Community Perceptions and Socio-Demographic Influence on Trophy Hunting in Rungwa Game Reserve, Tanzania

The trophy hunting industry in Tanzania plays a significant role wildlife conservation as well economic and community development. Trophy has been conducted Rungwa Game Reserve (RGR) for several decades; however, the opinions from local communities living adjacent to reserve are not documented. This study aimed assess awareness attitudes of Reserves toward hunting. Furthermore, assessed factors that influenced participants by using structural equation modeling. We used semi-structured interviews key informant three villages RGR. aware existing operations around game reserves. found positive among hunting, only if people accrue benefits operations. community’s towards varied across household size occupation. Education position had an indirect influence on attitude. Our findings suggest socio-demographic variables important consider when assessing Local willing support obtained it can improve their livelihood. In conclusion, is protected areas, banning them may have impact livelihood conservation. Therefore, recommended policies interventions dual significance fostering strategies balance socio-economic