What is the level of performance of the trophy hunting industry in Tanzania? A comprehensive report was published by the Controller and Auditor General of the United Republic of Tanzania in December, 2103 (afrosai-e.org.za/sites/afrosai-e.org.za/files/report-files/Management%20of%20wildlife%20in%20game%20reserve%20(2014).pdf). It does not make good reading. The Auditor General identified these shortcomings in the report: 1. Tourist hunting generated more than 91 billion Tanzania Shillings in three years between 2009 and 2012 [about $18 million annually to government]. Despite this contribution realized from the wildlife sector, a number of problems make wildlife a concern, especially to the socio-economic status of the communities in bordering wildlife protected areas. These problems include: conflicts with other land uses, poaching, habitat loss, pollution, global warming and introduction of exotic species; 2. Patrols are not regularly conducted during the rainy season, despite consistent poaching events. Surveillance coverage was 37% and 47% in 2010/11 and 2011/12 respectively. This is far below the set target of 60% coverage; 3. Annual assessment of hunting companies was based on 40% utilization of quota and omitted other performance measures. There were incidences of non compliance with the trophy criteria set. There were no actions taken to non compliance or substandard trophies. 49% of the 108 hunting permit forms were not filled at all to indicate the habitat or ecology where the animals were hunted. A total of 366 wild animals in 2009 and 2011 were killed without quota allocation; 4. None of the hunting companies submitted annual contribution of 5000 USD during the interim period (this is a fee charged for development of communities living with wildlife). 5. Not all stakeholders are fully involved in law enforcement [anti-poaching, preventing illegal wildlife trafficking]. Hunting activities are not monitored. The report ends with a number of recommendations. Overall, this is indicates a very poor performance of the Tanzania hunting sector in terms of conservation of wildlife. It should be noted that the Tanzanian hunting sector has come under criticism for at least ten years now (e.g Baldus.R. D and Cauldwell A. E (2004), Tourist hunting and its Role in Development of Wildlife Management Areas in Tanzania), and that this is the latest in a number of negative performance reports. It is high time that reform is taken seriously and that conservation of wildlife in Tanzania is accepted to take priority over all forms of utilization.
Posted on: Sun, 14 Sep 2014 12:27:24 +0000
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