Protecting one of Africa’s largest protected areas

Nyerere National Park and Selous Game Reserve

The Selous Game Reserve in southeastern Tanzania is one of Africa’s largest protected areas and internationally recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The Selous Game Reserve accounts for more than one-fifth of Tanzania’s protected area network.

In 2019 it was divided into Nyerere National Park and Selous Game Reserve. These two places contain a wide variety of habitats including Miombo woodlands, open grasslands, riverine forests, and swamps, with diverse communities of plants and animals. More than 2,100 plant species have been recorded in the region, and the ecosystem is home to globally significant concentrations of elephants, buffalo, hippos, and crocodiles, amongst many other species.

Project: Nyerere - Selous Conservation Project
Nyerere National Park size: 30,893 km²
Selous Game Reserve size: 18,020 km²
Supporting Nyerere National Park since: 2019
Supporting Selous Game Reserve since: 2012
Program Manager: Kathryn Doody

Nyerere National Park and Selous Game Reserve
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Both Nyerere National Park and Selous Game Reserve contain a wide variety of habitats including riverine forests, and swamps, where diverse communities of plants and animals live. @Daniel Rosengren

Some of Africa's largest populations of buffalo can be found in the Nyerere-Selous ecosystem. © Daniel Rosengren

To date, more than 2,100 plant species have been recorded in the region where the Nyerere-Selous ecosystem is located. © Daniel Rosengren

Wire snares are set by poachers to capture animals. To prevent animals from getting caught in them, FZS staff patrol the area and remove snares that they find. © Daniel Rosengren

Nyerere National Park and Selous Game Reserve combine into one of Africas largest protected areas. Here a multitude of species can be found, including this Flap-necked Chameleon. © Daniel Rosengren

Airplanes are used for many reasons, aerial surveys, aerial surveillance to detect prevent poaching activities, and more. © Daniel Rosengren

Airplane maintenance is critical to keep pilots and passengers safe. Here an FZS airplane is being calibrated in preparation for its next flight. © Daniel Rosengren

This is a Saddle-billed Stork. This species is vulnerable to wetland degradation and land conversion to agriculture. The Selous Game Reserve, with its wetlands, is a great home for this species. © Daniel Rosengren

Since 2012 FZS has provided assistance through aerial surveys, provision of an aircraft for conservation purposes, and providing technical and logistical support to team members in Selous. © Daniel Rosengren

Zebra populations are decreasing due to poaching. But protected areas where snares are actively being removed, such as the Selous Game Reserve are a good refuge for them. © Daniel Rosengren

Getting around vast landscapes such as Nyerere National Park and Selous Game Reserve is a challenge. Off-road vehicles are an indispensable tool for ecosystem monitoring and anti-poaching efforts. © Daniel Rosengren

How we support Nyerere National Park and Selous Game Reserve

Frankfurt Zoological Society has supported the protection of Selous since the 1980s. Most recently, since 2012 FZS has provided assistance through aerial surveys, provision of an aircraft for conservation purposes, and providing technical and logistical support to team members in Selous.

Since 2017, FZS has been an implementing and co-financing partner of the Tanzanian and German governments’ joint ‘Selous Ecosystem Conservation and Development Program’ (SECAD). The objective of this program is to strengthen the Selous Game Reserve management and protection through the following activities:

Providing baseline ecological assessments
Reviewing and updating the General Management Plan and financial plan
Developing and implementing management instruments
Supporting and advising law enforcement through aerial surveillance, improving the communication system, and ranger training
Administering capacity building programs
Conducting ecosystem monitoring and providing evaluation frameworks in collaboration with partners
Implementing intensive protection measures for black rhinos
Establishing ‘Selous Ecosystem Coordination Forum’

With support from the U.S. government, we are working with the Selous Game Reserve and Nyerere National Park management to further strengthen law enforcement through the training of specialized ranger units.

Project news

07/27/2026News
The Conservation Generation – New Paths for the Wild: Digna Irafay on Social Safeguards in Tanzania
07/27/2026News
The Conservation Generation – New Paths for the Wild: Digna Irafay on Social Safeguards in Tanzania
Young ZGF staff members are shaping the future of nature conservation with their scientific expertise, modern technologies, and fresh perspectives. In the second part of our series, Digna Irafay explains why social safeguards and close collaboration with local communities are crucial to successful nature conservation.

Tanzania
03/19/2026News
In memory of Nelson Ole Kwai
03/19/2026News
In memory of Nelson Ole Kwai
With deep sadness, we remember Nelson Ole Kuwai, a dedicated conservationist, trusted colleague, and cherished friend whose legacy will endure in the Serengeti and beyond.

Tanzania
08/26/2025News
Environmental protection starts small
08/26/2025News
Environmental protection starts small
Through grassroots microfinance groups known as Community Conservation Banks, FZS supports the financial independence of people living near protected areas—while ensuring that this development is ecologically sustainable.

Tanzania

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Partners

Successful conservation is always the result of great teamwork. We collaborate with local communities, national authorities, and conservation organizations. Our partners make our conservation work possible.