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Conservation

Conservation and Anti-Poaching Efforts: Revenue generated from fishing safaris is the primary source of funding for the resources we require to maintain the game populations and the ecological well-being of our concessions. We are constantly trying to put more boots on the ground, acquire better equipment and source better training for our anti-poaching unit. We are privileged to be the custodians of one of the most amazing wildlife areas in the country, and we want to keep it that way. Kilombero Basin (4,023,025 ha) (9,941,111,27 acres) has approximately 10 000 sq km remaining of wildlife refuge.  Ndolo Swamps, Mynera, Ruhudji, and Pitu rivers lie in the heart of the concessions Mlimba and Ruhudji. The fauna and flora within this ecosystem are diverse:

  • 361 Plant species, of which 15 species are used by local communities as fruit and vegetables. A number also used for medicinal uses. Plant species that have a high conservation significance are three species of orchid, twenty-one species are endemic to the region and 17 IUCN threatened plant species.
  • 372 Bird Species are found in the Kilombero Valley. 17 Trigger species, of which the Madagascar Pond-heron (Ardeola idea) and Kilombero weaver (Ploceus burnieri) are species of global concern that are found in the Kilombero valley.
  • 23 Primary species of mammals in the Kilombero Valley Basin, of which, 100% restricted to the Mlimba and Ruhudji Concessions. Populations of Puku antelope are scattered throughout eastern and central Africa, is estimated that 75% of the total population is now restricted to the Kilombero Valley, Arial surveys in the late 80’s estimated that between 50 000 – 60 000 Puku was in the Kilombero basin. At present due to human activity (e.g. huts, fields, and livestock) habitat degradation. The “boundary zone” has decreased to 2000sq km and the last remaining estimated herd of 1500 puku remain in Mlimba where Dhala Camp is situated.
  Vision: The owner Akram Aziz’s policies, ideology can be physically seen in and around all these areas in which we operate. He has supported the construction of the school (classrooms) renovating of teacher’s houses, village government office, the dispensary, doctor’s accommodation, bridges, borehole (Wells) and has provided desks for the school and sporting equipment. Employing local community in and anti-poaching efforts. But to mention a few efforts in supporting the local community helping with conservation education. The fishing community is dominated by Wangoni, Wabena, and Wandamba peoples across four villages estimated to comprise 50% fishermen who stay permanently in camps; 40% who stay seasonally in camps, and 10% who stay. The community work has paid dividends in the last 12 years in our conservation efforts and keeping our waterways clear of netting and longline fishing. With this effort the game population has thrived and grown more so then it has ever.   Akram further ensured that with a conservation team, that is dedicated and well equipped this has been achieved in a relatively short period. Thus, creating a driving force devoted to one goal, conserve, protect, utilize. There was once a time when it was islands of people surrounded by wildlife and now, we find ourselves in the time where it is islands of wildlife surrounded by people. All our operations are carried out with deep respect, devotion, and responsibility towards the natural environment. Lodges Dhala, Gwanta fund the salaries of the wildlife scouts who protect the conservation land and the wildlife inhabiting the Kilombero concessions, Mlimba and Ruhudji. Further, with Kilombero Tigerfishing’s emphasis on sport fishing, the revenue generated from the camp will raise awareness among community members of the value of maintaining fish populations and the use of proper fishing methods. Boat Patrols: In the last twelve years, due to rural/village growth, conservation efforts have increased on the mynera and ruhudji rivers. As result, illegal fishing has increased dramatically and is largely unregulated. Nets are largely too small. Through regular Boat patrols, our anti-poaching team assists with the regulation of fishing, as well as the enforcement of fishing zones. Well-regulated fisheries can assist the community to achieve better catches and greater benefits as a result of sustainable practices, allowing the fish to breed in protected zones and harvesting the right size fish in open zones. How can you support us? A donation to our anti-poaching efforts is the most meaningful contribution that you can make. Every cent goes to the everyday costs of running this operation. Here are some examples of what your money can do:
$50 A ranger’s food for 1 month
$90 A new pair of good quality patrol boots
$100 Pays a villager who can give information
$150 A new uniform for a ranger
$500 Pays the fuel cost of transporting a unit on a 2-week operation.
$1000 Enables us to equip a ranger with a radio / tracking device /satellite phone
$2500 Provides essential field equipment: backpack, binoculars, medical aid kit, handcuffs, GPS, camera and headlamp for a ranger

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