"The Selous Game Reserve, one of the largest and most ecologically diverse protected areas in East Africa, has long been hailed as a cornerstone of Tanzania’s natural heritage. Spanning over 50,000 square kilometers, the Selous ecosystem is not just a haven for wildlife; it’s a vital artery for biodiversity that extends well beyond the boundaries of the nationalpark itself. The surrounding animal corridors, essential for species migration, are increasingly at risk. A confluence of human activities is causing irreversible damage to these corridors and the ecosystem as a whole, with severe implications for the survival of the region’s rich biodiversity"
Wanyamapori is one of the largest private landowners in the Kisaki region. We have officially classified our land as a natural forest, ensuring its protection and sustainability. This designation plays a crucial role in maintaining a vital wildlife migration corridor between Nyerere National Park and Mikumi National Park. Our land features a small river, mountainous terrain, and in some areas, untouched ancient forest. It is home to an exceptionally high density of biodiversity, ranging from small insects to great migrating species such as elephants, antelopes, and occasionally even lions.
THE WANYAMAPORI WILDLIFE CORRIDOR
WILDLIFE PROTECTION UNIT
We have established our own Wildlife Protection Unit to guard our property. Their main task is to prevent illegal logging and ensure that no cows are on the plot. These cows belong to the nomadic Sukuma people, who move with their herds in search of grazing land. However, overgrazing has become a serious issue, leading to land degradation, loss of biodiversity, and increased human-wildlife conflict. By enforcing these measures, we aim to protect the fragile ecosystem of the Wanyamapori Wildlife Corridor and preserve it for future generations.
ACROSS THE TAZARA RAILWAY OUR NEIGHBOURS ARE LOCAL FARMERS. DUE TO THE NUMBER OF ELEPHANTS MIGRATING FROM NYERERE NATIONALPARK TOWARDS THE MIKUMI NATIONALPARK HUMAN WILDLIFE CONFLICT IS A DEADLY CHALLENGE. WANYAMAPORI IS SUPPORTING FARMERS AND LOCAL COMMUNITIES TO MINIMIZE HUMAN WILDLIFE CONFLICT TO THE BENEFIT OF ALL.
EDUCATION
INTRODUCTION OF GOVERNMENT POLICIES
INTRODUCTION OF GOVERNMENT POLICIES THAT CAMPAIGN AGAINST ILLEGAL LOGGING, CHARCOAL PRODUCTION, AND THE PORSECUTION OF OTHER ENVIRONMENTAL CRIMES.
WORTH FIGHTING FOR
THE CHALLENGE
Our impact
Illegal Activities:
Illegal logging and poaching have become pervasive threats within and around the Selous ecosystem. While the Tanzanian government has made efforts to curb these activities, illegal timber extraction remains widespread. The deforestation from illegal lumbering directly impacts the flora and fauna of the region. Trees, many of which are essential to wildlife habitats, are felled for commercial gain. This destruction of vital tree cover also reduces the availability of food and shelter for numerous species that rely on these habitats.
Poaching, particularly for elephant ivory and rhino horn, has plagued Selous for decades, driven by high demand in illegal wildlife markets. Poaching not only decimates animal populations but also disrupts the delicate balance of the ecosystem, leading to cascading effects on other species. Though anti-poaching initiatives have been strengthened, these illicit activities are persistent, driven by poverty, lack of enforcement, and the lure of quick profits.
Overgrazing by Livestock:
Overgrazing by livestock is another significant problem affecting the Selous ecosystem. As human populations increase and farming activities extend further into wildlife territories, the balance between human and animal needs becomes strained. Cattle grazing often encroaches upon traditional wildlife corridors, blocking migratory paths for large herbivores such as wildebeest and zebras. When cattle graze in these areas, they deplete vegetation that wildlife depends on, damaging the land and reducing the overall quality of the habitat.
This issue is particularly pressing around the boundaries of the Selous Game Reserve, wis disrupts migration patterns, vital for reproduction and survival, and increases the likelihood of human-wildlife conflict.
Uncoordinated Human-Wildlife Conflicts:
One of the most significant challenges facing the Selous ecosystem today is the uncoordinated and poorly planned farming tactics that put human settlements and wildlife on a collision course. As communities encroach upon land previously used by animals for migration, the resulting conflicts are both deadly and costly. Farmers often build crops and settlements in the paths of migrating wildlife, leading to frequent crop raids by herbivores like elephants and buffalo. The destruction of crops in turn causes resentment among farmers, sometimes leading to retaliation in the form of poisoned bait or killings.
Poor farming practices also contribute to soil erosion, water contamination, and deforestation. The trend of expanding agricultural land into wildlife corridors disrupts ecosystems and further reduces space for animals to roam. Furthermore, many farmers lack the education and resources to implement sustainable practices, which exacerbates the environmental degradation.
The Growing Threat of Habitat Fragmentation:
The combination of illegal activities, overgrazing, and poor farming tactics has caused the fragmentation of the Selous ecosystem. Wildlife corridors are becoming narrower and more disconnected, cutting off the once-continuous movement of species. Without these corridors, wildlife populations are isolated and can no longer maintain genetic diversity, which is essential for long-term survival. In the case of large animals such as elephants and predators like lions, restricted movement can lead to higher mortality rates and fewer opportunities for mating.
Furthermore, as human settlements and agriculture expand, the pressure on these fragile corridors only increases. The land that was once a lifeline for migrating animals is now being turned into farmland, villages, and roads, severing crucial links between protected areas.