12 drones, 50 satellites sought to track wildlife in Tanzania’s game reserves

DODOMA: THE Tanzanian government will intensify the use of modern technology in combating incidents involving dangerous and destructive wildlife by deploying 12 drones and 50 satellite collars to track the movement of key animals, particularly elephants.

Presenting the 2025/26 budget estimates for the Ministry of Natural Resources and Tourism in the National Assembly, Minister Dr Pindi Chana said the GPS satellite collars will be placed on lead elephants in areas facing high levels of human-wildlife conflict, enabling real-time monitoring and response.

Additionally, the Ministry will distribute 40,000 cold bombs in high-risk elephant zones as part of efforts to deter wildlife encroachment into human settlements.

Dr Chana added that the Ministry will continue to conduct strategic research aimed at discovering new methods for mitigating wildlife conflict, while also implementing the 2022–2026 National Wildlife Corridor Rescue Action Plan. Under this plan, awareness campaigns will be carried out in communities located within key wildlife corridors, including Lake Manyara, Kwakuchinja, Serengeti Complex–Yaeda Chini, Nyerere–Selous–Niassa, Ruaha–Rungwa–Udzungwa, Ruaha–Rungwa–Katavi Complex, Kilombero–Udzungwa Mountains, Nyerere–Selous–Wami Mbiki, Serengeti Complex–Longido, and Udzungwa–Mikumi.

The government will also assess the current state of these corridors, demarcate their boundaries, and install signage to ensure sustainable coexistence between humans and wildlife.

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To strengthen anti-poaching operations, Dr Chana said the Ministry, through its conservation institutions, will continue implementing the 2023–2033 Anti-Poaching Strategy, the 2023–2033 Elephant Management Plan, and the 2022–2026 Wildlife Corridor Rescue Plan.

“These initiatives are critical in suppressing poaching activities and curbing the illegal wildlife trade, while reinforcing conservation efforts across the country,” she stated.

In line with improving legal and regulatory frameworks, the Ministry will review the Wildlife Conservation Act (Cap 283) and its regulations to enhance sustainable utilization and protection of wildlife resources.

For the 2025/26 financial year, the Ministry’s Wildlife Conservation Fund will support various initiatives, including public education on wildlife conflict management, compensation for victims of wildlife attacks, and the strengthening of the national anti-poaching task force.

The Fund will also facilitate the resolution of conflicts between communities and conservation areas, support the elevation of protected area statuses, build capacity in wildlife resource management, and strengthen the performance of wildlife training institutions through strategic wildlife research.