Residents of Korogwe District in Tanga Region have hailed the government for taking strong measures to protect their villages from destructive elephants.
The initiative involves fitting elephants with GPS tracking collars, making it easier to monitor their movements and prevent them from invading homes and farmland.
During the collaring exercise in Makayo Village, locals said the move brings much-needed relief, giving them confidence that their lives, crops, and livestock will be safe.
“We are grateful to the government, through the Ministry of Natural Resources and Tourism, for responding to our long-standing concerns. Elephants were destroying our crops and livestock, but now we finally see the government’s support. We sincerely thank them,” residents said.
Emmanuel Moirana, Assistant Conservation Commissioner of Mkomazi National Park, said the collars will help track elephant movement, identify their hiding areas, and understand why they invade human settlements.
“In Korogwe, some elephants come from Mkomazi National Park, while others migrate from the Tarangire-Manyara ecological system through Simanjiro. GPS collars will allow us to confirm these movements,” Moirana explained.
Yohana Mgalula, First Ranger at the Tanzania Wildlife Management Authority (TAWA), added that more than eight elephant herds have already been fitted with the devices and that the program will continue.
“This initiative not only protects residents and their property but also enhances elephant conservation by preventing poaching,” Mgalula emphasized.