LOCAL PERSPECTIVES ON FACTORS INFLUENCING THE EXTENT OF WILDLIFE POACHING FOR BUSHMEAT IN A GAME RESERVE, WESTERN TANZANIA

Illegal exploitation of wildlife for bushmeat is a widespread problem affecting many ecosystems especially in the Tropics. Understanding the factors associated with such exploitation may help in the management of the problem by conservationists. Although there is a substantial problem of wildlife poaching in east Africa, the factors that affect its occurrence at a local level are still poorly explored. We interviewed heads of households in 19 villages near a game reserve in western Tanzania–from March to October, 2009–to obtain data on wildlife exploitation. Proximity to the reserve encouraged both wildlife poaching and bushmeat consumption on the northern side of the reserve. Conversely, consumption increased with distance on the eastern side. Communities with higher fish consumption rates had fewer incidents of poaching. Most poaching activities were carried out in the rainy seasons. Both large- and medium-sized wild ungulates especially impala, dik-dik and common duiker were favoured bushmeat species. Problems related to anti-poaching efforts particularly during the rainy seasons should be taken more seriously. Future research and conservation should consider addressing bushmeat poaching with respect to distances from human settlements to the nearest Ugalla Game Reserve boundary.