Community Attitudes to Tortoises (Gepchelone pardalis babcocki) and thier Conservation in Northern Tanzania

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 tortorises damaged crops in Rbanda 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.