Authority intensifies anti-poaching drive

Herald Reporter
December 27, 2008

THE National Parks and Wildlife Management Authority has intensified its anti-poaching activities following an increase in poaching in the country.

Although the authority could not give figures, it has since tabled a number of workshops to raise awareness among conservancies and wildlife sanctuary owners on the problem.

In an interview, Parks and Wildlife director general Dr Morris Mutsambiwa said the figures picked up following the opening of international ivory market in the last quarter of the year.

"The authority has increased anti-poaching activities to curb illegal hunting of animals for domestic consumption, ivory and skins.

"Although there has been a slight rise in rhino poaching, the authority assisted by security agents has managed to deal with most of the cases.

"Despite the successes of our anti-poaching programme, we feel it is necessary that we continue apprising stakeholders on the need to increase surveillance in their areas of jurisdiction," he said.

Dr Mutsambiwa said that as the country was entering the peak poaching period, people should be educated on their roles in wildlife management.

Last week the authority held an anti-poaching workshop that brought together conservancies, farmers and the Campfire meant to map out strategies to curb poaching.

"Poaching of the rhino is very bad at the moment. We believe that people are trying to smuggle ivory to Asia hence the need to increase surveillance and anti-poaching activities.

"Zimbabwe has also seen an increase in the poaching of the Zebra as its skin has suddenly become attractive to international buyers," he said.

Dr Mutsambiwa said the authority had arrested a number of poachers and recovered some horns and tusks.

Five poachers were arrested last month after being involved in accidents in Masvingo.

He said resettled farmers were beginning to

appreciate wildlife management practices since the

authority started working with the farmers earlier this year.