How joint efforts curb poaching in Maswa Game Reserve and Mwiba Wildlife Ranch

Meatu. Collaborative efforts between the Tanzania Wildlife Management Authority (TAWA), Mwiba Holdings Ltd, and Meatu District Wildlife Officers have significantly reduced poaching activities in the Maswa Game Reserve and the neighbouring Mwiba Wildlife Ranch.

Speaking during the inaugural celebration of World Rangers Day in Meatu District, wildlife officers expressed pride in their achievements, attributing their success to strong partnerships and effective anti-poaching operations.

Head of Security at Mwiba Holdings Ltd, which operates under the Friedkin Conservation Fund (FCF), Steve Alexander, praised the cooperation with Tawa, saying major poaching has been brought under control.

“Thanks to our strong partnership, large-scale poaching is now significantly reduced. What remains are minor incidents involving people collecting firewood or hunting small game for food,” Alexander explained.

He also raised concerns about livestock encroaching into protected areas.

“At one point, we impounded nearly 4,000 cattle. However, we used the opportunity to educate pastoralists on conservation. They paid fines and were allowed to reclaim their livestock,” he added.

Alexander urged the people of Meatu and all Tanzanians to continue protecting the country’s natural resources for present and future generations.

Wildlife Ranger Mange Gushaha commended Mwiba Holdings and the Friedkin Conservation Fund for enabling the district’s first World Rangers Day celebration, describing it as a morale booster.

“This recognition shows that both the private sector and the government value our efforts,” he said.

Ranger Ntungwa Sai highlighted a major achievement—the change in public perception towards wildlife conservation.

“Communities now understand the value of wildlife. People are no longer passive; they report poachers, which makes our work easier,” he said.

Fellow rangers Elias Kija and Kyara Raimond said their long hours protecting wildlife feel more rewarding with increased recognition.

“This is the first time we’ve celebrated this day. We thank the Friedkin Conservation Fund and the government for acknowledging our role. We pledge to keep protecting our wildlife,” said Kija.

Kyara added that conservation has brought many benefits to the local community, including jobs, education, health services, and clean water.

“Today, students at Makao Primary School enjoy free school lunches thanks to conservation programmes,” he said.

Meatu District Game Officer Joseline Mpelasoka said collaboration between Mwiba, Tawa, and local authorities has been crucial in reducing illegal activities in the reserves.

“Poaching incidents have dropped significantly compared to previous years. The few remaining cases involve small-scale activities like charcoal burning and bushmeat hunting, which we are working to eliminate,” she said.

Meatu District Commissioner Fauzia Ngatumbura praised the partnership between government and investors.

“Our fight against poaching has yielded impressive results. Mwiba also raised Meatu’s profile by winning Tanzania’s Best Tourism Luxury Camp award this year. We commend their efforts and welcome more tourists to visit our beautiful district,” she said.

This year’s World Rangers Day was observed under the theme: “Rangers Advancing Conservation Through Change.”

World Rangers Day was first observed in the UK on July 31, 1992. It led to the formation of the International Ranger Federation (IRF) on July 31, 2007, making it the official global day recognising the dedication of wildlife rangers worldwide.