For more than 60 years, we have worked with partners across Tanzania to advance wildlife conservation in Tanzania, protecting some of Africa’s most important ecosystems. From the vast plains of the Serengeti to the remote forests of Mahale and the landscapes of Nyerere National Park, our conservation work focuses on safeguarding biodiversity while strengthening the long-term management of protected areas.
Our approach combines practical support on the ground with long-term partnerships. We work alongside park authorities to support rangers, maintain critical infrastructure such as vehicles and aircraft, and monitor wildlife populations and ecosystems. At the same time, we collaborate with local communities living near protected areas to develop sustainable livelihood opportunities and reduce pressure on natural resources.
Together, these efforts contribute to resilient ecosystems where wildlife can thrive and conservation is supported by the people who depend on these landscapes. Across Tanzania, our projects reflect the diversity of challenges and solutions in conservation – from aerial surveillance and anti-poaching measures to community-based initiatives and landscape-level planning.
Explore our work in Tanzania and learn more about the individual projects and partnerships that make this conservation effort possible.
- Protecting national parks and ecosystems
- Working with local communities to enable sustainable livelihoods
- Supporting rangers and conservation infrastructure
- Monitoring wildlife and landscapes
Conservation in Tanzania is vital to protect global biodiversity, including iconic species such as the “Big Five” and endangered wildlife like black rhinos and African wild dogs. Key ecosystems such as the Serengeti and the Selous–Nyerere landscape play a critical role in maintaining ecological balance and safeguarding species under increasing pressure.
At the same time, conservation supports Tanzania’s economy and livelihoods. Nature-based tourism contributes significantly to national income and employment, while protected areas – covering close to 40% of the country – provide water, grazing land, and income for many people.
Protecting these landscapes also strengthens climate resilience and supports sustainable development by linking conservation with livelihoods, land use, and local infrastructure. Ensuring their long-term stability is essential for both people and wildlife.
Here you can find answers to some of the most common questions about our work in Tanzania, including our role in the Serengeti, Mahale, and Nyerere, and how we support conservation together with partners and local communities.
FZS Tanzania is the national team of the Frankfurt Zoological Society, led and run by Tanzanian conservation professionals. Our work is rooted in the understanding that conservation is inseparable from people’s lives – it shapes access to land, water, and livelihoods. That is why we work together with local communities to develop practical solutions, from sustainable land use to protecting forests and wildlife – with our staff rooted in the communities and cultures where we operate.
The Frankfurt Zoological Society (FZS) has been working in Tanzania for over 60 years, supporting wildlife conservation in key ecosystems such as the Serengeti, Mahale, and Nyerere. FZS works closely with national park authorities, rangers, and local communities to protect biodiversity and strengthen long-term park management.
Tanzania is home to some of Africa’s largest wildlife ecosystems, including the Serengeti and the Selous–Nyerere landscape. These areas support globally important wildlife populations and provide water, grazing land, and income for millions of people.
For many people, access to natural resources is the basis of daily life and livelihoods. At the same time, demand for land, food, and water is increasing. Conservation in Tanzania is therefore essential to ensure that these ecosystems continue to support both people and wildlife in the future.
In the Serengeti ecosystem, FZS works both within Serengeti National Park and in the surrounding areas. In the park, we support the park rangers, maintaining infrastructure, and supporting wildlife monitoring and anti-poaching efforts.
Outside the protected area, we work with local communities to support sustainable land use, strengthen livelihoods, and reduce pressure on natural resources. This combined approach reflects the reality that conservation in the Serengeti depends on both effective park management and the well-being of the people living alongside it.
In Mahale, FZS supports the protection of Mahale Mountains National Park by strengthening park management, infrastructure, and research, with a particular focus on conserving one of Tanzania’s last remaining populations of wild chimpanzees.
Beyond the park, we work with local communities on sustainable livelihoods, land-use planning, and forest protection, while also supporting conservation across the wider ecosystem, including wildlife corridors.
In Nyerere National Park, FZS supports the protection of one of Africa’s largest wildlife areas (over 30,000 km²) by strengthening park operations and monitoring. This includes aerial surveys, support for ranger teams, and improving communication and infrastructure across the park.
Across the wider Selous ecosystem, we contribute to long-term management and planning, helping to maintain this vast landscape and its wildlife, including important populations of elephants, buffalo, and other species.