I don't get overly excited about much but when Wayne sent these photos of 2 new anti-poaching patrol vehicles that arrive at the Chete Ranger Station this morning I honestly was nearly dumbstruck. I must also express my appreciation to WWWF for once again being able to understand that hunting ENHANCES wildlife conservation and their part in providing these vehicles. I assure you they will be a huge help in discouraging the Zambians that flock to Kariba shoreline at times, it may mostly be fish they are after but plenty of them set snares and outright poach. When combined with the road improvements we have already made this will help us at Chete to keep on the great path we started down and the total resurrection of this fine Safari Area!. SS

Excellent! When I take my son to Africa for the first time it will be in Zim.

not to be picky, but I assume the vehicles are being used in Zambia not Zim (Zimbabwe). I think it great that US Aid and WWF are contributing to the anti-poaching efforts.

These photos were taken at the CHETE ranger station this morning. Chete Safari Area is in Zimbabwe in the central portion of Lake Kariba. Our poaching issues come from the Zambian side of the lake in large it is narrow enough to paddle across in the dark. SS

There is A LOT of support for various anti-poaching initiatives in Zimbabwe through USAID. You have to know which NGOs to look at because most of it is low profile and infrastructural. It may be a vehicle, or an electric fence for a rangers' vegetable garden.

This is the reason I send a good chunk of money to WWF every year. It is one of the few high-profile wildlife NGO's willing to make common cause with those of us in the "hook and bullet" crowd. National Wildlife Federation is another.

My friend Raoul DaToit works with WWF in Zim...he is a no nonsense guy that understands the realities of Africa and especially Zim.

As of now, WWF is neither for nor against trophy hunting though deep down inside, they would prefer trophy hunting be banned.

In due course, when the old guard changes to be replaced by individuals who are on the same wavelength as the current anti hunting brigade, I see a different tune being played.

Indeed WWF plays a role through contributions towards anti-poaching programs, albeit selectively as in the Chete revival which IMO is a likely target for a future Nature Reserve focused on Ecotourism.

Time will tell.

If US AID is involved, the real mission might be something other than poaching.