The impact of small arms proliferation in the Tanzanian wildlife sector: a case of Selous game reserve

The main objective of this study was to explore the impact of small arms proliferation on the Wildlife Sector in Tanzania the case being Selous Game Reserve in the Rufiji basin. The study employed a case study research design and it used both qualitative and quantitative methods. The sample of the study involved 44 respondents. The units of inquiry for the study included, Police Officers, Wildlife Officers, Game Rangers and Village Natural Resources Committee Members. The findings of the study reveal that both legally owned and illicit small arms are used in killing wildlife in game reserves hence leading to the decline of elephants and pose challenge to the existence of these endangered species. Moreover, the study has revealed that mostly used firearms in elephants and rhinoceros poaching are rifles like M1, .375, 458 ,416 , 450 , 404 and 303, the firearms manufactured among others for the purpose of big game hunting (hunting big five, namely, elephant, rhinoceros, lion, leopard and buffalo). Furthermore, the study has indicated that the rate of elephants and rhinoceros killing is high, which in turn will lead to loss of biodiversity which will negatively affect the tourism industry, employment and leading to loss of income diversity. From the findings of the study, a number of recommendations have been provided which could contribute to resolving poaching in the reserve and other protected areas. Among others, it is suggested that intelligence sharing among defense and security organs is a key for wildlife protection because will help to uncover then crack the wildlife poaching network. Also, the government should amend the Wildlife Conservation Act of 2009 so as avoid lenient punishment and penalties. Finally, local community should be involved in ant poaching campaign at different levels.