Conservancies in battle against poachers, settlers
http://www.thezimbabwean.co.uk
Wildlife and vegetation are under threat in the Chiredzi district due to the
influx of poachers and migration of illegal settlers, says a wildlife and
environment expert.
01.02.1211:58am
by Tonderayi Matonho
“The depletion of wildlife and vegetation has been greatly affected by
poachers who have been killing elephants and rhino for their ivory and
horns,” said Dr Willie Nduku, director of Wildlife and Environment Zimbabwe,
an organization that assists the government and independent agencies in
tackling poaching.
He said lions, zebras, leopards and cheetahs had not been spared as their
skins are highly sought after.
Elephant tasks are being removed, allegedly without a parks official
present, signifying an illegal kill. Eager buyers are found in the informal
market.
“Should this continue unchecked, it will hinder Zimbabwe’s participation in
the Great Limpopo Trans-frontier Park, thus robbing the country of a
much-needed boost in tourism,” said Nduku.
WEZ is striving to establish who is really benefiting from the illegal
trade.
Another threat has emerged in recent years from the surrounding community.
People have begun invading the conservation area, killing elephants and
antelopes for sustenance and meat to sell.
“Most interestingly, some of them have even resorted to capturing animals
such as crocodiles and lions and domesticating them,” said Nduku. People
have also started growing crops such as maize and cotton, irrespective of
the fact that the land has been identified for wildlife purposes and is
unsuitable for agriculture.
To pave way for their farming activities, occupants are burning vegetation
that serves as food for wildlife. This has led to an increase in veldfires.
Nduku said the Gonarezhou, Save and Chiredzi River conservancies waged an
on-going battle to keep surrounding occupants out of the nationally
protected areas.
“We have appealed to the Ministry of Environment and Natural Resources
Management and the Environmental Management Agency for assistance,” he said.