Tanzania ranked high globally for hosting ‘Big 5’ animals
DODOMA: THE Minister for Natural Resources and Tourism, Dr Pindi Chana has revealed that Tanzania tops the world in hosting large populations of lions, leopards and buffalos, while ranking third globally in the number of elephants.
Speaking on Monday during the commemoration of World Wildlife Day, Dr Chana attributed the success to the government’s commitment to strengthening conservation policies, both locally and internationally, as well as improving the country’s wildlife protection forces.
“The exact number of elephants in Tanzania will be established once the ongoing national wildlife census is completed, with the results expected to be released in December this year,” she said.
Dr Chana highlighted that the increase in wildlife populations in national parks and reserves is a result of collaborative conservation efforts involving stakeholders and local communities, a move that has significantly boosted tourism and the national economy.
The minister underscored the vital role of wildlife in Tanzania’s economy, stating that the tourism sector contributes over 25 per cent of foreign exchange earnings, 17.1 per cent to the Gross Domestic Product (GDP) and provides about 1.6m/- direct and indirect jobs. According to the minister, in 2024, the tourism sector has recorded an unprecedented milestone, reaching a total of 5,360,247 tourists.
Disaggregating the figure, Dr Chana said 2,141,895 were international tourists, while 3,218,352 were domestic visitors who cumulatively enhanced the government to collect 3.9 billion US dollars (about 10.237tri/-).
She credited President Samia Suluhu Hassan’s efforts in promoting Tanzania’s tourism industry through strategic initiatives such as Tanzania: The Royal Tour and Amazing Tanzania, which have significantly heightened global and domestic interest in visiting the country’s wildlife reserves and national parks.
The minister reaffirmed the government’s commitment to wildlife conservation through deliberate efforts to protect and sustain the country’s wildlife resources.
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These include curbing poaching, ensuring sustainable management of wildlife corridors and engaging local communities through Wildlife Management Areas (WMAs).
On his part, the Deputy Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Natural Resources and Tourism, Mr Benedict Wakulyamba, said the government will continue to implement conservation strategies by improving tourism policies, attracting investors, enhancing protected areas and equipping rangers with essential resources.
Wildlife Department Director Dr Alexander Lobora emphasised that World Wildlife Day serves as a platform to raise awareness on wildlife conservation and environmental protection, advocating for global action against poaching and habitat destruction.
“This significant day provides an opportunity to appreciate the role of wildlife conservationists and recognise the contributions of wildlife to biodiversity and national development,” he said, adding: “Tanzania remains a leader in conservation, having won various national and international accolades.”
This year’s theme, ‘Wildlife and Financial Investment: Invest in People and the Planet’, aims to promote sustainable financial strategies for managing wildlife resources and safeguarding natural heritage for future generations.
Meanwhile, Dodoma District Commissioner Jabir Shekimweri stressed the importance of community involvement in conservation, noting that President Samia has prioritised conservation efforts by increasing budgetary allocations and enhancing conservation tools.
“The impressive work in our national parks has positioned Tanzania as a top destination for global tourists.
In Dodoma, we have prepared a strategic document highlighting the region’s opportunities in natural resource conservation, aligning with President Samia’s vision as a champion of environmental preservation,” he said.
