The Tanzania Wildlife Management Authority (TAWA) has distributed 2,567 non-explosive devices to zone commanders in seven wildlife conservation zones, as part of its ongoing efforts to mitigate human-wildlife conflicts caused by dangerous and destructive animals, particularly elephants.
The handover ceremony took place on October 5, 2024, at TAWA's headquarters in Morogoro, and was officiated by TAWA’s Conservation Commissioner, Mabula Misungwi Nyanda.
In his remarks, Commissioner Mabula emphasized TAWA's commitment to reducing the risks posed by wildlife, including strengthening rapid response patrols, engaging 184 village rangers, establishing monitoring and control stations, and investing in essential equipment such as vehicles, drones, motorcycles, and specialized non-lethal deterrents.
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In addition, TAWA has been educating communities on strategies to coexist safely with wildlife.
“As part of our 2024-2025 initiatives, TAWA will continue to build crocodile control enclosures, excavate water ponds, and acquire drones capable of dispersing pepper spray to repel elephants from human settlements,” stated Commissioner Mabula.
He also directed zone commanders to ensure that wildlife officers and village rangers receive proper training on the use of non-explosive devices and to monitor the use of these devices to prevent unauthorized access by civilians.
Commissioner Mabula urged local communities to maintain close cooperation with wildlife authorities, adhering to expert advice such as avoiding human activities in wildlife corridors, limiting unnecessary night travel, and exercising caution when near rivers, ponds, and lakes.
Alongside the non-explosive devices, the zone commanders were also provided with additional wildlife deterrence tools, including 548 vuvuzelas, 1,451 flashlights, and 500 whistles.
The tools will be distributed to local communities to assist in mitigating wildlife encounters.
Southeast Zone Commander Abraham Jullu, speaking on behalf of the zone commanders, expressed gratitude for the support and emphasized that the equipment will greatly enhance their efforts to reduce human-wildlife conflict, particularly involving elephants.