Poaching on the decrease

POACHING has decreased in many of Zimbabwe’s conservancies as government has taken a zero tolerance approach to dealing with poachers in the country.

An official of Wildlife & Environment Zimbabwe who spoke to the Zimbabwe Guardian expressed that the government had taken firm measures to ensure that endangered species are protected, indigenous forests and wildlife habitats protected.

“I am encouraged by the measures taken by the government in ensuring that endangered species are protected. We have had a drop in the number of poachers in recent months thanks to the efficiency of the Ministry of Tourism,” said Mike Philips of WEZ.

“Recently Imire Safari Ranch was threatened with closure after thugs descended on the farm and asked the owners to vacate. We saw a concerted effort by both police and the relevant ministry stopping such activity,” said Philips.

“This is very encouraging and I hope farmers will be protected too.”

Philips said that it is only through such seriousness on the part of government officials that “we can get the country working again” adding that there were groups of criminal thugs who were taking advantage of the current problems in the country and claiming to be war veterans who want to take over farms.

He also said poaching had led to deterioration in the number of Zimbabwe’s wildlife, especially protected species.

Zimbabwe is home to endangered black rhinos, elephant, hyenas and buffalo. Endangered black rhino species are bred for release into the wild.

WEZ says it aims to “To encourage and assist all people of Zimbabwe to understand the importance of wildlife and the environment and to conserve Zimbabwe’s natural resources for the well being of current and future generations and to ensure that the utilisation of these natural resources is fair and sustainable.”