Tawiri Wildlife Research Institute

2009-06-04T14:58:45Z

An interesting organisation based in Tanzania - TAWIRI - http://www.tawiri.org

For more information - visit their website.

The history of wildlife research in Tanzania dates back to nearly 50 years ago when it was first initiated in the 1950's in the Serengeti ecosystem. In view of the importance of research to promote better management of wildlife, The Serengeti Research Institute (SRI) was established in 1966 under the Tanzania National Parks (TANAPA). Since then wildlife research has expanded to include other Protected Areas (PAs). Also, SRI became the centre of excellence for wildlife research on savannah ecology as well as a genesis of some of today's world famous experts of tropical wildlife research.

Recognizing the importance of research in the development of the wildlife industry in the country, the Government of the United Republic of Tanzania in 1980 established, under the Act of Parliament, a national research institution, the Serengeti Wildlife Research Institute (SWRI) which is now Tanzania Wildlife Research Institute (TAWIRI) under the Ministry of Natural Resources and Tourism. In the past, research being carried out by the institute focused on studies for higher academic degrees and for production of scientific papers; there was very little emphasis on making the research relevant to conservation and management of the protected areas. The new research agenda of TAWIRI emphasizes research that is relevant to conservation and management of wildlife protected areas, consonant with the National vision 2025, that is sustainable conservation of natural resources.

The Institute has five Centres: Serengeti Wildlife Research Centre (formerly Serengeti Research Institute), Kingupira Wildlife Research Centre (formerly Miombo Research Centre) Mahale Mountains Wildlife Research Centre (formerly Kasoge Research station), Gombe Wildlife Research Centre (formerly Gombe Stream Research Station) and Njiro Wildlife Research Centre (formerly Njiro Beekeeping Research Centre). Also under TAWIRI is the Conservation Information and Monitoring Unit, CIMU (formerly Conservation Information Centre, CIC). and Beekeeping Research and Extension Services Unit (BRESU), (Formerly Beekeeping Training Institute, BTI) also under TAWIRI.

For further information refer directly to their website http://www.tawiri.org

Arusha - Bird Watching

2006-08-16T11:23:47Z

By C.J.Nguya
WCST Arusha - The Arusha Times

In early 2006, student members of Wildlife Conservation Society of Tanzania (WCST) Arusha Branch met at the National Natural History Museum grounds to establish a Bird Watching Club for youth in Arusha.
The main aim of the Bird Watching Club for Youth is to encourage young people in Arusha region to discover the joys and challenges of birding and promote conservation of birds in the region but also to help promote a general interest in conservation.
The initiative has begun by incorporating four schools: Olasiti Orphans Day Care School, Tropical Centre for Tour Guides, Inter- Continental Training School and Absolute Institute for Tour Guides.

As part of the activities of the initiative a group of 31 students together with two teachers from Olasiti Orphans Day Care School went on a trip of their lifetimes to Tarangire and Manyara National Parks for bird watching on 1st July this year. More than 100 species of birds were sighted during this trip.
The visit was unique, educational and much fun for the students that had participated Most of them had never visited Tarangire and Manyara National parks.

Since the establishment of the branch office the hobby has been growing steadily. An amazing number of students in Arusha participate in bird watching organized by WCST Arusha Branch. They venture out to discover the fun of seeing new birds in new places, whether it’s a drive through a national park or a guided walk at a nature preserve. .
The information collected on bird sightings can be used to help to establish the status of various species during such activities and ultimately help the conservation of birds in the Arusha region.
WCST Arusha branch intends to organize more bird walks to encourage our youth to become interested in the conservation of birds of the region. The next bird walk will be advertised.
Bird life or a lack of it is a good indicator on the good health or otherwise of any environment and by taking care of our environment we encourage more birds. A healthy eco-system supports more biodiversity Public awareness is a good foundation for conservation efforts so if you want to be involved in doing something good for conservation
Contact THE WCST COSMAS NGUYA (Executive officer cosmas@wcstarusha.org tel. 0744626570

Sanctuaries & Research

Tawiri Wildlife Research Institute

Arusha - Bird Watching