Habitat destruction and implications for wildlife conservation in protected areas, Tanzania

Abstract

Protected areas maintain the ecosystem and conserve wildlife, but they face threats from habitat destruction. This paper assesses the drivers of habitat destruction and their implications on wildlife conservation in Tanzania. Data were collected from 607 respondents using a questionnaire and Landsat 8 Operational Land images from 2013 to 2023 to detect land use changes in the Makao Wildlife Management area. A multiple regression model analysed the relationship between habitat destruction (dependent variables) and human population increase, crop cultivation, livestock grazing, inadequate economic incentives, and wildlife population (independent variables). Between 2013 and 2023, agricultural and settlement areas increased by 39% and 686%, while Makao WMA and water bodies decreased by 11% and 39%. Human population (p .0095), crop cultivation (p .0024), and livestock grazing (p .0033) significantly contributed to habitat destruction. Community engagement is essential to promote sustainable conservation and mitigation of impacts to ensure Wildlife Management Areas remain healthy and viable for wildlife.