File photo taken on December 10, 2017, shows an elephant eating leaves at Ruaha National Park in Tanzania. (Photo: Xinhua)

 

File photo shows a leopard is seen at the Ruaha National Park located about 130 kilometers west of Iringa Region, Tanzania, Dec. 10, 2017.(Photo: Xinhua)

 
At least 230 poachers and illegal fishers were arrested in Tanzania's Ruaha National Park, which covers 20,226 square kilometers, in 2020-21 period which ended on June 30, an official said on Monday.

Jackson Laizer, a conservation officer for tourism and security unit of the Ruaha National Park, said most of the arrested suspects were engaged in poaching, illegal fishing and encroachment to the park.

Laizer said the poachers and illegal fishers were arrested during the period under review following beefed-up anti-poaching activities that were fully supported by the government.

"Poaching of elephants has now been controlled but we are facing poaching for game meat and encroachment of livestock keepers who seek pasture for their cattle," said Laizer.

Ruaha National Park offers excellent wildlife viewing, and is particularly good for spotting predators, including very large prides of lion and the endangered wild dog. Elephants and a big variety of antelope species are another big draw to the park.

Tanzania has 22 national parks, including Serengeti National Park, a World Heritage Site.