Combating Poaching and Illegal Logging in Tanzania: Voices of the Rangers-Hands-on Experiences from the Field

FIELD EVALUATION OF LAKE ZONE ANTI-POACHING UNIT, NOVEMBER 2015

Intention The intention behind GRID-Arendal personnel’s field visit in November 2015 was to evaluate the Lake Zone Anti-Poaching Unit’s concept of operations and execution of patrols. This includes planning of patrols, methods used, and results achieved over severalpatrols. Particular emphasiswasplacedonevaluating the use of tracking and crime-scene management, since this has been taught through collaboration with Mweka Wildlife College and Pasiansi Wildlife Training Institute directly and indirectly (training of trainers) by personnel from the Rapid Response Unit, formerly based at GRID-Arendal, Norway. This training has been ongoing since 2010 and adheres to INTERPOL guidelines.

A secondary intention was to contribute guidance to enhance patrol effectiveness and security where this was sought and accepted by the patrol leaders. We did not have a mandate or an invitation to initiate comprehensive change in patrolling methods. The Lake Zone Anti-Poaching Unit’s area of responsibility is greater than the area visited during the evaluation. The latter comprised from west to east:

• Kimisi Game Reserve, about 1,000 km 2 • Burigi Game Reserve, about 2,200 km 2 • Biharamulo Game Reserve, about 1,300 km 2

Apprehended bushmeat poacher, Kimisi Game Reserve, November 2015

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