Illegal hunting, poaching reach crisis proportions

hunting in Zimbabwe, are still carrying out their operations in the Matetsi area.
Chairman of the Conservation Task Force, Johnny Rodrigues said: “The notorious Out of Africa Safaris are still hunting here undeterred. They have changed their name and are hunting with certain unscrupulous Zimbabwean and South Africa safari companies.”
Zimbabwe’s wildlife is also under threat from an increasing number of poachers who are forced into the illegal activity as unemployment increases and the economy goes into freefall.
“In the past few weeks, we have received several alarming reports of fish and wildlife poaching around the country. With the current economic situation and the levels of unemployment, the poaching is intensifying and has reached crisis proportions,” said Rodrigues, who added that with ongoing fuel shortages, National Parks are unable to carry out anti poaching patrols and so the poachers are free to work in broad daylight.
He went on to say: “Whilst we sympathize with the local people who are trying to make money any way they can in a floundering economy, we can’t allow this to continue.”
Rodrigues gave an example of the poaching in Sanyati gorge in Kariba where local people have stripped the bark from nearby trees, which are nesting sites for Fish Eagles, to make boats in order to net fish.
“This problem is threefold – the poachers are killing the fish, destroying the vegetation and depriving the Fish Eagle of their homes,” he said.
Several endangered Black Rhino have been lost along with other animals as poaching intensifies in the Chisarira Game reserve. Rodrigues said National Parks, police and the Lake Captain at Kariba were extremely concerned about the situation.
“They would desperately like to do something about it but are unable to control the poaching because of the lack of fuel. Residents in Kariba and Mana Pools are keen to set up anti poaching units but fuel is required,” he said. – Any offers of help gratefully received: galorand@mweb.co.zw www.zctf.mweb.co.zw