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University of Denver

Publication Date

Fall 2013

Program Name

Uganda: Development Studies

Abstract

Despite efforts of the international community and individual countries to end poaching activities and target the markets which drive these activities, poaching continues to be a global problem. This paper will discuss the methods, findings, and recommendations that have resulted from a study on poaching in western Uganda. Uganda is both a transit country for illegal animal species and their derivatives from neighboring countries as well as a home to a number of species that are targeted by poachers. This makes Uganda an area of importance to the study of persistent poaching. Many of Uganda’s protected areas and native species, as well as Uganda’s border with the Democratic Republic of the Congo, are concentrated in the western region making this area particularly relevant to the study. The research specifically addressed poaching in Queen Elizabeth National Park (QENP), Rwenzori Mountains National Park (RMNP), Kibale National Park (KNP), and the surrounding communities. The research was conducted from QENP, Kasese, Fort Portal, and Kampala over a six-week period. Personal interviews and focus group discussions were the main methods used to gather information during the study. This paper includes major findings of the study such as the prevalence of poaching activities in the areas studied and the successes and shortcomings of anti-poaching initiatives. For the purposes of this research project, “poaching” includes any illegal trapping or hunting of a wild animal. Although plants are often included as species that can be “poached”, this study excludes plant species.

Disciplines

Environmental Health and Protection | Natural Resources and Conservation | Natural Resources Law | Natural Resources Management and Policy

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