Global Gulag

Zimbabwe Conservation Task Force

7th September 2016

PLEASE BE WARNED THAT SOME OF THE IMAGES CONTAINED HEREIN MAY UPSET OR OFFEND SENSITIVE VIEWERS

The photo above is of the baby elephants that have been captured in Hwange so far awaiting export to China.

WARNING GRAPHIC Beheaded Impala  WARNING – GRAPHIC Skinned vervet monkey

Johnny Rodrigues
Chairman for Zimbabwe Conservation Task Force
Landline:        263 4 339065
Mobile:           263 712 603 213
Email:             galorand@mweb.co.zw
Facebook:     http://www.facebook.com/pages/ZCTF-Zimbabwe-Conservation-Task-Force/246013052094585
Website: www.zctfofficialsite.org.

Cecil the lion

Walter James Palmer, left, with one of his kills

This photo goes with report below

Dead elephant

 

 

 

 

        ZIMBABWE CONSERVATION TASK FORCE         

 

Only after the last tree has been cut down.

Only after the last river has been poisoned.

Only after the last fish has been caught.

Only then will you find that money cannot be eaten.

 

Cree Indian Prophecy

 

17th April 2014

 

WHAT WILL BECOME OF THE PRESIDENTIAL ELEPHANTS OF ZIMBABWE?

 

It is a well known fact that Zimbabwe's agricultural industry was destroyed when the farms were confiscated from the farmers from 2000 onwards. Despite assurances that wildlife farms would not be touched, this in fact did not happen. Almost all of the wildlife farms were also confiscated and given to people who knew little or nothing about wildlife. The wildlife was very quickly slaughtered and approximately 90% of the wildlife on wildlife farms was destroyed. We were very concerned that their next move would be to destroy the animals in the National Parks areas.

 

The Presidential Elephants roam in an area called Kanondo, near Hwange National Park. A few years ago, President Mugabe promised to take these elephants under his wing and stated that nobody would ever be allowed to shoot them. Sharon Pincott has spent the past 13 years living in the area and studying these elephants. She named them and spent many hours getting to know them and she has done everything in her power to protect them. She is an Australian and sold all her belongings in Australia to move to Zimbabwe and basically "live" with these elephants. She depended on sporadic donations to do this and was always extremely short of money.

 

Sharon has now decided to throw in the towel and leave Zimbabwe for good. Kanondo has been "claimed" by a woman who calls herself Elisabeth Pasalk or Elisabeth Freeman. She claims that this land was left to her by her mother. Her brother is a hunter who sells hunts in the Matetsi area and Sharon is very concerned that the Presidential Elephants will now become the target of hunters.

 

We are disgusted that Elisabeth Pasalk/Freeman has been allowed to claim this land. Without Sharon, these elephants no longer have any protection and she has written the following passage: 

 

 

 

Who DESTROYED the Presidential Elephants of Zimbabwe?

(FINAL POST)   -   HOW TRAGICALLY IRONIC. The President of Zimbabwe, Robert Gabriel Mugabe, proclaimed – and indeed reaffirmed 21 years later – his patronage of this special clan of elephants. Zimbabwe’s flagship herd. And it is the President’s own government officials who must now take credit for DESTROYING the entire concept of them, of general tourists’ ability to enjoy them, and of what they were meant to represent.

Those who have read my books know that at least ten of my 13 years in Zimbabwe have been a never-ending battle, fighting (and fighting and fighting, despite unbelievable accusations and events) for the welfare of the Presidential Elephants of Zimbabwe. There are, however, other things that you don’t yet know. You don’t know, for example, that there was once a proposal that this area be turned into a ‘Presidential Park’ – so that key things like game-drive capability amongst these elephants (to benefit the maximum number of tourists possible) could be properly managed; so that the number of, and distance between, competitor lodges could be properly and sensibly controlled; and so that those trying to underhandedly hunt could be properly dealt with. This proposal was rejected by the previous Environment Minister Francis Nhema. Under his watch, land areas were snatched and underhanded hunting activities went on, and on. When further land claim problems resurfaced in early 2013, Minister Nhema was too busy electioneering to help with my pleas. But not surprisingly when the cameras were rolling, not long prior to that, he did indeed put his face on the international ‘All the President’s Elephants’ documentary, SAYING all of the right things as usual. This documentary incidentally – showcasing the Presidential Elephants - went on to win, in the international arena, such awards as ‘Outstanding Contribution to Nature’ and to become a finalist for ‘Best Nature and Environment Protection’, in addition to receiving numerous other accolades. Did the Government of Zimbabwe even once make mention of it? Certainly not that I know of.

When Minister Saviour Kasukuwere stepped in to head the Environment Ministry last year, he initially brought with him a ray of hope that things might now improve. But sadly that didn’t last for long after his limited understanding of the Presidential Elephants and of the real issues surrounding them - which seemed to result in him being easily swayed by whoever was the flavour of the day - began to shine through. A lot more talk, and no action, became the norm. And then, there was no talk at all. Minister Kasukuwere became suspiciously quiet with regards to the State Land Kanondo land grab, when it all clearly became too hard. But before his silence, he misled at least one South African journalist – evident now in a published news article – writing to him on 6 February stating “we have withdrawn any offer letters relating to the land in question. So rest assured that the Presidential Herd will be protected. This is very important to Zimbabwe and our tourism industry.” But close to four-and-a-half months after the 3 December Cabinet directive that offer letters must be withdrawn, there is still no evidence that this has happened. (And, yes, yes, I know, I can hear all of your bellows from here: “We told you so; what else could you expect?”….)

The truth is that for the past 13 years it was only me who bothered to take any dedicated, real, unwavering, interest in The Presidential Elephants of Zimbabwe. (Where were those others who were once involved, on a day-to-day basis, who had professed to care about them? Those who walked out – indeed sold out - on them years before I arrived in Zimbabwe; years before times in Zimbabwe got really tough? Those who were still happy to bask in some glory while knowing nothing of their current lives and never-ending daily family struggles and losses.) Unlike others, I was one of only a handful who had no monetary interest in them. And sadly, I was the only person who even noticed when ‘Lady’ – who had become the most renowned of the Presidential Elephants, immortalised in my books and in the television documentary – disappeared for good. Although her body was never found (something that does happen heartbreakingly often in the thick Hwange bush), I feel sure she was shot; her family still devastated and torn apart. She was the most high-profile of many who were lost. Who will notice when others go missing in the future? The answer to that question is nobody. Nobody will notice. Nobody will care.

The truth is, it’s all been something of a joke; something that was taken less and less seriously by those in Government as time passed (except, sure enough, when those cameras were rolling). It was a joke that has now been allowed by the very Government who proclaimed their status, to turn into an embarrassment, a disgrace, a complete farce. The Zimbabwe Government now treats this land as if it is little individually-owned plots to grow mealies on, with no regard whatsoever for the ongoing, long-term, welfare of these elephants as a whole. And with no concern about tourists being able to come and to easily arrange a decent lodge game-drive amongst them. When my draft of the 2011 Presidential Decree Reaffirmation was edited by Government, they couldn’t even get the location of these elephants correct! (A mistake that remains on the Decree Reaffirmation certificates today.) Now they simply allow land-grabbers in to these very areas to destroy the very heart of it all. Under Minister Nhema’s watch we lost forever one area, and then another. But at least these were on an outer edge of the key area. Then it got much worse. Under Minister Kasukuwere’s watch, we have now lost yet another; the most critical of them all. What we have now is little plots of land, where questionable individuals are being allowed to do as they please, destroying past processes and efforts (that were particularly intense over the past 12 months). That this has been allowed to happen shows just how ‘important’ the Presidential Elephants of Zimbabwe are to the Government.

One of the mega rich of Zimbabwe’s ministers is ex-Mines Minister, Obert Mpofu. In another land grab case, he claimed as his own this exact piece of Kanondo land (and more) in 2003. He was actually evicted in 2005 and the land was back once again to being what it had been, Presidential Elephant game-drive land that benefitted many. The Government at least got this right. But many wonder if this, now, is Minister Mpofu or his side-kicks back in disguise. How else did the Lands Ministry ever dare to allocate this land a second time, and still today get away with not correcting their mistake?

What too of the donors who have assisted these Presidential Elephant land areas in the past – on assurances that they were protected areas - only for their contributions to then benefit these land claimants? No donor should ever take the chance of assisting again in these outside, clearly now insecure, areas.

Perhaps some will now scramble and propose the use of academic researchers to try to replace my efforts. But my years in Zimbabwe have taught me - certainly not always, but far too often – that many individual academic researchers in this country tend to show interest only in their own academic advancement for short-term studies, and more often than not stay a few months or perhaps a few years part-time (and indeed sometimes only a few weeks) before moving on elsewhere or going back to their universities, and to their normal lives. They have no interest, or time, to get to know wild elephants intimately or to care sincerely about what happens to them. Instead they might throw on a few grossly huge, ugly and intrusive elephant radio collars (which they often then fail to ever take off), and sit in offices downloading data from satellites, doing one study or another, and only contributing to the piles of dusty papers that sit on the high shelves of academic libraries, that so very few people ever choose to read. That’s how they profess to then know and care about elephants. And that is certainly not what The Presidential Elephants of Zimbabwe have ever stood for, nor what they need to survive. Academia and dedicated conservation efforts are very different things in an environment such as this.

Things will go on, though, just like they always do, after any death or tragedy. And there will be those who will crudely abuse elephant relationships that I spent over a decade restoring (after such awful unrest in these areas during the first lot of damaging land claims back in the early 2000s), as well as the many other unique relationships that I built anew. And photographs of friendly elephants will continue to be taken and published. But the lost decade of intimate knowledge and deep understanding, of Presidential Elephant families and family trees, of unique care and truly profound relationships, of dedicated efforts for awareness, of snared elephants saved with their progress closely monitored, and of so many other things, can never be recovered. Just as tragically, the uninformed and inexperienced new-comers will probably claim that tourists can still come (but note, only ever with restrictive accommodation conditions attached), and get on game-drives amongst the farce that is now ‘The Presidential Elephants of Zimbabwe’ in (grabbed) land areas – when the sad reality is, they don’t even know what they’re looking at. To them, it is all just a blur of grey; carelessly calling them all ‘Presidential Elephants’, merely trying to cash in. And under-handed hunting activity will no doubt continue to go on.

These people – along with some of the Ruling Party’s responsible government officials – show no care, and have no clue.

Indeed some of these very same individuals (clearly a malicious attempt to deflect focus from themselves and their own dubious doings) have apparently now – since the advent of this Kanondo claimant – begun accusing me of living the high life off the Presidential Elephants of Zimbabwe! It is not even worth time defending myself over such ignorant and spiteful allegations. Those who have bothered to understand all that was achieved, know of what I once had and sold in Australia to be able to do what I’ve done for these elephants over the past 13 years, and just how very many personal sacrifices I made over the course of these years. And they know, too, all that I’ve offered on a complimentary basis, and just what I’ve had to put up with in return. It is, though, simply incomprehensible to so many in a country such as Zimbabwe - where greed and corruption has already been publicly exposed and acknowledged - that someone would spend their own time and money in this way.

I cannot allow myself to be linked to such new depths of collusion and cluelessness. I cannot keep hitting my head against a brick wall, year after year after year after year, with lack of care and lack of respect and understanding of these elephants growing and growing - despite all the efforts - like an invasive weed over a pond, smothering everything. This is now a country where even a high-level Cabinet directive to remove the land claimants can simply be ignored; where there is no accountability, and where months of ongoing damaging delays don’t seem to matter to anyone in Government - and that surely says a lot in itself. Any level of trust and respect that I might have once had, is now completely shattered. I know there will be some who will not understand my decision to go on to do other things, but they have not been through it all themselves, day after day, year after year after year, not comprehending what it is to be bone, bone, tired of it all.

There are others in Zimbabwe who will continue their own fight, for their own reasons, against this destructive Kanondo land grab in this key tourism area; the beginning of what could be a complete disaster for Zimbabwe’s tourism industry in general, if allowed to go on and indeed happen again, elsewhere. Or perhaps the Government doesn’t care about that either?

As for the elephants, I take pride in the fact that I dedicated to them 13 long years - even if right now they can no longer be considered (by any rational person) to actually exist as a flagship herd, in any credible form. I can only hope, now, that they become one with Hwange’s general elephant population, finding safety INSIDE the boundaries of the better secured Hwange National Park, as they have done before in tragic times.

I wish them Godspeed.

(by Sharon Pincott, April 2014)

 

ELEPHANT KILLED

 

We have just received a report of an elephant carcass seen in the back of a truck in Harare. We suspect this elephant was killed to feed the people attending the Independence Celebrations because as we have seen in previous years, elephants are always killed for this purpose. The following photo was taken:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Johnny Rodrigues
Chairman for Zimbabwe Conservation Task Force
Landline:        263 4 339065
Mobile:           263 712 603 213
Email:             galorand@mweb.co.zw
Facebook:     http://www.facebook.com/pages/ZCTF-Zimbabwe-Conservation-Task-Force/246013052094585
Website: www.zctfofficialsite.org.

 

The Zimbabwe Conservation Task Force relies soley on public donations. Your donation can help to preserve the wildlife in Zimbabwe. If you would like to assist, please contact us.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

17th January 2014

NEW YEAR'S PARTY IN CHARARA

Despite all our previous attempts to put a stop to this party, it took place as usual. It lasted for 3 nights of continuous loud disco music.

During that period, we received a phone call from Charara advising us that the party goers were once again teasing the elephants. We are not sure how many elephants were involved but they were apparently shot with a paint ball gun and 2 vehicles were damaged. We contacted KAWFT in Kariba and asked them to please check out the situation and ask the police to get involved. A while later, we received another phone call to say that the police went to Charara to warn the youngsters to leave the elephants alone so thanks very much to KAWFT and the police for preventing another tragedy from happening.

ANOTHER RHINO SHOT

Shortly after Christmas, a black rhino was shot at Midlands Conservancy and the horn was removed.

The man suspected of being responsible for this atrocity was a worker at Bemthree Ranch who was recently fired from his job.

2 ELEPHANTS SHOT IN MATUSADONA

Some holiday makers over the Christmas period saw the remains of 2 elephants that had been shot between Spurwing and Palm Bay. The tusks had been removed.

Poachers poison 90 elephants with cyanide in Zimbabwe wildlife park

(HARARE, Zimbabwe) — Zimbabwean police say they arrested six men accused of killing 41 elephants with cyanide.

State media reported Friday that police official Muyambirwa Muzzah said rangers followed the tracks in the southwestern Hwange National Park that led to several elephant carcasses.

Muzzah said a cache of tusks, worth $120,000 on the illegal ivory market, and other remains were found near water holes that had been laced with cyanide. He said the six were arrested when they returned to collect the ivory and they are suspected of operating from the western city of Bulawayo.

http://www.zctfofficialsite.org/

ZIMBABWE CONSERVATION TASK FORCE

Only after the last tree has been cut down.

Only after the last river has been poisoned.

Only after the last fish has been caught.

Only then will you find that money cannot be eaten.

Cree Indian Prophecy

20th May 2013

PROBLEMS IN HWANGE NATIONAL PARK

We are extremely disturbed by reports from concerned tourists of gunfire being heard in Hwange tourist areas. Investigations have uncovered that there appears to be sport hunting quotas approved by the Ministry of Environment and Natural Resources in areas that should never have them. The chances of tourists going to lodges around the Main Camp section of Hwange National Park and hearing gunfire are once again high and we urge all tourists, local and international, to continue to report all gunfire heard. The Parks Authority and the Ministry of Environment and Natural Resources have reneged on guarantees made in previous years especially it would seem in the area of the Presidential elephants of Zimbabwe, and in at least one case they are believed to have reinstated a hunting quota on land so narrow there is no possibility of any wildlife actually being resident there, bordering two prime photographic safari camps, previously declared a no-hunting area when chaos prevailed in this area about eight years ago. At least one other hunting quota is said to have been issued in another nearby prime tourism site. When people's backs are turned underhanded things continue to happen involving people who have solid government connections. We are also hearing unconfirmed reports that paying overseas hunters are once again, as did happen in previous years despite denials by the wildlife authorities, being allowed inside Hwange National Park to hunt.

With the upcoming United Nations World Tourism Organisation summit in August, we fail to see how Zimbabwe can hold their head high remembering also the awful scenario we reported previously about elephants being shipped off to horrific conditions in China. We urge the Tourism Minister to get involved to put pressure on the Environment Minister to fix escalating problems in Hwange photographic tourism areas. These problems also include mining plans reported in areas right beside Hwange Main Camp which are obviously born out of disrespect for the environment and pure greed and disrespect for Hwange's important photographic tourism industry. It is a tragedy that we have received confirmed reports that the most widely known and read about presidential elephant is dead, making a mockery of the government's supposed commitment to providing special protection to these photographic safari areas where Zimbabwe's flagship herd roams. We are aware that this elephant was known to tens of thousands of people around the world and anyone reading the literature available can work out that she was not of an age where she would die naturally. It is past time that the Ministry of Environment and Natural Resources look after the wildlife that they are tasked to protect rather than assisting in its destruction, especially in such an important tourism area as Hwange and we are appalled that no progress in fixing any of the problems is evident.

SILENT AUCTION

The painting which we are auctioning to raise funds is still available. The closing date will be 30th June 2013.

The painting, titled "Young Warrior" is an original oil on canvas painted by Cheryl Rodrigues and measures 77cm x 90cm. There is a reserve price of USD2 000. If anyone can offer more than this, please email us with your offer. Any shipping charges will be for the account of the buyer.

Johnny Rodrigues
Chairman for Zimbabwe Conservation Task Force
Landline: 263 4 339065
Mobile: 263 712 603 213
Email: galorand@mweb.co.zw
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/pages/ZCTF-Zimbabwe-Conservation-Task-Force/246013052094585
Website: www.zctfofficialsite.org.

The Zimbabwe Conservation Task Force relies soley on public donations. Your donation can help to preserve the wildlife in Zimbabwe. If you would like to assist, please contact us.

 

 

 

 

 

Painting "Young Warrior"

The Zimbabwe Conservation Task Force relies soley on public donations. Your donation can help to preserve the wildlife in Zimbabwe. If you would like to assist, please contact us.

Poisoned leopard.

Poisoned dog.

ZCTF July 2012 Report

Only after the last tree has been cut down. Only after the last river has been poisoned. Only after the last fish has been caught. Only then will you find that money cannot be eaten. Cree Indian Prophecy   6th July 2012   MANHUNT FOR POACHERS 6 suspected armed poachers were cornered by 2 game rangers at Robins Camp in Hwange National park last week. The poachers managed to escape leaving 22 elephant tusks at the scene. The rangers opened fire on them which resulted in an exchange of gunfire. Police and rangers have been deployed from Sinamatella and Main Camp to look for carcasses in the national park area and also to try and track down the poachers.   CHIREDZI RIVER CONSERVANCY INVADED About 500 Zanu PF supporters recently invaded Ruware Ranch, one of the richest wildlife sanctuaries in the Lowveld. Ruware Ranch is part of the Chiredzi River Conservancy. The invaders, led by a war veteran known as Comrade Shorty, were reportedly accompanied by officials from the Ministry of Lands and Rural Resettlement. Shorty stated that they were not invading the land. He said it was acquired through the Ministry of Lands 12 years ago and was just waiting for redistribution. A source in the Ministry of Lands and Rural Resettlement said that they had been pressured by top government officials to distribute the land ahead of the elections. An MDC Member of Parliament stated it was a tactic used by Zanu PF for buying votes through land distribution, violence and rigging. He also questioned the logic of distributing that land 12 years after it had allegedly been acquired.   CHINESE MINING IN GWAYI Chinese mining firms have sprouted in the wildlife area, extracting coal and prospecting for other minerals. The Hwange/Gwayi Conservation and Tourism Association was recently forced to call a stakeholders' meeting to find a solution to the illegal Chinese mining activities which have resulted in massive pollution of rivers and are threatening to upset the flora and fauna. After a proper analysis, they established that there would be greater value in preserving the area as it is rather than allocating it for coal mining activities. One of the Chinese mining companies was recently fined $1000 by the Environmental Management Agency for mining coal without an Environmental Impact Assessment certificate. The area now occupied by the miners had previously served as a corridor between Hwange National Park, the Forestry Commission, the Gwayi Intensive Conservation Area and the Binga Conservation Area. Removing the corridor would obstruct the free movement of animals like the Presidential Elephants. Attempts to establish if the government gave the Chinese mining rights in Gwayi have proved fruitless.   ZAMBEZI RIVER NEW YEAR PARTY There are many suitable venues to hold a New Year party and yet people persist in holding them in areas reserved for wildlife. A 48 hour New Year party is currently being organised to take place on an island in the Zambezi River in front of Tiger Safaris. The organiser, Campbell Carruthers, claims to have received permission from National Parks although National Parks state that they have not yet granted permission for the party to go ahead. The live bands will disrupt the entire waterfront and both Zambian and Zimbabwean lodges will be affected. The organisers of the party are hoping to attract 3000 people. All the lodges in Chirundu are already fully booked for that period so where would all these additional people stay and where would they perform their ablutions? According to the advertisement, portable toilets will be placed on the island but how many times will these toilets have to be emptied if they are being used by 3000 people and where will they be emptied? Into the river? How much litter will be thrown into the river during the event? The island has large quantities of reeds and is home to many species of birds. At least 4 crocodiles and a pod of hippos are resident and elephants often frequent the island. A party of this magnitude will disturb if not destroy the ecosystem on the island and the safety of the party goers is also a concern. There is a very real danger of drownings and animal attacks. We appeal to the National Parks department to do the right thing and refuse to allow this party to take place.   ELEPHANTS SHOT IN TSHOLOTSHO We have received reports that an undisclosed number of elephants have been shot in Tsholotsho, North West of Bulawayo. It is alleged that the shooting has been carried out by a hunter accompanied by an ex National Parks warden.   RHINO WAR NEWS R55 million assets seized from poachers MEDIA STATEMENT ISSUED BY THE NATIONAL JOINT OPERATIONAL CENTRE Pretoria, 9 May 2012 The joint security forces including the Endangered Species of the Hawks, the NPA, the Asset Forfeiture Unit, Department of Environmental Affairs and the curators made a huge stride in our undying effort to thwart rhino poaching in South Africa. This team has seized assets in the region of R55 million, believed to have been acquired through criminal activities, particularly rhino poaching from Dawie Groenewald (above), two veterinary surgeons, Drs Karel Toet and Manie Du Plessis. In September 2010 the aforementioned accused were officially charged with 1872 counts of racketeering which makes it one of the biggest wildlife cases in South Africa. While this matter is still pending in court, the provisions of the Proceeds of Crime Act allows the Asset Forfeiture Unit to seize and preserve the assets of an accused until the case is finalized. On conviction of an accused, the seizure is realized and these proceeds are then used to continue with the combating of crime The joint security forces which also includes the SAPS, SANDF and SANPARKS have worked tirelessly over the years to bring rhino poachers to book. Since January this year 99 people were arrested for rhino related matters country wide. It is imperative to mention these cases to indicate the extent of the problem of rhino poaching.   January 2012 A Zimbabwean citizen Rogers Mukwene was arrested for the illegal possession of three rhino horns in Kameeldrift, Pretoria. During the investigation it became known that he is a convicted rhino poacher in Zimbabwe. The rhino horns were later traced to a poaching incident at Dinaka Game Reserve in the Mookgopane district two weeks prior to his arrest. Rogers Mukwene’s brother was arrested for bribery. This happened after he offered to pay the investigation officer R10 000-00 for the release of Rogers Mukwene on bail. Thabazimbi, Limpopo Lucas Malema and Lucas Novela were arrested for attempting to poach rhino on a game farm. They were found in possession of a 375 hunting rifle as well as a 9mm pistol. Assen, (North West): Manual Simango, Lucky Baloyi, Andries Mhlanga, Mr Ratshivhombelia, Deon Nkozi were arrested for the illegal possession of a 5,57 firearm and 2 x vehicles recovered while they were attempting to poach rhino on a game farm. Upington, Northern Cape : Than Dolwetu Nicolas Mduduma was arrested for the illegal possession of rhino horn. Vaalwater, (Limpopo): Bandam Manyaradzi (Zimbabwean), Goodman Molambo (Zimbabwean) and Oupa Jan Majadibodu were arrested for conspiracy to illegally hunt rhinos, theft of a firearm, theft of a 2-way police radio, unlawful possession of a firearm and ammunition as well as unlawful possession of dangerous weapons.   February 2012 In Beestekraal, North West Province, Lucky Selepe, Manhique Eliasse Themba @ Manyeka a Mozambique citizen, Mathussi Alberto John (a Mozambican citizen) were arrested for attempting to hunt rhino on a game farm. A .3006 rifle and 4 rounds plus an axe were recovered. Masoyi, (Mpumalanga): William Lakote, William Shabone and Isaac Fakude and Ciswe Ngobe were arrested for attempting to hunt rhino in the Kruger National Park. One firearm was recovered. Mhala, (Mpumalanga): Jeffrey Hlabana was arrested and one firearm recovered when he attempted to hunt rhino in the Kruger National Park Kabokwene, (Mpumalanga): Elvis Tulani Nonyani and Tholi Jordaan Ndlovu were arrested with a LM5 (223) rifle and 25 rounds in an attempt to hunt rhino in the Kruger National Park. Klaserie, (Limpopo): Happy Solomon Nyathi, Dlaweleni Joseph Nyalungu and Mafanyani Mario Helton Sibia were arrested with a 375 firearm while attempting to hunt rhino on a game farm. Manyaleti, (Limpopo): Abraham Given Nyathi, Dennis Oros Makhubela and Jimmy Mkansi were arrested with a .303 rifle, bow saw and butchers knife while attempting to hunt rhino on a game farm Assen, (North West): Alex Nyatlo, Karaboe Phetoe, Zola Ngijima, Nduduzi Khanile and Lebitia Japie Sedie were arrested while attempting to hunt rhino on a game farm. Pretoriuskop, (Mpumalanga): Abrey Mnisi and Pride Nkuna were arrested with a .3006 rifle while attempting to hunt rhino in the Kruger National Park. Sabie Sands, (Mpumalanga): Moosa Hlanane, Proby Nyathi, Devine Nyathi and Sam Mlotshwa were arrested while attempting to hunt rhino on the game reserve. Pretoriuskop, (Mpumalanga): Duncan Solomon Mnisi, Doctor Mbuso Ngwenyama, Charles Heartered Mabunda and Tiyani Mabunda were arrested for the illegal hunting of rhino in the Kruger National Park. All four were SANParks employees. After a lengthy bail application hearing bail was eventually denied to all four. In Kempton Park, (Gauteng): Hui Chen was arrested for the illegal possession of rhino horn, elephant ivory curios and hippo tusk to the value of R 30 000. Kempton Park, (Gauteng) : QiFeng Chen and Han Ji Gui were arrested for dealing in rhino horns in Kempton Park.   March 2012 One on the most prominent and notorious syndicates led by Joseph Nyalunga and 8 others were arrested on the 2 March 2012 outside Hazyview. During the operation over R 5 million rand in cash was seized from his house in Mhulu, hidden in a trunk in his garage. Several firearms, knifes and vehicles were seized from the suspects. A Chinese syndicate responsible for the buying of rhino horns in Bruma Lake was disrupted by the Hawks. Four Chinese nationals were arrested and charges of racketeering are being brought against them. The value of their operation is estimated at R 3 Million. The accused are still in custody. In middle March an operation was conducted by all Interpol countries with the aim to curb rhino horn smuggling. In South Africa a combined effort from The Hawks, Interpol, National Wildlife Crime Reaction Unit, Department of Environmental Affairs, NPA, NATJOINTS and SARS was conducted. Inspections were done at taxidermists, freight agencies, airports, borders, game farms and road blocks were held at key areas and searches were conducted. This resulted in the arrest of Kevin Cooper for the illegal possession of 15 rhino horns and 6 elephant tusks. 15 homesteads in the Mkuze, Ulundi, Mahlabatini, Melmoth, Ubombo that were linked to rhino poachers were searched. R500 000-00 worth of wildlife products 8 firearms were seized and 8 suspects arrested. In Bethlehem, (Free State) Nicolaas Erasmus, Benjamin Coetzee and Stephanus Fourie were arrested for the illegal dealing in two rhino horns. The matter was postponed for to a later date in May 2012. In Hoopstad (Free State) Christoffel Jacobus Lombard, Eugine Petrus van der Merwe and William Theuns Jooste were arrested and charged with possession of M99; Illegal entry upon land with a weapon; conspiracy to commit a restricted activity and fraud. The case has been postponed to 25 May 2012 for further investigation. These cases depict the widespread challenge of rhino poaching. On the other hand, the efforts of the joint security forces should be acknowledged because several accused were caught as they were attempting to poach rhino. It is against this backdrop that we welcome the seizure of assets and call for assets of every person arrested to be scrutinized and where possible, seized. The seizure of the assets of rhino poaching accused is what we believe will hurt the most. Generally, those that commit such crimes will serve their sentences but still come back to a life of luxury by by seizing assets, criminals have no worldly possessions to enjoy and this certainly helps send out a clear message that crime does not pay. Thus far the Endangered Species Unit within the HAWKS have secured a total of 10 convictions amounting to a consolidated total of 111 years imprisonment in respect of these 10 accused. The above convictions highlight successes during 2012. However for the period February 2011 to March 2012 convictions followed in 8 cases for the illegal possession of rhino horns, convictions were obtained in 4 cases for the illegal dealing in rhino horns and convictions for the illegal hunting of rhinos were obtained in 6 cases. In only 8 of these cases the accused sentenced to a fine. However in 12 of these cases the accused were sentenced to direct imprisonment without an option of a fine. Only 7 accused had been acquitted during this period.   Court roll status Currently 57 cases are on the court roll in which 161 accused are charged. 65 of these accused are held in custody while 96 accused have been released on bail.   Vishnu Naidoo - Colonel Spokeperson National Media Centre Corporate Communication South African Police Service Office:+2712-400 6573 Cell: 082 567 4153 Fax: +2712-400 7018 E-mail: mediacentre@saps.org.za Global List: Media Centre   Statement issued by Albi Modise, Department of Environmental Affairs, May 7 2012.   DAWIE GROENEWALD'S PROPERTY RAIDED 09 May 2012 - 08:26 - By Karin Labuschagne (HAWKS RAIDING DAWIE GROENEWALD'S PROPERTY IN POLOKWANE AND MUSINA) http://www.jacarandafm.com/kagiso/content/en/jacaranda/jacaranda-news?oid=1610691&sn=Detail&pid=399938&Dawie-Groenewald-s-property-raided   R55M SEIZED FROM SUSPECTED POACHERS http://www.news24.com/SouthAfrica/News/R55m-seized-from-suspected-poachers-20120509   POLICE TAKE ALLEGED POACHER'S ASSETS http://www.beeld.com/Suid-Afrika/Nuus/Polisie-vat-vermeende-stroper-se-bates-20120509   Please forward to interested wildlife conservationists!   RHINO WAR NEWS is compiled & distributed for your information by Tim Condon ~ timconwild conservation   THANK YOU A very big thank you to the following people who have assisted us with either donations or by buying items from our website: Teddy Fowles, Cindy Purchase, Richard Schadendorf, John Dickason, Lloyd Chinsen, Stephen and Patti Gassaway, Brigitte Rodrigues and David Scobie, Manfred Vachal, Liz Grainger, Trudi Cashel, Wendy Davis, John Dawson, Sarah Palmer, Tony Petter-Bowyer, Lorraine Kaye, Chris and Maimie Noon, Ian Bickerton, Wolfgang Jobst, Packrat Software, Jill Vickerman, Carol Rees, Robert Durant, Louise Quinn, Don Tayloe, Sue Ryan, Phyllis Elliot, Christine Lesieur, Michael Hartwell, Peter Coombes, Carolyn Howie, Catherine Ives, Lisa Dodman and Chrystal Wynn. If you have donated and your name has not been mentioned, please let us know.   Johnny Rodrigues Chairman for Zimbabwe Conservation Task Force Landline: 263 4 336710 Mobile: 263 712 603 213 Email: galorand@mweb.co.zw Website: http://www.zctfofficialsite.org   The Zimbabwe Conservation Task Force relies solely on public donations. Your donation can help to preserve the wildlife in Zimbabwe. If you would like to assist, please DONATE NOW or CONTACT US   follow ZCTF Twitter | Join ZCTF Facebook | SHARE THIS REPORT WITH FRIENDS     ................................................................

Only after the last tree has been cut down. Only after the last river has been poisoned. Only after the last fish has been caught. Only then will you find that money cannot be eaten.   Cree Indian Prophecy     20th April 2012   MAHOFA'S 8TH FARM   Three white farmers, Terry Andres, John Taylor and Grant Hudson have been ordered to vacate their 5 526 hectare conservancy to pave the way for former Deputy Minister of Gender and Youth, Shuvai Ben Mahofa. The three conservators have been ordered to surrender Savuli Conservancy to Mahofa who should take occupation until 2033. The magistrate has authorized the messenger of the court to use reasonable force against the respondants if they try to resist eviction.   When the Land Reform Programme started, the authorities promised that game farms and conservancies were not going to be touched but as we all know, promises were made to be broken. Over 90% of the game farmers have been evicted from their ranches and the new owners have slaughtered between 90 and 100% of the animals that were there.   Another statement that was made by President Mugabe was that the individuals who acquired farms were only allowed to have one each. In view of this, it is strange that many government supporters and ministers own several farms each, including Mahofa who now owns 8 farms. She is the proud owner of the following properties:   Sring Spruit - Masvingo Lothian - Masvingo Lochinvar - Masvingo Eyrie - Gutu Lauder - Gutu Wrangly - Gutu Save Conservancy, Savuli - Chiredzi Zaka Scheme - Zaka.   We are concerned that it won't be long before all the wildlife on Savuli Conservancy is wiped out. We were lead to believe that the purpose of the Land Reform Programme was to supply land to landless people so it is difficult to comprehend how Mahofa manages to acquire 8 farms while there are still nillions of landless people hoping to benefit from the programme.   POWDERED RHINO HORN   Further to our last report wherein we stated that the governments of Zimbabwe, Botswana, Namibia, Angola and Mozambique had agreed to sell powdered rhino horn in pharmacies, Dr Jeff Ramsey, Botswana's chief of government communication has stated that no such agreement took place. He further stated that Botswana continues to support the ban on the sale of rhino horn in all forms.   THE DESTRUCTION OF SAVE VALLEY CONSERVANCY   Higher Education Minister, Stan Mudenge and several top military and political figures have been blamed for the destruction of Save Valley Conservancy, once one of the largest private wildlife sanctuaries in the world.   It is reported that forced seizure of the conservancy by top military and political figures with no interest or experience in wildlife conservation had resulted in massive destruction of the conservancy. According to reports, there is extensive habitat destruction, large scale fence destruction and rampant poaching of animals, especially rhino whose numbers were said to be fast dwindling.   The beneficiaries of land allocated at the conservancy are General Englebert Rugeje, Hon Sithole, Hon Senator Hungwe, Mr Ndava, Hon Minister S Mudenge, Hon Governor T Maluleke, Mr Cladman Chibemene, Rtd Lt Col D Moyo, Mrs Mahofa and Mr Baloyi.   ECONOMICS OF RHINO HUNTING/POACHING DO WE LEGALISE TRADE IN RHINO HORN - Chris Mercer. LL.B (LONDON)   chris mercer ·        Co-founder and Director of the Campaign Against Canned Hunting ·        Co-founder Kalahari Raptor Centre (retired) ·        Co-author of "For the Love of Wildlife" ·        Co-author of "Canned Hunting ~ a National Disgrace" ·        Retired Advocate of the High Courts of Zimbabwe and Botswana http://www.facebook.com/?ref=home#!/groups/OSCAP/doc/266073876816642/   ·        THE ECONOMICS OF RHINO HUNTING/POACHING DO WE LEGALISE THE TRADE IN RHINO HORN? By Chris Mercer. LL.B (London) Hons Retired legal practitioner.   Report By Allison Thomson in Outraged SA Citizens against Poaching:    THE ECONOMICS OF RHINO HUNTING/POACHING DO WE LEGALISE THE TRADE IN RHINO HORN? & ENDEMIC CORRUPTION IN AFRICAN GOVERNMENTS   By Chris Mercer. LL.B (London) Hons - Retired legal practitioner. Director: Campaign Against Canned Hunting. www.cannedlion.org Co-author with Bev Pervan of the wildlife movie book Kalahari Dream. www.kalahari-dream.com This is a vital matter Please read it then share it Free eReport read it! Share it! RHINO HORN by Chris Mercer In this eReport Mr. Mercer discusses six issues surrounding the debate of legalizing the trade in rhino horn. 1. Increase in Numbers 2. Enforcement capacity 3. Hunting and Poaching 4. Personal Gain 5. Money Lost 6. Resolving the Poaching Crisis He then shares his conclusions and most importantly his recommendations. DISCUSSION   1. Numbers: proponents of legalising the trade in rhino horn say that rhino numbers have increased due to rhino farming. That is so, but numbers alone are not a true measure of conservation. Rhino farming will certainly increase numbers, but breeding animals in relatively small camps for their horns has nothing to do with conservation, and everything to do with factory farming. Let us not lose sight of what real conservation is: the preservation of natural, functioning eco-systems. Artificially breeding up numbers of semi-tame rhino in fenced camps for commercial purposes is merely taking the wild out of our wildlife. 2. Enforcement: any scheme to legalise the trade in rhino horns rests upon the assumption that governments can be a) Un-corrupt; b) efficient; and c) effective. (Efficiency is doing things right; effectiveness is doing the right thing). The less said about this subject the better, other than to observe that a shakier foundation for a legal trade in rhino horn is hard to imagine. 3. Hunting and poaching: in natural eco-systems, it is the weak and sick who are killed by predators, and this strengthens the genes. The human predator (trophy hunter or poacher, same thing) puts the process of natural selection in reverse, killing the big and strong. Hunting and poaching are therefore equally destructive to wildlife populations. The hunting / poaching of farmed rhino is a closed circuit and should not be considered part of conservation. 4. Gain: delays in legalising the trade in rhino horn are being caused by "donor agencies," say the proponents, and go on to suggest that these "donor agencies" are lobbying against a legal trade in horn for selfish financial reasons i.e. They are bandwagons who profit from the current plight of rhinos and for that reason do not want to see an end to the ban. This is like arguing that Policemen and Judges must love criminals because without them there would be no need for Judges and Policemen. Such a silly claim should be treated with the contempt it deserves. 5. Money Lost: proponents claim that those who oppose legalising the trade in rhino horn are "costing the country about R2 million a day", being the difference between the 448 rhino we are losing every year, and the value of the legal sale of horn. This is a dangerous over-statement: First, it assumes that on the day trade is legalised, all poaching of rhino will stop at once. Second, it assumes that only ethically obtained horns will come to the Central Selling Organisation, and that no corruption will siphon off funds in to private or political pockets. 6. Resolving the Poaching Crisis: proponents claim that all rhino poaching will be resolved by legalising the trade, because:- i. A Centralised Selling Organisation (CSO) would sell only ethically obtained rhino horns to only Chinese parasatals. ii. The traditional medicine market in China would be fully supplied and prices of horn would drop. iii. Lower horn prices would mean less poaching. iv. All the proceeds of sale would go "into conservation and be used exclusively to protect rhino and game parks. These arguments sound so plausible, yet they are all fatally flawed. Once again, they rest on false assumptions. 1. This assumes that both the CSO and the Chinese parastatals will not be corrupt, and that poachers - especially those with deep pockets and powerful friends in government - will not be able to obtain the documentation needed to pass off poached horns as "ethical" or "legal" horn. 2. The assessment of the size and workings of the Chinese traditional medicine industry are naive, fanciful and speculative. No one knows whether releasing more horn on to the market via (possibly corrupt Chinese parastatals) will cause prices of horn to nose-dive so far that killing rhino becomes uneconomical. Will speculators buy up horn as an investment once the trade was legalised? Why not, they hoard gold etc? Could a speculative boom cause prices to rise? No one knows. 3. The assumption that lower prices for horn will mean less poaching ignores the African reality: In Africa, if a bullet costs one dollar and the horn will only sell for ten dollars then rhino will still be poached. 4. The assumption that all proceeds of sale of horn would "go in to conservation," and be "used to protect the game parks of Africa" is the most fanciful of all. This is Africa. To remain in power African governments use patronage. Being unable to innovate and create wealth themselves, African governments have to take whatever they can e.g. nationalising mines, confiscating farms, in order to fund their need to buy patronage. Corruption is therefore endemic: it simply cannot be eradicated without eliminating African governments. As for South Africa's ability to conserve its natural resources, a recent international comparative study of conservation and environmental issues by Yale University and the UNEP placed South Africa 124th out of 132 countries. See http://bit.ly/wd58j3  5. In other words, it's official - South Africa has one of the worst conservation regimes in the world - and this is the body to be trusted with administering the trade in rhino horn if the proponents have their way. When all these realities are factored in to the arguments of those who claim that legalising the trade in rhino horn will save the rhino, then those arguments are patently flawed. CONCLUSION   It is important to understand that rhino are not being poached because of the ban on the sale of rhino horn: ergo, lifting the ban cannot get to the root of the problem. Rhino are being poached because African governments have neither the political will nor the competence to manage their game parks effectively. Therefore, the savage persecution of rhino must inevitably continue, whether or not the sale of rhino horn is legalised. The only question is whether lifting the ban would mitigate a horrendous situation. The claims of the proponents of lifting the ban are hopelessly optim istic and unrealistic, but we should still remain open minded. The imponderables are such that no one knows. Will legalising the trade allow poachers to filter into the system poached horn - and pass it off as legal horn? This has happened with the ivory trade: when the ban was lifted, poaching increased exponentially. Should game farmers be allowed to farm with rhino? Well, if their grisly trade provides a funnel into a legal market, and this allows poachers to piggy- back their poached horn on that "legal" trade, then the game farmers farming activities will impact adversely upon conservation - even if they themselves are divorced from it. What is wrong with the economic approach is that it tries to justify animal exploitation by numbers - both animal and dollars. But numbers alone are hopelessly inadequate to understand environmental degradation - or to fight it. In effect, the financial approach tries to shoe-horn all the complexities of social and environmenta l paradigms into a profit and loss account and it then wants us to buy the whole company without looking at the whole Balance Sheet. This narrow economic approach could be used by drug and human traffickers as well as car hijackers, to justify their abominable activities. Like all important social and environmental issues, rhino protection needs a broad multi-disciplinary approach. So what are my suggestions? RECOMMENDATIONS   First, the trade ban on rhino horn should not be lifted until we have tried more direct methods. The rigid protection of game parks has to be stepped up, and African governments have shown that they are not up to this task. Well then, let's think outside the box. NATO training exercises, using drones and all the latest technology, could well be held in African game parks, with a shoot to kill policy on poachers. Second, a one-off sale of existing stocks of horns should be permitted, subject to international oversight - and auditing - on the use of the funds. Next, poisoning of horns should be mandatory. The possession or sale of un-poisoned horn should be criminalised. (Who'd want to buy poisoned horn?) After all we need to attack the root of the problem, which is human ignorance, vanity and greed. The ignorance of those Orientals who believe devoutly, fanatically, that rhino horn has any medicinal properties; the fatuous vanity of the Occidental trophy hunter who thinks he is a hero for hanging the head of a dead rhino on his wall, and the greed of those ruthless soldiers of fortune who will plunder and exploit our wildlife heritage in order to profit from that ignorance and vanity. You can contact Chris Mercer via his website http://www.cannedlion.org/   Johnny Rodrigues Chairman for Zimbabwe Conservation Task Force Landline: 263 4 339065 Mobile: 263 712 603 213 Email: galorand@mweb.co.zw Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/pages/ZCTF-Zimbabwe-Conservation-Task-Force/246013052094585 Website: www.zctfofficialsite.org     The Zimbabwe Conservation Task Force relies solely on public donations. Your donation can help to preserve the wildlife in Zimbabwe. If you would like to assist, please CONTACT US OR DONATE NOW

ZIMBABWE CONSERVATION TASK FORCE

Only after the last tree has been cut down.
Only after the last river has been poisoned.
Only after the last fish has been caught.
Only then will you find that money cannot be eaten.

Cree Indian Prophecy

26th September 2011

ELEPHANTS STILL UNDER THREAT AT CHIREDZI RIVER CONSERVANCY

Further to our August report, the situatio in Chiredzi River Conservancy is worsening.

The Chiredzi River Conservancy, part of the Trans Frontier Conservation Area, is an internationally renowned wildlife conservancy in the Sout Eastern Lowveld of Zimbabwe. It is being overrun by destructive invaders and its elephant and wildlife population is in severe danger of being wiped out. Reports indicate that the destruction of its fragile ecosystem has reached such serious proportions that its very survival is under threat. Appeals for the government to intervene before the destruction of the environment in the conservancy, and in all areas of Zimbabwe becomes irreversible, are falling on deaf ears.

The conservancy is situated in an area classified as Region 5, meaning that it is arid and unsuitable for agriculture. Despite this, invaders have destroyed large areas by burning tress and vegetation in their effforts to grow crops and graze their cattle. Although there is funding available to help them move to areas more suitable for farming, the government turns a blind eye to the problem. Game scouts are employed to patrol the area but their jobs are extremely dangerous and they live under constant threat from poachers, politicians and invaders. They are continually assaulted and abused.


CHIREDZI RIVER CONSERVANCY ELEPHANTS INVADERS BUTCHERING AN ELEPHANT

In an effort to protect the elephants, the Minister of Environment and Tourism, Francis Nhema was approached and asked if the elephants could be moved to a safer area but he was adamant that they stay in the conservancy. Whilst he acknowledged that the invaders were there illegally, he has made no attempt to have them removed.


SOUTH AFRICANS HUNT BUFFALO IN KARIBA

We have received reports recently of South African hunters allegedly being given permission by National Parks to shoot buffalo in the Kariba area - apparently for rations. It is thought that 2 have already been shot and a third is being hunted. The reports say that a buffalo was shot and taken to the weigh bay in the NAU Charara fishing camp where it was skinned. It was then hung in the cold room in the camp - all this apparently with the permission of the Acting Manager of the NAU (National Anglers' Union). The part that doesn't make sense is that normally, when animals are shot for rations, they are taken to Nyanana and not to the NAU fishing camp. We were always under the impression that NAU Charara site was a fishing camp - not a hunting camp. If any tourists were present at the time, they would probably have been quite distressed to see a buffalo being skinned in the weigh bay. The other disturbing factor is that there are only about 32 buffalo left out of an original herd of 650.

We have been given the following names and vehicle registration numbers of some of the people involved:

Hunter: P Uys (RSA)
Zimbabwean Professional Hunter: James McKenzie of James McKenzie Walking Safaris (Kariba).
Vehicles: BVJ - 171 - L and BLB - 048 - L

POISONING OF WATERHOLES

We have received reports of poachers poisoning waterholes in some of the biggest game reserves in the country such as Gonarezhou, Mana Pools, Zambezi, Matusadona, Charara and Hwange. In Hwange National Park, 7 waterholes have allegedly been poisoned. The poison used is known as "Two Step", apparently because the animals that consume it take two steps and then die. This is an extremely serious problem because when an animal dies after consuming the poison, the scavengers that feed off the carcass, such as hyena and vultures, also die. The only way to get rid of the poison would be to drain the water holes and then dig them up and dispose of the soil in an area where it won't be a danger to any animals or humans.

LEOPARDS BEING SHOT IN MATOPAS NATIONAL PARK

We have been informed that National Parks have authorized the shooting of leopard in Matopas National Park, a protected wildlife area. It is extremely distressing to note that the guardians of our wildlife appear to be partially responsible for its demise.

THANK YOU

Thanks you very much to the following people who have assisted us with donations:

Barbara Bowman
Donald Tayloe
Deborah Robertson
John and Helen Buckle
Hugh Atkinson
Liz Grainger
Doria Richardson
Suzanne House
Neil Mansfield
Fiona Pearson
Chris Noon
Catherine Ives



Johnny Rodrigues
Chairman for Zimbabwe Conservation Task Force
Landline: 263 4 336710
Mobile: 263 712 603 213
Email: galorand@mweb.co.zw
Website: www.zctf.mweb.co.zw
Website: www.zimbabwe-art.com
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/pages/ZCTF-Zimbabwe-Conservation-Task-Force/246013052094585
Temporary website: www.zctfofficialsite.org.

The Zimbabwe Conservation Task Force relies soley on public donations. Your donation can help to preserve the wildlife in Zimbabwe. If you would like to assist, please contact us.

Only after the last tree has been cut down.
Only after the last river has been poisoned.
Only after the last fish has been caught.
Only then will you find that money cannot be eaten.

Cree Indian Prophecy


30th August 2011

ELEPHANTS UNDER THREAT AT CHIREDZI RIVER CONSERVANCY

During the drought of 91/92, a number of juvenile elephants were captured in Gonarezhou National Park and moved to the Chiredzi River Conservancy in order to save them from starvation. There are now approximately 70 of these elephants which have been under constant pressure from land invaders over the past 11 years but have learnt to co-exist with them.

However, there are now new land invasions taking place in Chiredzi River Conservancy and for the past week, there has been a new influx of people cutting down trees, poaching and destroying the already damaged environment. They are moving into areas that have been spared from degradation until recently. The wildlife has already been suffering in these areas due to poaching, but at least they had somewhere they could stay and feed.

The invaders are people who have already taken or been given land elsewhere in the Conservancy. The Conservancy is situated in an area classified as Region 5, which means it is arid and not suitable for agriculture. The invaders have destroyed the areas they were given in the first place, by burning and over grazing and they are now turning their attention to the areas occupied by the wildlife. Hundreds of cattle are grazing there illegally and there is no management or guidance from the authorities.

After 11 years of settlement and attempted farming, the settlers are still relying on food aid because this area is too hot and the rainfall too low to enable crops to grow. Although there is funding available to help the settlers move to areas more suitable for farming, the destruction continues and the authorities turn a blind eye to it. In an effort to protect the elephants in the area, Mr Nhema, Minister of Environment and Tourism was approached for assistance but when asked if the elephants could be relocated to a safer area, he was adamant that they must stay in the Chiredzi River Conservancy. He also stated that the settlers were there illegally which is all very well but no attempt is being made to relocate the settlers.

The territory which had been set aside for the elephants has now been invaded and they have nowhere else to go. In order to reach water holes and dams, they have to pass through settled areas where they are harassed and chased by the invaders. The animals are extremely stressed and some young calves are missing. One elephant has a new snare embedded in its flesh and 2 months ago, 2 young elephants in the area were decapitated - one being a lactating cow.

The Zimbabwean wildlife has already taken such a beating since the onset of the Land Reform Programme and it is imperative that we try and preserve the remaining animals. The destruction taking place in the Chiredzi River Conservancy is so pointless and unnecessary. If the settlers were able to grow crops in the area to avert hunger, one could understand but this is not the case. No matter how much vegetation they destroy or how many animals they kill, they are never going to be able to grow crops in an area which is too hot and dry to support this but still they carry on trying. As we have seen over the past 11 years, once they have destroyed everything, they will then move on and destroy another area - to what purpose?

We appeal to the authorities to please move the settlers to a more arable area where their crops will flourish. Then the settlers will be happy and the elephants can continue to live in the territory they have always enjoyed.



Johnny Rodrigues
Chairman for Zimbabwe Conservation Task Force
Landline: 263 4 336710
Mobile: 263 712 603 213
Email: galorand@mweb.co.zw
Website: www.zctf.mweb.co.zw
Website: www.zimbabwe-art.com
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/pages/ZCTF-Zimbabwe-Conservation-Task-Force/246013052094585
Temporary website: www.zctfofficialsite.org.

The Zimbabwe Conservation Task Force relies soley on public donations. Your donation can help to preserve the wildlife in Zimbabwe. If you would like to assist, please contact us.