Socioeconomic determinants of illegal wildlife activities and their implications for conservation in Moyowosi Game Reserve, Tanzania

Introduction Illegal wildlife activities harm biodiversity, the sustainability of ecosystems and economic development in sub-Saharan Africa. In Tanzania, for example, wildlife crime leads to species loss, a decrease in tourism earnings, and weakened conservation efforts. This paper considers the factors leading to illegal wildlife activities in the Moyowosi Game Reserve, as well as the spatial variation in community perceptions. Methods Data were collected from ten villages surrounding the reserve through structured questionnaires, focus group discussions, and interviews with key informants. The data were analysed to establish the prevalence of illegal activities and the reasons behind them. Results The most prevalent illegal wildlife activities were poaching (51.96%), illegal fishing (51.17%) and unauthorised grazing (43.34%). There are evident spatial variations, with poaching being most prevalent in the southern zone (65.78%), whereas illegal grazing (49.07%) and wildlife trafficking (23.60%) are most prevalent in the western zone. The most significant factors driving these activities are poverty, the desire to earn money from wildlife products, a shortage of land, and youth unemployment. Conclusion The results imply that socio-economic factors play a vital role in illegal wildlife activities. Strengthening the enforcement of laws and providing alternative sources of livelihood is essential.