Abstract:
This study assesses the effectiveness of de-snaring as an anti-poaching strategy in Serengeti
National Park (SENAPA), focusing on understanding poaching techniques, community
perceptions, and operational challenges. The objectives include analyzing poaching
techniques, understanding community perceptions of de-snaring initiatives, and identifying
obstacles hindering de-snaring effectiveness. The study population consists of 80 individuals,
including SENAPA staff, ex-poachers, village elders, and leaders, with a sample size of 67
respondents, calculated using Yamane's formula and selected through purposive and stratified
random sampling. The findings indicate that snaring is the most prevalent method employed
by poachers, followed by shooting, trapping, and water poisoning, all of which threaten
biodiversity. Community perceptions revealed high concern for poaching activities, with
59.7% of respondents acknowledging a decline in poaching over the past five years,
attributed to enhanced patrolling and de-snaring efforts. Despite progress, challenges such as
limited resources, vast park coverage, insufficient funding, and lack of advanced technology
hinder full effectiveness. The study highlights strong community awareness of de-snaring
efforts (74.6%) and generally positive cooperation ratings, with 75% of respondents rating
collaboration as excellent or good. However, gaps remain, with 25.4% unaware of de-snaring
initiatives. Strengthening community involvement through education, training, and
participatory conservation programs is essential for sustaining anti-poaching efforts.
Recommendations include increased government funding, stricter anti-poaching laws, and the
integration of advanced technologies for surveillance. SENAPA is advised to prioritize
capacity building, targeted resource allocation, and robust monitoring frameworks. Further
research is suggested to explore socio-economic drivers of poaching, technological
integration, and long-term community engagement strategies. This study underscores the
importance of collaborative, resource-intensive approaches to combating poaching and
protecting wildlife, emphasizing sustained efforts to preserve Serengeti National Park’s
ecological integrity.
