Hwange National Park along with all parks, reserves and recreational facilities in Zimbabwe, has been closed to the public for the past seven weeks due to the Covid-19 lockdown. The lack of tourism is having a disastrous knock on effect on the economy, but thanks to our loyal supporters, work for Friends of Hwange Trust has carried on as usual.
Rains were generally poor throughout the summer this year, so the natural pans are already almost dry. However, the pumped pans are all holding good water thanks to the solar units that have been installed in the last few years. We are hugely grateful not to have had to rely on diesel engines to pump water, as the Park would be in a very serious situation were that the case.
Good news is that despite the patchy rains, the timing of rain showers has allowed vegetation to recover quite well. The onslaught of animal pressure last dry season was considerable as the elephant presence in the Park was higher than usual mainly due to the lack of available water in the regional surrounds, especially across the border in Botswana. Most areas in the park have long grass and plentiful grazing, and it is essential we keep this potential food source for animals safe from fires.
There is a short window of time in which to burn essential firebreaks. Work starts in May and has to be completed by end of June. Earlier and the veld is too green and wet to burn, especially if we have been lucky enough to have an occasional late April shower. Later burning becomes too risky as strong winds and dry grass means fires can run out of control.
Firebreaks are not an easy task. First the ground has to be cleared of rocks and other obstacles that may damage precious equipment. Then tractors need to harrow two tracks about 70 metres apart. The area between the tracks is control burned resulting in a firebreak about 80 metres wide flanked by a clear track on either side. In all, a distance of over a thousand kilometers has to be covered, so costs are high. As well as necessary fuel for tractors and vehicles, workers, who do a fantastic job in hot, dirty conditions, need to be fed and paid.
With a deteriorating economic situation, poaching is on the increase as surrounding communities become desperate trying to survive. Poachers often use fires to clear the bush and improve visibility. They also start fires in remote areas so that when Parks Rangers are occupied trying to control the fire the poachers can operate freely in other areas with less risk of being apprehended.
Friends of Hwange is committed to ensuring the future of the Park and its wildlife. Any financial support towards this essential work is always most gratefully welcome.
