Effectiveness of De-Snaring Strategies in Protecting Tanzania's Wildlife at Serengeti National Park

Abstract

This study evaluates the effectiveness of de-snaring
as an anti-poaching strategy in Serengeti National
Park (SENAPA), focusing on poaching techniques,
community perceptions, and operational challenges.
The study involved 67 respondents, including
SENAPA staff, former poachers, and village leaders,
selected through purposive and stratified random
sampling. Findings revealed that snaring is the most
common poaching method, followed by shooting,
trapping, and water poisoning, all threatening
biodiversity. Community perceptions showed 59.7%
believe poaching has declined over the past five years
due to enhanced patrolling and de-snaring. Despite
progress, challenges like limited resources, vast park
coverage, and insufficient funding hinder
effectiveness. Awareness of de-snaring efforts was
high (74.6%), with 75% rating cooperation as
excellent or good, though 25.4% were unaware of
these initiatives. The study recommends
strengthening community involvement through
education, training, and participatory conservation
programs. Increased government funding, stricter
anti-poaching laws, and advanced surveillance
technologies are essential. SENAPA should focus on
capacity building, targeted resource allocation, and
improved monitoring. Sustained, collaborative
approaches are crucial to preserving Serengeti
National Park’s ecological integrity.