The Influence of Park Visits on Community Attitudes and Perceptions of Ruaha National Park and Wildlife Conservation in Tanzania

Abstract

Background and Research Aims: Understanding the attitudes and perceptions of communities living adjacent to protected areas is essential for effective wildlife conservation, as local support—shaped by experiences and perceived costs and benefits—underpins coexistence and long-term conservation outcomes. This study examined how community engagement through park visits, alongside perceived benefits, costs, and demographic factors, influences attitudes toward Tanzania’s Ruaha National Park (RNP), wildlife conservation, and lions. Methods: We employed a mixed-methods, pre- and post-visit design using semi-structured, face-to-face questionnaires to assess community perceptions of RNP and wildlife. Surveys were conducted between January 2012 and February 2018 with 933 participants from villages surrounding the park, prioritizing individuals with little or no prior park experience. Complete pre- and post-visit data were obtained from 879 participants. Results: Most participants (64.4%) had never visited RNP prior to the study. Park visitation varied by ethnicity, age, and gender, with younger Maasai and Hehe males visiting more frequently. Before visits, attitudes toward the park were overwhelmingly positive (97.8%), though perceptions varied among villages and ethnic groups. Attitudes toward lions were less favorable, particularly among pastoralists, with 60.1% expressing concern about livestock depredation. Following park visits, 91.5% of participants reported high enjoyment, with pastoralists expressing greater enjoyment than farmers. Positive perceptions of the park remained high (97.5%), and 77% reported improved views of its benefits. Attitudes toward lions within the park improved substantially, although concerns about lions on village land persisted. Conclusion: Park visits significantly enhanced community perceptions of RNP, particularly regarding wildlife protection, recreation, and the intrinsic value of conservation. Even among first-time visitors, experiential exposure fostered positive conservation attitudes. Implications for Conservation: Expanding accessible and culturally appropriate park visitation—particularly for pastoralist communities—alongside sustained conflict mitigation and equitable benefit-sharing, can foster pro-wildlife attitudes, reduce human-lion conflict, and support sustainable conservation outcomes.