The impact of poaching on wildlife population and tourism viability: a case study of Murchison falls national park, Masindi district.
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Date
2026
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Busitema University
Abstract
Poaching remains a critical threat to wildlife conservation and nature-based tourism sustainability globally, yet localized empirical evidence linking poaching to wildlife population dynamics and tourism viability remains limited, particularly in Uganda's protected areas. This study investigated the impact of poaching on wildlife populations and tourism viability in Murchison Falls National Park, Uganda, from 2022 to 2025. Guided by Sustainable Tourism Theory, the study employed a cross-sectional research design with a sample of 59 respondents comprising Uganda Wildlife Authority staff, park rangers, tour operators, tourists, conservation officers, and community members. Data were collected using structured questionnaires and analyzed using descriptive statistics, Pearson correlation, and regression analysis. Findings revealed that respondents were neutral regarding the level and forms of poaching (grand mean = 3.30), with wire snaring and commercial poaching identified as the most common methods. Poaching demonstrated a strong positive relationship with wildlife population dynamics (r = 0.752, p = 0.000) and significantly predicted changes in wildlife populations (ß = 0.452, p = 0.000), affecting species abundance, mortality rates, and spatial distribution, particularly among large mammals. Wildlife population dynamics exhibited a strong positive relationship with tourism viability (r = 0.798, p = 0.000), with respondents agreeing that fewer wildlife sightings negatively affect visitor experience (mean = 3.44), reduction in wildlife leads to decreased tourist arrivals (mean = 3.44), and repeat visits depend on quality of wildlife experiences (mean = 3.51). The regression model explained 67.9% of the variance in wildlife population dynamics and tourism viability (R² = 0.679, F = 59.892, p = 0.000). The study concludes that poaching significantly influences both wildlife population dynamics and tourism viability, though tourism at Murchison Falls National Park demonstrates resilience despite wildlife declines. Recommendations include strengthening anti-poaching enforcement, enhancing community engagement through alternative livelihood programs, implementing regular wildlife monitoring, diversifying tourism products, and adopting sustainable tourism practices to ensure long-term conservation and tourism sustainability.
Keywords: poaching, wildlife population, tourism viability, Murchison falls, national park, Masindi district
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Mulasa, S. (2026). The impact of poaching on wildlife population and tourism viability: a case study of Murchison falls national park, Masindi district. Busitema University. Unpublished dissertation.