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Rangers on the frontline: Celebrating the unsung heroes of conservation

Published

10 months ago

July 31, 2024

BY NOKUTHABA DLAMINI

Today, conservation organizations and wildlife enthusiasts around the world are coming together to celebrate World Rangers Day, a tribute to the brave men and women who risk their lives every day to protect the planet’s precious wildlife and natural resources.

At the forefront of conservation efforts are rangers like those at Panda Masuie, a team of 18 dedicated individuals who don their green uniforms every day, driven by skill, passion, loyalty, and courage.

They are the first line of defense against poachers and wildlife crimes, working tirelessly to safeguard the animals in their care, including rehabilitated orphaned elephants.

“These rangers are the true champions of conservation,”say Victoria Falls Anti-Poaching Unit.

“They are the reason why wild spaces remain for future generations to enjoy. Their hard work, dedication, and unwavering passion are an inspiration to us all.”

But the job of a ranger comes with a great cost.

Many have lost their lives in the line of duty, and the International Ranger Federation reports that 140 rangers from 38 countries have passed away since June 2023.

Despite the challenges, Rangers continue to play a crucial role in achieving conservation goals. The International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) recognizes the importance of their work, particularly in achieving the conservation of 30% of our planet’s lands and water by 2030.

“Rangers are the unsung heroes of conservation,” says IUCN.

“We thank them sincerely for their commitment and contribution. Their dedication is crucial in our mission to protect our planet and its people.”

In the community

Hwange police seek public’s help in locating missing teen

Published

1 week ago

May 15, 2025

VicFallsLive

BY STAFF REPORTER

The Hwange police are urgently seeking the public’s assistance in locating 16-year-old Latoya Lisa Munkuli, who went missing on May 7, this month.

Latoya, a dark-complexioned female juvenile, was last seen leaving her residence in Hwange around 4 pm.

She was wearing a distinctive outfit consisting of green trousers and a white T-shirt, and carried a black satchel. She stands approximately 1.6 meters tall.

Inspector Glory Banda of the Hwange police is leading the investigation and urges anyone with information about Latoya’s whereabouts to come forward.

If you have any information about Latoya’s disappearance, please contact Inspector Banda on 0785961747 or 0771256607.

National

Coal train in flames: NRZ locomotive damaged in fire incident

Published

1 month ago

April 16, 2025

VicFallsLive

BY WANDILE TSHUMA

A National Railways of Zimbabwe (NRZ) locomotive suffered significant damage after catching fire while transporting export coal to Zambi. The incident occurred between Kalala and Matetsi sidings, resulting in the explosion of the locomotive’s fuel tanks.

According to the NRZ press statement on Monday, “A National Railways of Zimbabwe locomotive suffered some damages after it caught fire this afternoon while transporting export coal to Zambia.” Fortunately, the crew members on board managed to escape unharmed.

The NRZ responded swiftly to the incident, dispatching a rescue train with crews to the site. The team successfully extinguished the fire, preventing further damage. However, the locomotive itself sustained considerable damage.

The cause of the fire is yet to be determined, with investigations currently underway. “Investigations are already underway to establish the cause of the fire and the amount of damage to the locomotive,” the NRZ statement read.

In the community

Human-wildlife conflict claims 18 lives in Zimbabwe’s first quarter

Published

1 month ago

April 16, 2025

VicFallsLive

BY NOKUTHABA DLAMINI

The Zimbabwe Parks and Wildlife Management Authority (ZimParks) has reported a disturbing trend of human-wildlife conflict in the country’s first quarter of 2025. According to the authority, 18 people have lost their lives, and 32 others have been injured in encounters with wildlife.

ZimParks spokesperson Tinashe Farawo revealed that the authority received 579 cases of human-wildlife conflict, which they managed to respond to promptly. The incidents have also resulted in significant livestock losses, with at least 53 cattle and 85 goats killed by wildlife.

The districts most affected by these incidents include Binga, Hwange, Kariba, Chiredzi, Hurungwe, Nyaminyami, and Mbire. ZimParks has been working tirelessly to raise awareness about wildlife behaviors and effective preventive measures in these areas.

In response to the crisis, ZimParks has translocated 129 animals back into protected areas and eliminated 158 animals deemed problematic.

“We encourage communities to continue reporting incidents to ZimParks Problem Animal Control numbers and local leadership, such as Councillors, Traditional Leaders, and Rural District Council Authorities, to ensure that we preserve lives,” Farawo urged.

The significant increase in livestock losses, with cattle deaths rising from 18 to 53 and goat deaths from 21 to 85 compared to the same period in 2024, highlights the growing challenge of human-wildlife conflict in Zimbabwe.

ZimParks’ efforts to mitigate the conflict include community initiatives to educate people on managing wildlife encounters effectively.