UNIVERSITY OF DAR ES SALAAM
COLLEGE OF NATURAL AND APPLIED SCIENCES (CONAS)

Background of Department of Zoology and Wildlife Conservation

Established in 1965, the Department of Zoology, in the Faculty of Science, aimed to train graduates with competency to teach Biology in Secondary Schools and to conduct research in government departments and parastatal research institutions.  Later, in 1974, the Department established two new major subjects, Marine Biology (MB) and Wildlife Ecology and Management (WE). It was during this time that the second epithet of the department’s name (i.e. Marine Biology) was coined, hence became known as “Zoology and Marine Biology”.

The Department jointly with Botany introduced the undergraduate Biology Programme (BL) in 1982; again, it was in response to the Government’s expressed need for prospective teachers for Secondary Schools and Colleges to study two appropriate teaching subjects at the University.  Since its establishment, the Department has trained many graduates now working in various Public and Private Institutions. 

Following the 2001 University-wide curriculum review, the Department reviewed all the majors to accommodate the new challenges in teaching and learning. MB and WE were renamed Aquatic Sciences (AQ) and Wildlife Science and Conservation (WS), respectively. In 2003, the Department introduced a B.Sc. in Wildlife Science and Conservation [B.Sc. (Wildlife)] to enhance both the quality of the undergraduate wildlife programme and make it more relevant to wildlife research and conservation. In 2008, B.Sc. Applied Zoology programme was introduced. In response to the UDSM’s shift in training emphasis and to ensure consistent and quality training at Post-graduate level, the department has introduced M.Sc. Biodiversity and Conservation, M.Sc. Applied Zoology and M.Sc. Science (Education) with the College of Education was introduced to train the much needed manpower in the country.

 

LEADERSHIP HISTORY - DEPARTMENT OF ZOLOOGY AND WILDLIFE CONSERVATION

Name

Period of Service

Prof. Ivor Griffths

1965 – 1968

Dr. Ilse Walker

Apr 1968 - Sep 1970

Prof. Abdulrahman Msangi

Oct 1970 - Apr 1978

Prof. James R. Mainoya

Apr 1978 - Jul 1981

Prof. Alfeo M.Nikundiwe

Jul 1981- Jun 1984  and  Jul 1991 – Jul 1994

 Dr. Jacob G. Yarro

Jul 1988 - Jun 1991

Prof. Hosea Kayumbo

Jul 1984 - Jul 1988

Dr. Felister Urasa

Jul 1995 - Jul 2001 and Jul 2012 - Jul 2015

Prof. Ramadhan B.M. Senzota

Jul 2001 - Apr 2004

Prof. Jonathan D.L. Kabigumila

Jul 2004 - Apr 2006

Dr. Cuthbert L. Nahonyo

Jul 2006 - Apr 2012

Prof. Flora Magige

Jul 2015 - Todate

 

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