Predator-Proof Bomas erected in Burunge to avert Human-Wildlife Conflicts along important corridor

In the ongoing efforts to avert Human-Wildlife Conflicts, Members of Pastoral Communities within the Burunge Wildlife Management Area have been provided with predator proof enclosures to protect their livestock menagerie.

Unlike the traditional Bomas previously devised from thorny bushes supported by wooden posts, the new enclosures feature metallic fencing.

Old indigenous Bomas were susceptible to elements such as strong winds, heavy rains and even fire outbreaks, plus being permeable enough to enable cunning hyenas or wild dogs to penetrate.

The new bomas, erected at nearly 40 million/- feature oval enclosures, made from wire mesh fencing that are held together by steel poles and reinforced with concrete base.

A total of 15 Predator-proof Bomas have been erected in the area so far, with each of the enclosures costing 2.6 million/- to build.

The reinforced cattle pens were built for the villagers by the Chem Chem Association which conducts tourism and conservation activities within the Burunge Wildlife Management Area (WMA) in the Rural Babati District of Manyara Region.

The modern Bomas were erected in the villages located adjacent to the wildlife corridor which forms an important connectivity route linking Tarangire and Lake Manyara National Parks.

It was part of the activities undertaken in the area to mark the World Rangers Day 2024.

The Babati District Commissioner, Lazaro Twange said in a statement read on his behalf, that the erection of predator-Proof Bomas in the area complements the government’s strategy to avert conflicts between humans, precisely livestock grazers, and wild animals.

Khalfan Malipula is the Babati District Administrative Secretary who represented DC Twangwe during the Boma Presenting event.

“We are now confident that cases of wild carnivores such as Lions, Leopards and Hyenas attacking villagers’ livestock will eventually diminish,” said Malipula, adding that people have been staying vigil to protect their cattle, goats and sheep from marauding beasts.

“At least now they can get some sleep knowing their menageries are safe,” said the District Administrator, who also issues special medals to wildlife rangers in recognition of their selfless dedication in protecting natural resources.

John Bagary, a resident of Vilima Vitatu Village sighed with relief upon being presented with a predator-proof boma erected in his homestead. Bagary had recently lost five cows and four goats after being attacked and fed upon by Lions.

“The wild cats have been regular visitors at my home during the night, forcing my family and I to stay awake, keeping guard to the livestock,” said Bagary, relieved that they can finally get some sleep.

Peter Martin, a resident of Ngoley Village who also suffered frequent livestock losses from attacks by wild beasts at night, expressed gratitude to the management of Chem Chem Association for the protective facilities.

The Chem Chem Association’s Officer in Charge of Community Development Projects Napendaeli Wazoeli said CCA has been working closely with Village Game Scouts and Rangers to protect wildlife and other natural resources in Burunge.

But as we observe World Rangers’ Day we felt the obligation to also do something for the local communities who have also been very cooperative in ensuring that the environment here is well conserved.

During the World’s Rangers Day, Chem Chem Association also donated motorcycles, special night torches and other gadgets that can be used to drive away wild animals that usually invade farms and households in the villages.

Chairperson of Burunge Wildlife Management Area, Erick Lilayoni said the villages forming the WMA will continue cooperating with the management of Chem-Chem Association to ensure that the conservancy is well protected to continue attracting tourists.