-wildlife conflicts. In this paper, we review the emerging issues and challenges in biodiversity conservation by drawing experience from different parts of Tanzania. The paper is based on the premise that, understanding of the issues and challenges underpinning the rangelands is a crucial step towards setting up of plausible objectives, strategies and plans that will improve and lead to effective management of these areas. We conclude by recommending some proactive measures that may enhance the sustainability of the rangeland resources for the benefit of the current and future generations.

The Consequences of COVID-19 and Other Disasters for Wildlife and Biodiversity

“…Even though HIV/AIDS is not included in Fig. 1, its documented impacts on conservation are nearly identical to the short term observations made above for COVID-19: increased poaching and use of natural medicines, increased illness and death of park rangers and conservation workers, and diversion of public funds away from conservation efforts (Rija et al 2013). At the household level, diseases contribute to food insecurity and reliance on natural resources (Yager et al 2011).…”

From local scenarios to national maps: a participatory framework for envisioning the future of Tanzania

“…This would require high growth and structural transformation sustained by large productivity gains (Moyo et al 2012). In the BAU scenario, lack of improvement in productivity and agricultural practices is expected to affect local food security in the next decades (MAFAP 2013, URT-MAFSC 2013) and/or induce vast LULCC, with commensurate impacts on water and climate regulation, biodiversity (Green et al 2013, Kideghesho et al 2013, Caro and Davenport 2015 and livelihoods (URT 2011). Expansion of large-scale international commercial farming may play a critical role in the next decade (Rulli et al 2013, Laurance et al 2015.…”

Evaluating Forest Protection Strategies: A Comparison of Land-Use Systems to Preventing Forest Loss in Tanzania

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