Livestock owners who unlawfully entered Ruaha National Park with their animals on May 7, 2025, have acknowledged their actions and pledged not to repeat the offense.
In a show of accountability, they have also committed to becoming advocates in their communities, educating fellow herders about the ecological damage caused by livestock encroachment particularly the growing threat it poses to the fragile ecosystem of the Great Ruaha River.
Speaking on the matter, Mbarali District Commissioner, Colonel Maurid Surumbu, stressed the importance of obeying conservation laws. He confirmed that Elder Igembe Mahola, whose 527 cattle were found grazing inside the park, had his livestock returned following due legal processes.
“It is the duty of every livestock keeper to respect the laws passed by Parliament that safeguard these sensitive areas for the benefit of our nation,” said Colonel Surumbu.
He warned herders in the 17 villages and 47 hamlets surrounding the park against resisting conservation officers when livestock are seized.
“Whether intentional or accidental, if your animals enter the park, do not initiate conflict with TANAPA (Tanzania National Parks Authority) rangers. In Mbarali, we have no history of seized livestock dying or disappearing,” he added.
Despite multiple agreements reached in prior meetings between TANAPA, district authorities, the Cattle Keepers Association, and livestock owners themselves, Ruaha National Park continues to face the challenge of illegal grazing a serious threat to the park’s water sources and biodiversity.
According to a statement issued during a meeting on September 11, 2024, Mbarali District has a total livestock population of 388,109, including 233,049 cattle, with just 154,000 hectares of grazing land available.
Authorities are urging herders to transition to modern livestock-keeping methods to address the grazing shortfall instead of encroaching on protected areas.
The unchecked influx of livestock into the park is endangering wildlife by introducing diseases and creating intense competition for grazing. Wild animals often suffer as a result, leading to poor health and even death.
For perspective: a single adult cow requires about 50 square meters of grazing land per day. That means 527 cattle would need roughly 2,635 hectares more than 26 square kilometers. Additionally, a 400 kg cow requires around 12 kg of feed per day.
If this grazing pressure continues in the Usangu Wetlands, experts warn the region could transform into a desert within five years.
During the official handover of the seized livestock, Assistant Conservation Commissioner Catherine Mbena—representing TANAPA and heading the Communications Department—emphasized the wider implications of such illegal activities.
“Grazing livestock or engaging in poaching within protected areas undermines the objectives of conservation institutions. The benefits of preserving these ecosystems extend to communities and the nation at large.”
She praised TANAPA’s rangers for their tireless day-and-night efforts to protect these vital resources, and called on citizens to support conservation by educating their communities and upholding environmental stewardship.
Elder Igembe Mahola and fellow livestock owner Omongo Shibola admitted their cattle had entered the park under the care of young herders.
After complying with the legal procedures—with support from both district and regional authorities they expressed gratitude to TANAPA for returning their livestock in good health.
The cattle, initially impounded in the Mjenje area, more than 26 kilometers inside Ruaha National Park, were officially handed over on May 16, 2025, in a ceremony attended by village leaders from Iyala, the media, and local government representatives.
A press briefing followed with District Commissioner Colonel Surumbu to discuss the event and its implications for conservation enforcement going forward.