The Management of Wildlife Resources in Protected Areas: a Case Study of South-Eastern Sector of Selous Game Reserve Ecosystem

Abstract

The study aimed at examining management of wildlife resources in protected areas (PAs) carried out in south eastern sector of Selous Game Reserve (SGR) ecosystem from September 2011 to September 2013. Specifically, the study intended to; identify community current land uses which affect management of wildlife resources in PAs, examine factors influencing people encroachment of PAs, determine effectiveness of existing wildlife management strategies in SGR and determine methods for scaling up the most successful wildlife management strategies in SGR. Two villages were involved namely Mpigamiti and Kikulyungu. Data were collected by using Survey and Participatory Rural Appraisal (PRA) methods. Collected data were analysed by using statistical package for social scientists (SPSS) (Version 14) software. Field results indicated that 85.0% of respondents can get more land for cultivation out of observed forest cleared land.Poached ‘elephants’ carcasses from 2010 to 2012 showed increasing poaching by 33.3% per year. Charcoal production, honey gathering, clearance for cultivation and local beliefs resulted to increase wildfires by 12.5% per year from 2005-2012. However, statistics showed population increase for 75% from 1988 to 2012. Field results showed SGR have insufficient involvement of local communities (88.3%). Moreover, benefit accrued from SGR is ineffective whereas 25% given to Liwale District Council was from six instead of 13 hunting blocks. Revealed field results shows awareness raising of resource use rights to communities given by SGR was considerable (42.6%). The study concludes management of wildlife resources in SGR is fairly sustainable. It is recommended that more understanding on resource use values and financials support to SGR are mainly vital to be encountered ensure effective management of wildlife resources.