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

the task, but are too few in number, and the harsh conditions in which they operate mean that they require extensive maintenance. The short supply of such maintenance resources leads to expensive attrition of vehicles. Similarly, other basic kit such as GPS for marking incidents and for generating patrol reports, topographical maps, and sufficient ammunition for proper live-fire training, are all in short supply. Sustainable salaries are of course essential to the rangers, but those provided are often low. When the market for trophies such as ivory and the money involved are as high as at present, some might be tempted to enter into illegal activities instead.

these law enforcement officers master techniques that enable them to planmore targeted patrolling to prevent and prosecute crime. Patrols are most effective and efficient when they are based on (1) pre-identification of poaching “hot-spot” areas, and (2) tracking techniques to secure apprehensions when in the field. Resources are very limited and rangers lack suitable basic tools. For example, patrols are often executed on foot, but due to the long distances and the enormous areas that rangers are supposed to monitor, proper off-road vehicles are needed. The vehicles provided (mostly Toyota Land Cruisers) are perfect for

Rangers on patrol in Tarangire National Park, November 2014

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