Tanzania cherishes rhinos’ role in the ecosystem
KILIMANJARO: TANZANIA values the immense contribution of its rhinos in preserving the game environment, as they play a big role in the ecosystem.
That was revealed by the National Environment Management Council (NEMC), in collaboration with the Tanzania National Parks Authority (TANAPA), when commemorating World Rhino Day at Mkomazi National Park in Same District, Kilimanjaro Region, yesterday, September 22, 2025.
Speaking on behalf of the NEMC Northern Zone Manager, Senior Environmental Officer Francis Nyamhanga highlighted the importance of rhinos in the ecosystem.
“In the ecosystem, rhinos play a crucial role by clearing paths through breaking trees, which allows smaller animals to access pasture. They also eat various plant seeds, and through their dung, help disperse these seeds and fertilize the environment. Additionally, rhinos contribute to national income as they are a major tourist attraction,” said Francis.
On his part, TANAPA Conservation Officer Jackson Lyimo explained how they engage with local communities to provide education on rhino conservation.
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“The park runs a special program known as ‘Friends of the Rhino’, which reaches out to communities to educate them on how rhinos became extinct, how they were reintroduced, and the measures in place to protect and breed them in this park. Since July 2022, we have reached 120 schools and engaged approximately 3,600 teachers and students,” said Officer Lyimo.
As part of the celebrations, students from various schools visited Mkomazi National Park to learn firsthand about rhino conservation efforts. World Rhino Day is celebrated globally every September 22, aiming to raise public awareness on rhino conservation and efforts to combat poaching.
