Tackling wildlife poisoning requires collaboration across landscapes and beyond political borders. In this regard, Nature Tanzania hosted the launch of the East Wildlife Poisoning Response Network (EAWPRN) in June 2023 in Arusha. The workshop brought together governments, civil society organisations and researchers from Tanzania, Rwanda and Uganda.
BirdLife International and its Partnership Network in East Africa have made the first step
towards establishing the East Africa Wildlife Poisoning Response Network (EAWPRN) to
tackle wildlife poisoning in the region, following a workshop held in Arusha from 13th – 14th
June 2023.
Wildlife poisoning is a significant threat to vultures and other raptors in the East
Africa and elsewhere, accounting for about 61% of vulture deaths across Africa. While vultures
play a vital role in our environment, keeping it free of decaying carcasses, these majestic birds
have experienced catastrophic declines around the world, with populations of all African
vulture species plummeting by 70-97% over the last 50 years driven by poisoning, belief-based
use, electrocutions, and collision with power infrastructure, among others.
The workshop brought together 21 delegates from Tanzania, Uganda, and Rwanda, completing part of BirdLife and partners’ work to protect vultures through direct conservation actions, influencing policy and raising awareness about the plight of vultures, where notable progress has been achieved. “The East Africa Wildlife Poisoning Response Network is a crucial initiative in safeguarding wildlife and addressing the threats posed by wildlife poisoning. By promoting collaboration, capacity building, and research, the network will push towards the conservation of vultures and other wildlife and maintain the ecological balance in East Africa”, said Fadzai Matsvimbo, Preventing Extinction Programme Coordinator, Africa at
BirdLife International.
To combat this threat, BirdLife partners have implemented various measures, including training community volunteers, rangers, and authorities on responding to poisoning incidents. In Southern Africa, the BirdLife Partnership network is also facilitating the establishment of Vulture
Safe Zones (VSZs) provide areas free from threats like poisoning and electrocution, specifically designed to protect vultures in their most vulnerable habitats. “Due to fragmented efforts and limited coordination between stakeholders, some countries lack the specialized training, resources, and capacity required to effectively respond to wildlife poisoning incidents. Therefore, there is a need for a coordinated and effective response to mitigate the impacts of wildlife poisoning incidents in East Africa”, said Emmanuel Mgimwa, Executive Director of Nature Tanzania.
Rapid Response Mechanism (RRM) training, delivered by the North Carolina Zoo, in Makao Wildlife Management Area, is part of Tanzania’s efforts towards addressing wildlife poisoning, including vultures.
