Ngorongoro. The number of rhinoceros in the Ngorongoro Conservation Area Authority (NCAA) has increased from five in 1995 to 45 now, making the area the most populated with the engendered animal.

The NCAA tourism development officer, Mr Asantael Melita, told a group of tourism journalists that the increased number of rhinos has boosted the number of tourists visiting the crater.

Tens of hundreds of local and foreign tourists were seen at the weekend watching rhinos in the crater. Mr Melita said in 1995 there were five rhinos following an increased tidal wave of poaching.

“But now we have 38 grown up rhinos and seven young rhinos—thanks to conservation efforts by the NCAA,” said Mr Melita.

He said it was now easier to spot rhinos in the crater and thanked the NCAA and people around the crater for beefing up defence of the endangered animals.

He said in strengthening their protection, the animals’ movements were being closely monitored by special gadgets tied to their bodies.

“If this trend continues, we hope that their population will hit 50 by 2015,” said the NCAA tourism development officer.
The NCAA chief conservator, Mr Bernard Murunya, appealed to Tanzanians to cultivate a habit of visiting tourist attractions.

The Citizen.