DAR ES SALAAM, June 4 (Xinhua) -- Tanzanian wildlife conservation authorities have decided to temporarily lift a ban on exports of live wild animals they imposed in March 2016 after the government observed irregularities in the business.

The state-run Tanzania Wildlife Management Authority (TAWA) said in a statement late Friday that the lifting of the ban involved business people who had captured wild animals for exports before the March 2016 ban was imposed.

The statement said business people who captured and raised wild animals before March 2016 will be allowed to export the animals within six months from June 6, 2022, to Dec. 5, 2022. They, however, should submit their valid documents to TAWA offices in Dar es Salaam, the commercial capital of Tanzania.

Also, the live wild animals should be exported through the Julius Nyerere International Airport in Dar es Salaam or the Kilimanjaro International Airport, said the statement.

The government banned the transportation of all live animals outside the country in March 2016 until proper procedures were made to ensure only approved animals are transported.

The decision sparked anger from exporters who complained that the ban was a surprise decision to them as it was made just a month after they were given licenses for exporting the animals. - Xinhua