IUCN / SSC Cat Specialist Group - Digital Cat Library
   

 

View printer friendly
Baldus, R.D.
Lion conservation in Tanzania leads to serious human-lion conflicts with a case study of a man-eating lion killing 35 people
2004  Series

This study was initiated through my involvement in assisting the Rufiji District Administration to collect information on lions which killed 37 people in 8 villages within 20 month. While this information was being compiled, the discussion on lion conservation took a new turn with the Kenyan Proposal to upgrade the lion to CITES Appendix I. This proposal will most probably not find the necessary majority at the Meeting of Parties, as it is based on grossly incorrect information and, most importantly, there is no significant international trade in lions. The major threats are loss of habitat and human-wildlife conflicts and not trade. However, the international discussion on lions caused by this proposal will be useful if it helps to improve lion conservation, including sustainable use. There is evidence in Tanzania that this discussion is already bearing fruits. Human-wildlife conflict is considered as a relevant factor by CITES when deciding on the protective status of species or on export quotas for trophies. It is little known outside Tanzania that approx. 200 people are killed by dangerous animals in the country every year. The cruel story of the Tsavo man-eaters which killed 28 people in 1898/99 makes good reading in the safety of a London or Hamburg apartment, but how many people know that 35 children, men and women were taken, many out of their huts, killed and eaten by lions between August 2002 and April 2004 close to the capital Dar es Salaam? Tanzania conserves lions and other dangerous animals by implementing a strategy which combines protection and sustainable use. The country is criticized by many for the use of hunting as part of the conservation strategy, despite it being fully in line with the Convention on Global Diversity or the principles of the World Conservation Union. Most African countries who follow a rigid protection policy and outlaw hunting are much less successful in their conservation efforts than Tanzania. But in the world of conservation politics it is not always facts which count. It is easy to be pro-lion protectionist if one does not live side by side with these wonderful, but at the same time dangerous creatures. Tanzania deserves credit for conserving its lions, particular those outside its many protected areas. It should be finally mentioned that the term "man-eating" includes women and children as well as killings by lions without the victim being eaten.

PDF files are only accessible to Friends of the Cat Group. Joining Friends of the Cat Group gives you unlimited access and downloads in the Cat SG Library for one year, and allows you to receive our newsletter Cat News (2 regular issues per year plus special issues). More information how to join here

 

(c) IUCN/SSC Cat Specialist Group ( IUCN - The World Conservation Union)