Community Attitudes to Tortoises (Gepchelone pardalis babcocki) and thier Conservation in Northern Tanzania
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Date
1998
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Abstract
A survey of local attitudes to tortoises and their conservation was conducted
in Robanda and Mto wa Mbu in northern Tanzania between October 1994 and March 1995.
Leopard tortoises damaged crops in Robanda village, Serengeti District. The Ikoma tribe of
this district esteems the leopard tortoise as a totem animal, and the scutes have medicinal
value. Trade was reported only in Mto wa Mbu, but most respondents were very reluctant to
state the number of animals collected.
Most respondents favoured conserving tortoises and biological diversity in their area.
Given the close proximity to the road and Arusha, Mto wa Mbu residents placed more
emphasis on cash values of the wildlife trade and tourism. In contrast, in Robanda, culture
values may favour conservation. The low income per capita in Robanda, and the decline in
culture norms among the young generation might change the people’s attitudes to tortoises.
The paper recommends for raising public awareness among the youths in order to elicit community
support for conservation.
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Keywords
Northern Tanzania, Leopard tortoise, Community attitudes, Conservation
Citation
Kabigumila, J., 1998. Community Attitudes to Tortoises (Gepchelone pardalis babcocki) and thier Conservation in Northern Tanzania.