The Tanzania Wildlife Management Authority (TAWA) has issued warnings against keeping or possessing wild animals like hyenas and pythons without valid permits, emphasizing that this practice is a criminal offense punishable by fines, imprisonment, or both.

The authority highlighted the importance of community cooperation in wildlife conservation, stressing that the Wildlife Conservation Act aims to protect both animals and human lives.TAWA Information Officer Beatus Maganja urged citizens to report illegal possession of wild animals instead of taking matters into their own hands.

He explained that only protected species like pythons and crocodiles can be kept with proper authorization, citing Snake Park in Arusha as a legal example.

The article also noted Tanzania's economic benefits from wildlife tourism and the role of communities in conservation through joint patrols and development projects funded by tourism revenues.