Tourism and Environment

Parcelling of land in Hwange National Park sparks fears of ecological disaster

Published

11 months ago

July 16, 2024

BY NOKUTHABA DLAMINI

Conservationists in Hwange district are sounding the alarm over the parcelling of land to Chinese and land barons for mining and development in the ecologically sensitive Hwange and Victoria Falls National Park, home to the rainforest.

During a recent parliament session, Larry Norton, a tourism player from the Larry Norton Art Gallery, stressed the need for careful consideration of the Parks and Wildlife Amendment Bill (H.B.1, 2024), which aims to address human-wildlife conflicts and sustainable conservation.

“In recent years, many of us who live in Hwange have watched what’s happened on the edges of Sinamatella… can you imagine that hole at the edge of Hwange and in the middle of Hwange National Park?” Norton quizzed.

Who is going to come into that park? It’s impossible… we have to be very very careful, pay attention to how the laws can be utilized, manipulated, taken advantage of, because the losers could be our children,” Norton warned.

“We also have here a living animal, the Victoria Falls itself and there has been a dismantling of the buffer area around those falls, and the protection of the Victoria Falls itself.

“In the last two years, due to an oversight of leadership, in many different departments, it’s unbelievable…some of us here have fought a court case to protect that area for our children, and l honestly appeal to you to pay attention to what we are doing for the long term.”

Sithandazile Siwela, a female tour guide in Hwange and Victoria Falls National Parks, also expressed concerns about the extinction of wildlife and called for stiffer penalties.

“We have seen the extinction of the pangolin, the black rhinoceros… I want us to send a message to these legislators: can you guys review those penalties that are being given to offenders? We will be seeing in the next decade the animals that you are saying – the black and white rhinoceros – we will be seeing them in the books, because we do not have them in the park.”

Conservationists are seeking clarity on how Zimbabwe Parks and Wildlife Management Authority plans to handle these concerns.

They are also urging the government to revisit the bill and address their concerns to ensure that wildlife conservation benefits both people and wildlife.

Norton emphasized the importance of taking time to gather feedback and considering the pros and cons of the bill to prevent manipulation by land barons or corrupt individuals.

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Zimparks launches elephant culling program

Published

2 days ago

June 3, 2025

VicFallsLive

BY NOKUTHABA DLAMINI

In a bid to address the growing elephant population in Save Valley Conservancy, the Zimbabwe Parks and Wildlife Management Authority (ZimParks) has issued permits for a controlled elephant management exercise.

The exercise, slated to commence shortly, aims to cull an initial 50 elephants from the conservancy, which is currently home to 2,550 elephants – more than three times the ecological carrying capacity of 800 elephants.

According to ZimParks, the conservancy has been struggling to cope with the swelling elephant population, which has put a strain on the wildlife habitat and resources. Over the past five years, the conservancy has translocated 200 elephants to other areas, including Hurungwe and Sapi, in an effort to manage the population.

Zimparks says the controlled culling exercise is expected to provide relief to the conservancy’s ecosystem, while also benefiting local communities.

Elephant meat from the exercise will be distributed to local communities while the ivory will be kept by the State.

In a statement, ZimParks spokesperson Tinashe Farawo emphasized the authority’s commitment to responsible and sustainable wildlife management.

“We remain committed to ensuring that our wildlife resources are managed in a responsible and sustainable manner, for the benefit of present and future generations.”

In the community

Crocodile attacks claim 9 lives, injure 11

Published

3 months ago

March 13, 2025

VicFallsLive

BY NOKUTHABA DLAMINI

A surge in crocodile attacks has left a trail of death and destruction in Zimbabwe, with 9 fatalities and 11 injuries reported in the last two months.

According to a statement released by the Zimbabwe Parks and Wildlife Management Authority (ZimParks), 49 human-crocodile conflict cases were recorded during the same period, resulting in the loss of 44 cattle and 60 goats.

The Mid-Zambezi region, which includes Lake Kariba, Angwa River, and Hunyani River, was the hardest hit, with 19 cases reported. The Central region recorded 14 cases, while 16 cases were reported in other areas, including Matopo, Harare, North-West Matabeleland, and South-East Low-veld.

ZimParks has urged communities to exercise extreme caution, especially around water bodies, during the current rain season. The authority has advised communities to ensure that livestock and children are not left unattended near rivers or lakes, and to take precautions when engaging in water activities such as fishing, swimming, and domestic chores.

To mitigate the situation, ZimParks is working closely with local authorities and conservation partners to raise public awareness and promote safety practices. The authority has emphasized its commitment to finding a balance between ensuring public safety and conserving wildlife.

As the situation continues to unfold, ZimParks has appealed to the public to remain vigilant and to report any crocodile sightings or attacks to the authorities.

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Lion found poached in Victoria Falls

Published

3 months ago

March 7, 2025

VicFallsLive

BY NOKUTHABA DLAMINI

A disturbing poaching incident has shaken the conservation community in Victoria Falls, with a lion found brutally killed and mutilated.

According to a statement released by the Zimbabwe Parks and Wildlife Management Authority (ZimParks), a team from the Vic Falls Wildlife Trust was tracking a collared lion when they stumbled upon a gruesome scene.

The poached lion’s flesh had been removed, and its claws and head were missing. However, in a heartening turn of events, a second lion, an adult male, was found caught in a snare but still alive.

Thanks to the swift intervention of veterinary doctors, the second lion was successfully treated and rescued from the snare.

ZimParks has condemned the incident and vowed to work closely with the Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) to bring the perpetrators to justice.

“We are worried about the increasing cases of lion poaching, and we will continue to work with the Police and other conservation partners to curb this challenge,” said Tinashe Farawo, ZimParks Spokesperson.

The incident has raised concerns about the safety of wildlife in the area, with ZimParks rangers and anti-poaching units conducting snare-sweeping patrols to protect the animals.

As the investigation continues, conservationists and wildlife enthusiasts are calling for increased efforts to combat poaching and protect Zimbabwe’s precious wildlife heritage.