Dr Kijaji orders wildlife experts to track rogue elephants using satellite collars

KARAGWE: THE Tanzanian government has ordered wildlife experts to track rogue elephants using satellite collars in a fresh bid to stop the animals from invading villages and destroying crops in Karagwe District.

Minister for Natural Resources and Tourism, Dr Ashatu Kijaji gave the directives after residents of Nyakabanga Ward complained about repeated elephant invasions during a public meeting held as part of her working tour of Kagera Region where she instructed the Tanzania Wildlife Research Institute (TAWIRI) and the Tanzania Wildlife Management Authority (TAWA) to jointly conduct research and fit tracking collars on lead elephants to monitor their movements and prevent them from straying into farms and residential areas.

According to the minister, the tracking technology would enable wildlife authorities to detect elephant movements early and intervene before the animals reach villages, reducing damage to crops and threats to human life.

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During the meeting, residents also appealed for the establishment of a rapid response centre in Nyakabanga and the deployment of a bee aircraft (drone) to improve wildlife surveillance, saying the existing response unit is located too far away, delaying the arrival of game officers during emergencies.

The minister approved the request, saying the government would strengthen rapid response measures to improve protection for communities living near wildlife habitats.

On compensation for victims of wildlife attacks and crop destruction, Dr Kijaji assured residents that payments under the government’s consolation and compensation schemes would be made within a week, following improvements to the ministry’s payment systems.