TZ wildlife on positive growth

DAR ES SALAAM: WILDLIFE populations have recorded a positive trend over the past decade, underscoring the impact of conservation efforts and strengthening the country’s position as a leading wildlife destination.

The findings were highlighted yesterday when President Samia Suluhu Hassan received the 2024/2025 National Wildlife Census Report from the Ministry of Natural Resources and Tourism through the Tanzania Wildlife Research Institute (TAWIRI) at State House in Dar es Salaam.

Speaking after receiving the report, President Samia commended the Ministry and TAWIRI for successfully conducting the nationwide exercise, which was financed entirely by the government for the first time.

She said the census results demonstrate the achievements made in wildlife conservation and confirm that Tanzania continues to rank among countries with abundant wildlife resources.

“The results of this census show the significant progress made in conservation efforts and confirm that Tanzania remains among the countries endowed with rich wildlife resources,” she said.

She added, “Public education on the importance of conserving natural resources should be strengthened so that Tanzanians appreciate the value of this national heritage and participate actively in protecting it.”

President Samia further stressed the importance of instilling wildlife knowledge among children and young people by teaching them the Kiswahili names of Tanzania’s wildlife species and strengthening a culture of valuing national heritage from an early age.

ALSO READ: Government advances environmental reforms

On her part, Minister for Natural Resources and Tourism, Dr Ashatu Kijaji, thanked President Samia for facilitating the implementation of the census through domestic funding, a move that enabled Tanzania to conduct a national wildlife census using its own resources.

Dr Kijaji said the census, which s conducted every ten years, aims to establish wildlife population numbers, distribution patterns, population trends and the overall status of wildlife across the country’s ecosystems.

She said that the exercise also helps identify challenges that may affect ecosystems and the tourism sector, while providing crucial information for planning, conservation and sustainable management of wildlife resources.

According to the report, the census was conducted between September 2024 and October 2025 across various ecological systems nationwide.

“The findings indicate the presence of 28 species of medium and large wildlife across various ecosystems and show a positive conservation trend over the past 10 years,” Dr Kijaji said.

She said overall, the report shows a positive conservation trajectory compared to the situation recorded ten years ago, suggesting that ongoing efforts to protect wildlife habitats, combat poaching and strengthen conservation programmes are yielding results.

“The census findings are expected to provide valuable data for policy formulation, conservation planning and tourism development, a sector that remains one of Tanzania’s key economic pillars,” she said.

The Minister said detailed results of the census will be officially released at a later date.