Anti-Poaching Initiatives
FOH works to protect biodiversity by supporting ZimParks and other state institutions that have the mandate to protect the fauna and flora in and around HNP. We assist with law enforcement activities in and along the northeastern boundaries of the National Park. This is a tricky area to access and is a known poaching “hot-spot”. The area immediately outside the Park comprises national forests, communal areas and privately owned ranches that are home to a wide variety of wildlife species.
ZimParks is generally under-funded to adequately fulfill its mandate to protect the areas both inside and outside the Parks estate. Rampant poaching for bushmeat, deforestation, maintenance of domestic water sources, protection of wildlife against depredation and illegal livestock grazing are all problematic issues that must be addressed.
Although an international ban on the trade in ivory has been in place since 1989, resulting in a reduced demand for ivory, poaching of elephants is still of concern in Zimbabwe. While catastrophic losses of pachyderms are evident throughout Africa, Zimbabwe’s elephant population remains stable and healthy. However, poaching for ivory using cyanide, that is widely used in Zimbabwe in the mining industry, occasionally still rears its head. Vigilance, co-operation and collaboration are key to keeping this at bay.
Additionally, due to the continuing socioeconomic decline in Zimbabwe, poaching for bushmeat has escalated. A fast-increasing human population coupled with high poverty levels has resulted in increased snaring that threatens our wildlife. Snares are simple but lethal devices usually made from high-tensile wire shaped into a loop, anchored down and placed in areas of high animal activity with the sole purpose of killing wildlife. Whilst they are mostly used to catch animals for bushmeat, often as a means of sustenance for rural communities, their impact is huge. These heinous devices are totally indiscriminate in the slow, agonizing death sentences they bring.
The Ongoing Battle to Prevent Illegal Poaching
Removing a Snare
Large Snare at Ground Level
All Snares are Removed and Destroyed
Removing Old Telephone Wires
Baling the Telephone Wires
Disposing of the Wire
Illegal Livestock Grazing
Uncontrolled and widespread illegal cattle grazing is an ongoing problem especially in times of severe drought.
In the communal areas bordering Hwange National Park, the quality and quantity of available grazing for the ever-expanding herds of livestock is insufficient. As a result, many cattle are left to roam freely to find grazing wherever they can or are illegally herded into the Park. The illegal grazing of cattle is a highly sensitive issue and attempts to control or manage it often lead to angry confrontation.
Sometimes the grazing of cattle is not a passive, innocent activity, but is used as a cover for snaring or reconnaissance for ivory poachers.
Illegal Wood Cutting
Rampant deforestation has resulted in firewood within the communities becoming scarce.
Of great concern in areas that boast magnificent hardwood trees, are serious commercial operations to produce and sell charcoal. Enormous stands of indigenous hardwood trees are being indiscriminately destroyed. Once felled, the trees are covered with mud and a fire is lit creating a bush kiln on site. The wood is slow cooked to produce charcoal for sale.
Immediate Aims of FOH
Protect
Protecting biodiversity along the northeastern boundary of HNP through a presence of anti-poaching patrols. Building a ranger team to collaborate with and support local law enforcement agencies and government departments in countering wildlife crime before it affects HNP internally. The presence of scouts works as a deterrent to wildlife crime, reduces rampant tree cutting, and checks uncontrolled snaring and hunting with dogs.
Support
Supporting ZimParks with law enforcement activities both inside and outside Hwange National Park.
Promote
Promoting collaboration with respect to law enforcement between stakeholders in the greater Hwange Landscape.