INTRODUCTION

Tuskers are the full grown-up Elephant Bulls with long tusks, they are vulnerable due to their tusks as they can be hunted by Poachers. Tarangire National Park is one among the northern Tanzania parks, the park has diverse range of habitats which has attracted different species of wildlife, including a significant population of African Elephants which make it as the park with the highest concentration of Elephants per square kilometer in the world. These magnificent creatures face various threats, including scarcity of water during the dry season, habitat loss, poaching, and human-wildlife conflicts.

During the dry season, Tarangire National Park faces a conservation challenge as the animals move outside the park searching for water, resulting in human-wildlife conflicts. Elephants are the species that we have focused on because they are reported more frequently than others, and they are more vulnerable. We propose a comprehensive conservation plan to ensure the long-term survival of elephants in Tarangire National Park.

Tanz-Africa Adventures Limited, a locally owned Tour Operator Company located in Arusha, Tanzania, which deals with Wildlife safari and Photography, has decided to prepare this conservation proposal for Tarangire National Park. The idea came from its director, Mr. Ally Waziri Msemo, who is also a Safaris Guide with over sixteen years of experience in Photography and Safaris in Tanzania.

During his career as a tour guide, he has encountered many challenges facing the Tarangire Ecosystem, especially in the dry season. This situation motivated him to conduct personal research on the movement of Elephant Bulls, which he calls Tuskers. These elephants are truly unique, and we need to do something to improve their living conditions, particularly during the dry season.

Problem Statement

Elephants are a keystone species, supporting the presence of other species. The Tuskers have become a key factor that motivated us to write this proposal. We have observed them drinking from water taps used by villagers in Sangaiwe. This creates conflict between villagers and elephants because many Tuskers come to drink while there is not enough water. Villagers often have to wait until the elephants finish drinking, hindering their daily activities. After talking with villagers and collecting their opinions, we realized that improvements should be made to resolve these conflicts. Tarangire could become one of the best parks in the world for Tuskers viewing in the near future if we can creatively improve the water supply in areas lacking permanent water sources.

Objectives

A) TO PROTECT ELEPHANTS
To conserve elephants, which are a keystone species that play a crucial role in maintaining the biodiversity of the ecosystem. These elephants live in a small forest near Sangaiwe gate, bordering Sangaiwe village. They venture outside the park in search of water, especially during the dry season. Elephants are water-dependent and will return daily to their drinking points, making them vulnerable to being hunted or poisoned. The big tusks of the elephants we are protecting are targeted by poachers for trophies.

B) TO PROTECT VILLAGERS
Villagers share their water fetching points with elephants. Elephants can be aggressive, especially when threatened, which could lead to serious injuries or fatalities if their situation is not improved.

C) TO GROW TOURISM
Tarangire National Park, with its ecosystem, is the best place for elephant viewing. Tourists sometimes encounter more than 50 bulls heading to lodges to drink from artificial water sources, including swimming pools. Creating proper facilities for the elephants will attract more tourists, especially those interested in photographing Tuskers, further promoting the park.

D) TO CREATE AWARENESS
Some tourists come annually for Tuskers photography, yet many elephants leave the park due to water scarcity. Providing permanent water sources and ensuring their security will extend the lifespan of these elephants, making Tarangire a prime location for Tuskers viewing.

Methodology

We will drill a well equipped with a powerful solar-powered pump to fill a large dam. The dam will initially be filled by floodwaters from the highlands, and thereafter, the solar pump will maintain the water levels by filling tanks that feed the dam. This system will ensure a year-round water supply for both elephants and villagers near the Sangaiwe gate. The project will also provide water to the Sangaiwe villagers to foster good relations between the park and the local community.

Conclusion

This project will improve water availability in Tarangire National Park during the dry season, reduce poaching risks by keeping animals within the park, minimize conflicts between villagers and elephants, and create a unique attraction for Tuskers viewing.

NOTE:
ELEPHANT SPRINGS
Elephant Spring is a natural spring within Tarangire National Park. We spent early morning hours watching female elephants prevent males from drinking until their young had finished. Buffaloes were also driven away when water levels dropped. Elephants have found alternative water sources at some lodges with small artificial waterholes, but these are insufficient. Over 50 bulls often gather with other animals to drink from these limited sources.

Special Thanks:
We extend our gratitude to the Tanzanian Government for its wildlife conservation efforts, TANAPA, and Tarangire National Park for facilitating this Tuskers Conservation Proposal. We also thank all donors who will support this project alongside Tanz-Africa Adventures Limited.