Incessant rains boon for wildlife sector — Parks

Herald Reporter
January 5, 2008

INCESSANT rains that have left a trail of destruction in some parts of the country have brought relief to the wildlife sector, the National Parks and Wildlife Authority has said.

The country has experienced heavy rains so far this season that have claimed lives in low-lying regions, destroyed infrastructure and swept away some domesticated animals in areas like Muzarabani, Mhondoro, Chivi, Seke and Chiredzi.

In an interview yesterday, Parks spokesperson Retired Major Edward Mbewe said the rains had helped solve the persistent shortages of water in some game reserves.

"The natural water has lessened the burden in some game parks like Hwange where we used to pump water into water holes for the animals.

"Before the rains, people used to view elephants at water holes while drinking water but with the abundance of water, the animals are moving deeper into the park," he said.

Retired Major Mbewe said the rains had vastly improved vegetation in the country’s parks.

"Because the vegetation has been resuscitated the animals are not concentrating on one area as was the case before the rains.

"The vegetation that had been destroyed by elephants has vastly improved," he added.

The rains, Major Mbewe said, have also given the authority enough time to service engines used for pumping water into holes during the dry season.

"As of now, the results of the rains have been quite positive."

The only problem was that with the forests peaking up, poachers were going to take advantage of the green cover to hide their illegal activities.