TANAPA Deploys Modern Technology to Combat Poaching and Livestock Incursion in National Parks

  TANAPA Deploys Modern Technology to Combat Poaching and Livestock Incursion in National Parks

The Tanzania National Parks Authority (TANAPA) has commenced operations utilizing modern technology, including unmanned aerial vehicles (drones), to combat poaching and incursion of livestock into protected areas.

The use of drones is expected to enhance efficiency in crime control within the parks, as they can cover vast areas in a short time, capture images, identify offenders' locations, and relay messages to park rangers.

Speaking to journalists on February 26, 2024, TANAPA's Commissioner of Conservation, Juma Kuji, stated that TANAPA is determined to eradicate poaching and livestock invasion incidents within the parks.

"We have begun employing cutting-edge technology to safeguard the parks, using drones and other advanced methods, while also increasing patrols to ensure that criminals are apprehended," he said.

Commissioner Kuji called upon citizens to refrain from entering the parks and committing crimes, including livestock incursion, emphasizing that offenders will be apprehended.

"I urge our citizens to continue collaborating in preserving these parks for the current and future generations. Those engaged in criminal activities should be reported, and the government will take action," he emphasized.

261 Livestock from neighboring countries apprehended within the park

Due to enhanced security in Burigi-Chato National Park, 261 cattle have been apprehended while grazing within the park.

Commenting on the incident, Chief Conservation Officer of the Security Department, Deogratius Mwageni, stated that the cattle were seized in the Kimbogo and Miringa areas within the park.

Mwageni attributed the apprehension of the livestock to improved security measures and cautioned some village leaders against collaborating with criminals to introduce livestock into the park.

Emmanuel Zumba, a lawyer and member of the Investigation and Prosecution Unit in Burigi-Chato Park, announced that the apprehended livestock would be taken to court.

"We have been conducting operations to apprehend livestock within the park since July 2024. So far, we have seized over 1000 cattle, with 165 cases filed, of which 74 have been decided in our favor," he explained.

The park's Deputy Commissioner of Conservation, Ismail Omar, stated that park security has been significantly strengthened, leading to the resurgence of wildlife populations.

Omar noted that ongoing challenges include the influx of livestock from neighboring countries and the involvement of some dishonest village leaders.

"We have 38 villages surrounding the park, and in some areas, leaders are facilitating the entry of herders from neighboring countries, especially in mountainous and valley regions," he revealed.

However, he highlighted that with the use of modern technology in park security, livestock incursions have been intercepted and perpetrators brought to justice.

"We urge a few village leaders to cease undermining the park, as we will apprehend both them and the livestock brought into the park," he concluded.

Established in 2019, Burigi-Chato Park has attained national recognition as one of the country's premier reserves, with tourism steadily improving.