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For Zimbabwe’s black rhinos Covid-19 has been a godsend

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BY FORTUNE MOYO AND KUDZAI MAZVARIRWOFA

The coronavirus pandemic has been devastating to humans.

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But to Zimbabwe’s black rhinos, it’s been a godsend.

Rhinos have no natural predators; humans are their greatest threat. Poachers kill rhinos to harvest their horns, which they smuggle to black markets in Asia for use in traditional medicine.

But international travel restrictions to stop the spread of the coronavirus — though crippling to Zimbabwe’s tourism sector — have significantly aided conservation of the country’s black rhinos, which officials designated as critically endangered in 2012.

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The species saw a rare population boom in 2020, says Christopher Whitlatch, the communications director of the International Rhino Foundation, which is involved in the conservation of all five rhino species.

In southern Zimbabwe’s Bubye Valley, for example, which lost 71 rhinos to poachers during the two years preceding the pandemic, the population increased nearly 14% during the first half of 2020.

“Covid-19 really aided efforts to protect rhinos,” he says.

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The poaching of Zimbabwe’s black rhinos reached its peak in 2019 and was beginning to decline due to increased anti-poaching measures, Whitlatch says.

Coronavirus restrictions acted as a catalyst.

Tinashe Farawo, the public relations manager at the Zimbabwe Parks and Wildlife Management Authority, says until 2019 poachers were killing rhinos nearly every day.

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Authorities have had more than 10 armed confrontations in the past five years, Farawo says, some of which led to the deaths of rangers and suspected poachers.

Then, in 2020, nearly all poaching stopped.

International travel bans during the early days of the pandemic meant traffickers were unable to move rhino horn to markets, Whitlatch says.

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That cut down on poachers but also led to a decline in tourism funds.

“The burden was placed on rangers, parks and conservancy staff,” he says.

“There was trouble replacing equipment, and salaries were cut.”

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When the movement restrictions forced them to stay in place, rangers and other conservation staff decided to continue working.

To temporarily offset lost tourism revenue, the rhino foundation created the Reserve Relief Fund.

With about 1,000 animals, Zimbabwe has the fourth-largest population of black rhinos in the world, after South Africa, Namibia and Kenya.

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The black rhino population boom in Zimbabwe is a bright spot amid myriad lockdowns that hurt conservation efforts worldwide, according to research published in the journal Biological Conservation.

Uganda’s protected Bugoma Forest saw an increase in the use of snares, which can kill or injure unintended animals like endangered chimpanzees.

And India reported a 500 percent spike in seizures of pangolins from people trafficking them for food and medicine.

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Farawo, of the Parks and Wildlife Management Authority, says officials knew some people might see the absence of tourists in parks as an opportunity to engage in illegal activities.

“When there are normal tourism activities, people can easily identify suspicious activities and alert the authorities,” he says.

The absence of that vital source of intelligence meant rangers had to work harder than normal, Farawo says.

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They put protection mechanisms in place, including watching and defending the rhinos around-the-clock, moving herds to more secure areas and in some extreme cases dehorning rhinos so poachers have no interest in killing them.

Black rhino populations in Africa fell drastically during the last century due to European hunters and settlers, according to the World Wildlife Fund.

Between 1960 and 1995, experts estimate that the number of black rhinos declined by 98%, to fewer than 2,500.

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Due to increased conservation efforts, around 5,600 now exist.

Poaching continues to endanger the animals’ existence.

Raoul du Toit, a Zimbabwean environmentalist and director of the Lowveld Rhino Trust, says the country has experienced several surges in black rhino poaching over the years.

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The most devastating was in the late 1980s and early 1990s, when poachers nearly decimated the black rhino population in the Zambezi Valley, which in the early 1980s had Africa’s largest rhino population.

To save the few survivors, the government and conservationists relocated them to former cattle ranches that had become unprofitable due to persistent droughts in southern Zimbabwe.

Around 90 percent of Zimbabwe’s black rhinos live on such conservancies.

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Only now, the species faces a very different threat than that posed by European hunters during the 20th century.

“A flare-up of demand for rhino horn in Asia has created the perfect storm,” du Toit says.

Unproven medical claims in some southeast Asian countries that, when consumed in powder form, rhino horn can heal a variety of ailments, including cancer, drive the demand, he says.

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A kilo of rhino horn can sell for as much as US$60,000 in the Asian black market.

But Whitlatch now sees a future for Zimbabwe’s black rhinos. Officials have assembled teams to monitor them and collect data to help determine the species’ overall health.

They’ve also deployed electronic tracking in some areas to provide real-time monitoring.

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“It has not been easy, but it’s a success story,” Whitlatch says.

“Zimbabwe is a model of light to show what can be done to save rhinos.” – Global Press Journal 

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591 rangers killed in Africa — New report warns of urgent need for Better Protection

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BY NOKUTHABA DLAMINI 

At least 591 rangers were killed in Africa between 2006 and 2021, making the continent the deadliest place in the world for those on the frontline of protecting wildlife. This stark statistic was revealed by conservation charity Tusk in a press statement issued to mark World Ranger Day, warning that without urgent reforms, more lives will be lost — and Africa’s biodiversity will pay the price.

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“Being a ranger extends far beyond conservation. You are educators, community leaders, researchers, mentors and protectors of cultural and historical heritage, yet this remains one of the most dangerous jobs on Earth,” said Prince William, Tusk’s Royal Patron, in a video message to rangers.

Despite their sacrifices, fewer than 40% of rangers worldwide have access to life insurance, and only 63% receive basic medical services. Many are still underpaid, under-equipped, and exposed to deadly risks from armed poachers, human-wildlife conflict, and hazardous terrain.

Nick Bubb, CEO of Tusk, said: “Too many rangers risk their lives without even the most basic protection. If we are serious about delivering the global biodiversity targets, we must further professionalise the ranger role – with insurance, fair pay, and recognition – so that it becomes a career young Africans aspire to join.”

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The White Paper, Protecting Rangers to Protect Nature, stresses that Africa currently has just 65,000 active rangers — far short of the 345,000 needed to meet international biodiversity targets, including the 30×30 goal to protect 30% of land and seas by 2030.

Louise de Bruin, CEO of the Game Rangers Association of Africa, added: “Our priority is to stand with rangers on the ground and support the organisations that employ them. The RWSI gives us a practical way to listen to rangers, assess their needs, and work alongside partners to improve welfare standards.”

The statement calls for governments, donors, and conservation organisations to embed reforms through the Ranger Welfare and Standards Initiative, launched last year. Measures include affordable insurance, professional training, fair pay, and continent-wide emergency systems to ensure no ranger is left vulnerable.

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Senior ranger Benson Kanyembo from Zambia captured the human cost: “Ranger recruitment is low because the job, as it stands, is not attractive enough. Rangers face extreme personal risk while their families live one accident or illness away from destitution. This is not acceptable.”

The report concludes that protecting rangers is inseparable from protecting nature. Without them, Africa risks losing not only its iconic elephants, rhinos, and lions — but also the ecosystems that provide food, water, and livelihoods for millions.

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Rangers run for conservation: The Wildlife Ranger Challenge in Gwai

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BY NOKUTHABA DLAMINI 

Knowledge Sibanda, a 23-year-old ranger with the Conservation Wildlife Fund (CWF), stood at the starting line of the Wildlife Ranger Challenge, a 21-kilometer run held on Saturday. “I’m running because I want to show that rangers care about their health and our environment,” he said. This was his first time participating in the event, and as he looked around at his fellow rangers, excitement pulsed through him.

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As the horn sounded around 6AM, Knowledge and other rangers surged forward along the scenic Lubimbi Road, with water stations and fruit stands cheering them on every few kilometers. This was not just a race; it was a gathering to celebrate the vital work of wildlife rangers across Africa. Organized by the Painted Dog Conservation, the challenge aims to enhance rangers’ livelihoods while advocating for better training and support in their critical roles.

Running alongside Knowledge was Mbonisi Mudimba, another ranger who emphasized the purpose behind their participation. “We want to encourage the younger generation to get involved in conservation,” he explained, breathing heavily but with a smile of determination. “If we show them that we care and that being a ranger can be fulfilling, they’ll want to join us.”

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As the rangers completed their race, the atmosphere shifted to one of celebration and reflection. Participants gathered at a Gwai Valley School for a series of presentations that emphasized the day’s theme: protecting the environment for future generations.

Headman Doctor Ncube from Chimwara Village, who represented Chief Mabhikwa, spoke about the importance of conserving natural resources. “Thank you to the scouts and organizers of this event. This nature is vital, and as traditional leaders, we must protect it,” he said. He urged the rangers to stay fit, as their physical endurance is critical to countering poaching and safeguarding wildlife.

David Kuvawoga, Operations Director at Painted Dog Conservation, shared his appreciation of the rangers’ efforts. “We’re here today to show that we’re united in our mission,” he remarked. “Rangers work tirelessly, often away from their families, to protect our natural resources. Their dedication deserves recognition.”

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Dan Cloete, the Field Operations Manager at CWF, also highlighted the role of these events in building community support. “By hosting events like this, we show that rangers are not alone in their fight for conservation. Together, we can achieve more,” he stated, underscoring the camaraderie built during the race.

The day’s events culminated in an acknowledgment of the challenges faced by rangers. Debra Ogilvie-Roodt, who leads the CWF, reminded everyone of the risks involved in conservation work. “Rangers put their lives on the line every day. It’s essential that we raise awareness of their dedication and support them in any way we can,” she urged, calling for ongoing efforts to improve ranger welfare.

The Wildlife Ranger Challenge served as a reminder of the collaborative effort needed to protect the environment, Kuvawoga further stated.

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With determined rangers leading the way, communities like those in Mabale, Dete and Gwai are beginning to understand their vital role in safeguarding the natural world. After all, it isn’t just a race; it’s a movement toward preserving the planet for future generations.

In addition to the inspiring speeches and side celebrations, the event received significant support from various partners and community members including the Amalinda Safaris, the Friends of Hwange, the Gwayi Farmers Association, Wilderness Safaris, and many others who rallied behind the cause.

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More than 80 buffaloes drown in Namibia after falling off cliff

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BY BBC NEWS

More than 80 buffaloes have been killed after they trampled over each other and drowned in a river, Namibia’s environment and tourism department has said.

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The buffaloes were being chased by lions in neighbouring Botswana when they “fell from a deep cliff” into the Chobe River on the Namibian side of the border, it added in a statement.

Hundreds of buffaloes have been killed in similar circumstances in the past.

In one of the worst cases, around 400 died in 2018 after they ran into the river, which flows through Botswana’s Chobe National Park, a major tourist attraction known for its huge number of elephants, buffaloes and giraffes.

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An official at Namibia’s Kabulabula Conservancy told the BBC the herd of buffaloes was fleeing lions in Chobe National Park.

“Whenever they are chased by lions, they try to cross over into Namibia and start [trampling over] each other,” the conservancy’s Mbeha Tadeus said.

A spokesperson for the Namibian Environment, Forestry and Tourism Ministry, Ndeshipanda Hamunyela, confirmed that the animals came from Botswana, but could not say whether they were from Chobe National Park.

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Ms Hamunyela told the BBC that the meat from the carcasses would be “distributed to communities in the immediate area”.

In a video shared by the Namibian public broadcaster, NBC, on its X page, residents can be seen dividing the meat among themselves near the banks of the river.

The NBC put the number of buffaloes killed at 90, reporting that the incident happened at around 05:00 local time (07:00 GMT).

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