Why Poaching Pays: A Summary of Risks and Benefits Illegal Hunters Face in Western Serengeti, Tanzania

Poaching in the Serengeti National Park, Tanzania, is driven by economic incentives that often outweigh the risks. A study of 104 active or recent illegal hunters found that the financial gains from bushmeat sales significantly surpass the potential costs, including fines and prison sentences. While poachers face risks such as bodily injury and legal consequences if arrested, the monetary benefits and protein supplementation for households make illegal hunting a viable livelihood strategy. This research highlights the complex interplay between poverty, economic necessity, and conservation challenges in protected areas.

Knapp, E. J. (2012). Why Poaching Pays: A Summary of Risks and Benefits Illegal Hunters Face in Western Serengeti, Tanzania. Tropical Conservation Science, 5(4), 434–445. https://doi.org/10.1177/194008291200500403