Tourism and Environment

How indigenous traditions are saving Zimbabwe’s endangered wildlife

Published

3 years ago

June 22, 2022

BY ANDREW MAMBONDIYANI

A hill with an imposing protruding rock stands on the outskirts of Village F, a small farming community in Zimbabwe, about 50 kilometres south of the eastern border city of Mutare.

A small perennial river, Nyadziye, meanders leisurely around the hill, which is known locally as Buwesunike.

Dense trees surround Buwesunike Hill, and a plethora of bird species chirp excitedly in the undergrowth.

For years, this hill has been a nesting place for a small group of southern ground hornbills.

In this part of the country, southern ground hornbills—identified by their unique jet-black feathers, bright-red throats, and large black beaks—are considered sacred.

Farmers in this area say the birds bring in the rains and herald the start of the farming season.

In the local Jindwi dialect, farmers call these giant birds mariti; in other dialects, they are known as matendera.

Killing them would anger their ancestors, the farmers believe, resulting in droughts for the whole community and bringing serious misfortune to the offender.

A mix of beliefs like these, taboos and myths, passed orally from generation to generation, has been at the centre of wildlife conservation in many parts of the Zimbabwe.

While these taboos are not grounded in scientific explanation, they have helped to protect and preserve some of country’s endangered wild animals and birds from poachers—including the southern ground hornbill.

Poaching and destruction of habitats of animals and birds by farming and other activities are growing issues in the country.

Tensions around conservation have risen particularly in communities living near wildlife conservancies and game parks.

However, Indigenous groups under traditional chiefs, including Zimunya and Marange in eastern Zimbabwe, have found other ways to limit hunting and activities that harm the animals.

Local traditional leaders—village heads, headmen, and chiefs—strictly enforce the limits and taboos and impose heavy fines on whoever is caught breaking them.

On the rare occasion a villager breaks the taboos, they are brought before the traditional leaders’ courts and forced to pay for the violation in the form of livestock: cattle, goats, sheep, or chickens, as well as grain. In some cases, the fines are used for the revered rainmaking and thanksgiving ceremonies or wildlife conservation projects in the area.

David Mutambirwa, executive director and founder of Mhakwe Heritage Foundation Trust, a Zimbabwe-based foundation advocating for heritage and culture preservation, says Indigenous knowledge systems are critical to wildlife protection.

“Indigenous knowledge systems have been used and are still being used to preserve and conserve wild animals,” he says.

“There are certain trees which cannot be cut down.

These knowledge systems involve taboos, values, and norms which are followed in many rural communities.”

Following White colonial rule in Zimbabwe, which ended in 1980, he says some communities discarded their traditional ways of wildlife conservation.

“The advent of the so-called Western civilisation in our country affected our cultures in many ways,” he says.

“But we are working hard to sensitize these communities through a multifaceted approach.”

In Village F, though, residents held on to their reverence for the southern ground hornbills.

“We jealously protect this nesting place,” says Nicholas Mukundidza, a farmer and beekeeper at Village F.

“As you can see, we don’t cut down trees here. Instead, I have put my beehives to protect these trees,” he says, pointing to several wooden beehives scattered on trees in the thick forest.

Mukundidza took me on a short hike through a heavily wooded path to the edge of Buwesunike Hill.

But on this particular hot afternoon, the southern ground hornbills could not be found.

“I’m sure they have flown out to forage for food. They can spend a couple of days out before they come back,” he says.

A recent study reveals that southern ground hornbills have now disappeared from some parts of Africa as a result of human activities, including habitat destruction, indirect poisoning, and electrocution, as well as trade in live birds and use in traditional cultural practices.

But for over 40 years, Mukundidza has been farming close to Buwesunike Hill.

He says he has never seen or heard of anyone trying to harm or kill the birds.

There is no proper research done on traditional methods of conservation in this part of the country.

However, a study done at Zimbabwe’s Nharira community of Chikomba district reveals that conventional strategies of conserving wildlife and forest resources through fencing the protected areas or imposing fines on trespassers usually creates disputes between locals and the forest and wildlife management authorities.

“When compared to conventional strategies, the [Indigenous knowledge] approach is better as it avoids such conflicts and requires less state resources for enforcing laws to protect wildlife and forest resources,” the study says.

In Chikomba district, local people believe poachers in the sacred Chirozva and Daramombe hills can be chased away by bees, wild animals, or snakes, the study documented.

“In other instances, mishaps such as prolonged dry spells and reduction in crop yields may befall the entire community,” the study adds.

“Key informants further reported that the convicted individuals [for breaking the taboos] are forced to pay fines in form of a livestock or buckets of grain to the traditional leaders.”

However, Sharon Mushure, one of the researchers involved in the study, cautioned that there are weaknesses too: Fires started by villagers can threaten habitat, and the lack of documentation of traditional beliefs makes them vulnerable to disappearing.

Elsewhere in the Mutare district, leaders rely on traditional beliefs to protect pangolins, known here as harakabvuka or haka.

Geofrey Rugohwo, a traditional leader in Chitora, says it is a serious offense for anyone to be caught with a pangolin, let alone kill or eat it.

“This animal is important for us. It’s a highly respected animal and cannot be killed by anyone in this area.

If a person kills or eat it, that person will face the wrath of our traditional leaders or the spirits of the land,” Rugohwo says.

Experts say very little is known about the status of pangolins in Zimbabwe, but they are thought to be in decline.

More than four decades ago, the pangolins were placed on Zimbabwe’s Specially Protected Animals list.

A recent report by Earth.org reveals that worldwide, more than a million pangolins have been poached for commercial use over the past decade.

Although the forests in this part of country are still home to a number of pangolins, Rugohwo says it is uncommon to find these reclusive and nocturnal mammals.

A sighting signifies a long life or a chance for greatness, says Mutambirwa.

“We don’t know how many pangolins are in this area, but we still have many.

“It’s our duty to protect them for future generations,” Rugohwo says.

“We have very few cases of outsiders coming to poach the animals here.”

Rugohwo says if a person kills a pangolin in middle of the forest without being caught, that person will ultimately be punished by the spirits of the land.

“The offending person will suffer from various curses or misfortunes, which will only be broken if the person surrenders himself or herself and confess to the traditional leaders and pay a heavy fine,” Rugohwo explains.

A local story tells of two men believed to be from Zimbabwe’s capital, Harare, who tried to smuggle a pangolin from the area.

They had to abandon it after it started making weird noises as the duo were driving toward a police traffic checkpoint.

This story amplifies the mysteries and trepidations surrounding pangolins.

The Zimbabwean government supports efforts like those in Village F and Chitora.

Any person convicted of the unlawful killing, possession of, or trading in any protected animals gets a mandatory jail term of nine years, or more for second offenders.

“Our common agenda is to protect wild animals, and we work with the communities to protect the animals,” says Tinashe Farawo, a spokesperson for the Zimbabwe Parks and Wildlife Management Authority.

“Our relations with these communities is like that of the fish and the water.

“We rely on them for information on what is happening and what needs to be done.

“As long we are working well with the communities, the cases of poaching will go down.”

Ultimately, Farawo says local communities are the ones responsible for wildlife day to day.

“They’re the ones who stay with the birds, and they are the ones sharing boundaries with these animals.

“They’re the custodians of the wild animals.” – yes!

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Zimbabwe pushes youth-centred, rights-based, and community-driven reforms ahead of CITES CoP20

Published

14 hours ago

November 20, 2025

VicFallsLive

BY NOKUTHABA DLAMINI

As the world prepares for the 20th Conference of the Parties (CoP20) to the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES), Zimbabwe has outlined a bold and comprehensive policy agenda that shifts global discussions beyond ivory and toward broader issues of sustainable use, human rights, and community empowerment.

In an exclusive interview with VicFallsLive, Dr. Agrippa Sora, board chairman of the Zimbabwe Parks and Wildlife Management Authority (ZimParks), said the country’s proposals are anchored on a simple but transformative message: wildlife conservation must deliver real benefits to the people living with wildlife.

Key proposals Zimbabwe taking to CITES CoP20

1. Commercial trade in elephant leather products

Zimbabwe is pushing for approval to engage in regulated commercial trade in elephant leather products. Authorities argue that this form of value addition can bring economic gains to local communities, promote sustainable use, and reduce reliance on donor funding.

2. A formal voice for communities within CITES

Zimbabwe is advocating for the establishment of an Advisory Body or Community Forum within CITES, ensuring that the voices of rural people—who coexist with wildlife—formally shape decisions on international trade, conservation restrictions, and benefit-sharing.

This push echoes one of the founding principles of CITES, which acknowledges that “peoples and States are and should be the best protectors of their own wild fauna and flora.”

3. Recognition of human rights within conservation governance

Zimbabwe’s delegation wants CoP20 to acknowledge the human rights dimensions of conservation—particularly:

The right to safety for communities facing human–wildlife conflict
The right to food security
The right to benefit from natural resources within their landscapes

For Zimbabwe, these rights are inseparable from wildlife management.

Moving beyond ivory: A broader view of sustainable use

Dr. Sora emphasized that Zimbabwe does not want the CoP20 debate to be reduced to ivory.

Zimbabwe argues that without these broader interventions, the conservation model remains unbalanced—protecting wildlife while leaving the people who live among it trapped in poverty

Youth at the centre of the conservation agenda

One of the strongest themes in Zimbabwe’s CoP20 position is youth empowerment, an area Dr. Sora said is now central to national conservation policy.

“Zimbabwe is supporting the Youth Ethnic Conservation Agenda, and we want to continue empowering young people,” Dr. Sora said.

“These are young people who travel long distances between villages and shopping centres, often unaware of wildlife incidents happening around them.”

He revealed that Zimbabwe has approved the establishment of a national chapter of the CITES Rural Youth Network, a platform designed to give young rural citizens a voice in global conservation decision-making.

Dr. Sora said young people—often traveling long distances between villages and service centres—are the first responders to wildlife encounters, yet are rarely included in policy processes.

“Their inclusion is critical for awareness, safety, and community resilience,” he said.

A rights-based approach linked to national priorities

Dr. Sora linked Zimbabwe’s CITES proposals to the country’s National Development Strategy (NDS2), which prioritises poverty eradication.

“We want to ensure that communities living within wildlife landscapes receive meaningful support and benefits from the natural resources around them,” he said.

This includes promoting value addition—for example, crafting products from elephant leather—and enabling community enterprises tied to legal wildlife products.

“We are promoting opportunities for value addition so that communities can benefit economically from the wildlife with which they coexist.”

He added that the board is committed to transitioning youth from vulnerability to empowerment, ensuring access to education, business opportunities, and long-term livelihoods.

Unlocking finance through sustainable use

Zimbabwe also plans to push for financial mechanisms—particularly the sustainable use of existing wildlife stockpiles—to support community development.

“Our aim is to secure mechanisms that allow us to reinvest in these communities, strengthening their resilience and ensuring they thrive alongside wildlife.”

Zimbabwe argues that restrictive global trade rules deprive communities of funding that could improve safety, reduce human–wildlife conflict, and support conservation programs.

Zimbabwe’s position rooted in CITES founding principles

Zimbabwe’s proposals, Dr. Sora said, are consistent with the spirit of CITES itself.

The convention’s preamble affirms:

Wild fauna and flora are an irreplaceable part of the earth’s natural systems… Peoples and States are and should be the best protectors of their own wild fauna and flora… International cooperation is essential to prevent over-exploitation…

Zimbabwe believes that empowering communities, recognizing human rights, and enabling sustainable use are simply modern applications of these foundational principles.

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Inside Boschpoort Predators: A candid tour with Hannes Wessels

Published

2 days ago

November 18, 2025

VicFallsLive

BY NOKUTHABA DLAMINI

When l visited South Africa recently with the Zimbabwe Parliament and Wildlife Management Authority delegation, I was taken on a private tour of Boschpoort Predators by Hannes Wessels — President of the South African Predator Association, SUCo-SA member, and one of the industry’s most outspoken defenders. For hours, he walked us through his sanctuary, breeding areas, and off-site hunting properties, offering an unusually frank look into a sector that is often hidden behind controversy and media narratives.

“The youth are our conservationists”

We began in the sanctuary section, where Hannes explained why thousands of schoolchildren visit the property each year.

“On Tuesdays and Thursdays school groups visit us free of charge,” he said. “Our school system in South Africa has no conservation value in the syllabus anymore. The youth are our conservationists, and that’s why it’s important to bring their schools in and take them through the jobs.”

The sanctuary is one of three main sections: the public sanctuary, tiger breeding facilities in the valley, and a mountain breeding area that is closed to visitors.

“We don’t want human imprint on animals that are going into the hunting land,” he explained.

Breeding, hunting and the “Buffer” argument

Hannes spoke openly about the role of the predator-breeding industry in South Africa.

“We need to keep this industry open, because it’s a buffer for the wild populations we’ve got,” he said.

“There’s been unnecessary negativity. People see an animal in a cage and think it’s starving today because of what they see in the media.”

He argued that captive-bred lions reduce pressure on wild reserves, especially as some national parks face disease challenges.

“A specimen like that, you won’t find in our national parks anymore — Kruger is compromised due to disease in the lions. Other metapopulations are under pressure.”

He also highlighted the economic contribution:

“This industry contributes five hundred million to GDP from lion hunting alone,” he said. “If you look at the whole value chain — taxidermy, shipping agents — it makes up to a billion.”

Traditional use and sustainability

Standing beside the enclosures, he spoke about cultural practices involving animal parts:

“Animals are part of traditional medicine in our culture, and there’s nothing wrong with it as long as it’s used sustainably. You cannot change the culture of a nation, but you can teach sustainability.”

The challenge of tiger genetics and DNA markers

At the tiger section, he turned to what he called South Africa’s biggest challenge in tiger management:

“South Africa cannot export tigers to the countries of origin because we haven’t got DNA markers,” he said.

“I can say this is a Siberian, but it’s got Bengal blood — nobody can tell me. That’s the problem: there’s no regulation or DNA system to determine pure lines.”

He mentioned that one of his colleagues is working to change that.

“One of my staff members is working on that to see if we can get tiger markers in, so we can actually determine what we’ve got.”

Traceability

Hannes described a new programme they believe will reshape South Africa’s predator sector:

“We’ve got a new traceability programme, written by one of the best, especially for the lion industry,” he said.

“We can trace a lion from cradle to grave — DNA, parentage, everything.”

This, he said, is crucial for international acceptance:

“The US (United State of America) wants traceability on the product. They don’t just want to know it doesn’t threaten the species — they want enhancement findings. It must prove a benefit.”

He argued that once traceability is universal:

“CITES (Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora) will open up, because then we can prove we are not busy with inbreeding.”

A database to counter inbreeding claims

He said their internal database already captures detailed lineage:

“I’ve got parentage, I’ve got DNA, I’ve got everything. We can prove we’re not breeding irresponsibly.”

But he added that government itself lacks accurate numbers:

“If you ask the department how many one-year-old male lions we have in captivity, they battle to tell us.”

The new programme aims to force uniform reporting across the industry.

Re-wilding and new conservation fund

Hannes revealed a new initiative:

“Every lion that will be hunted in the future will contribute to a conservation fund,” he said.

“That fund is busy with projects like re-wilding.”

He insisted re-wilding can work:

“They say you cannot re-wild a lion — it’s like teaching a house cat to hunt. We re-wilded lions in 2016, and it’s working.”

Breeding success and natural mortality

He explained that captive-breeding success mirrors natural patterns:

“The success rate is usually four cubs, but there’s a 25% loss. Four will be born, you’ll raise three — one is always lost.”

In nature, he said, mortality is even more brutal due to pride takeovers.

“A new male kills all the cubs because he wants his own blood. That’s why it’s almost impossible for a father to mate with his daughter in the wild.”

Some online images showing thin lions mislead the public, he argued:

“Most of those pictures are lions growing old. They’re not sick — they just go old and starve naturally once they’re chased out.”

The 1984 Smith study: “Putting facts ahead”

Hannes cited the work of Dr Smith, who sedated a number lions in Kruger in 1984 to establish physical averages.

“Smith claims a big lion male should be 1.05 metres at the shoulder,” he said, standing beside one of his large males.

“This one is 1.32 — higher than a normal lion male. That’s the genetics we’re working with.”

He emphasised that quality genetics drive higher industry prices.

Industry scrutiny and advocacy

Hannes believes misinformation is one of the industry’s greatest challenges.

“We are confronted with opinions. We’ve got the science, we’ve got the proof. NGOs are sponsoring opinions and we haven’t got the funding to put the facts out.”

He credited sector associations

“If it wasn’t for Peter, Stephen, and especially Richard — attending meetings, fighting for us — we would have lost this industry a long time ago.”

He dismissed political threats to shut predator farming:

“The wish of the government to close the industry is the same as my wish to win the lottery — it will never happen.”

Inside the facility: Slaughterhouse, hospital, and daily Realities

At one point we passed the onsite veterinary building.

“That’s our hospital where we treat all our animals,” he said. “It’s also the slaughterhouse for carcasses — nothing is wasted.”

He explained they had just processed a horse that had died that morning following an attack with a wildebeest.

Gabi and the nocturnal predators

The tour almost ended with Gabi, a six-year-old predator kept in the sanctuary.

“Normally nocturnal,” Hannes said, “but she’s quite big, and she was hand-raised before being released on the property.”

A controversial but transparent vision

My tour with Hannes revealed a man deeply committed to a model that blends conservation, utilisation, and economic sustainability — a model many organisations and countries intensely debate. He insists that with science, genetics, traceability, and strict record-keeping, the predator-breeding industry can both protect wild populations and support livelihoods.

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Victoria Falls airport handles over 460 000 passengers in 2025

Published

2 weeks ago

November 10, 2025

VicFallsLive

BY NOKUTHABA DLAMINI

Passenger traffic through Victoria Falls International Airport has continued its upward trend this year, with the Airports Company of Zimbabwe (ACZ) reporting a total of 463 848 passengers handled between January and September 2025.

This marks a 13.57 percent increase from the 408 436 passengers recorded over the same period in 2024.

According to ACZ, the rise shows sustained growth in travel activity through one of Zimbabwe’s busiest tourism gateways.

“Victoria Falls International Airport handled a total of 463 848 passengers in the months under review (January – September 2025) compared to 408 436 passengers for the same period in 2024, representing a 13.57 percent increase in passenger traffic,” said the Airports Company of Zimbabwe in a statement accompanying the report.

The cumulative data shows that passenger numbers have been rising steadily each month since April, with August 2025 recording the highest monthly total of 70 080 passengers, followed by July (62 532) and September (64 209).

In 2024, the same months recorded 59 033, 54 247, and 56 582 passengers respectively.

The figures underline a positive recovery pattern for the airport since the pandemic years, when total annual passenger traffic had dropped to just 64 202 in 2020 and 129 914 in 2021.

ACZ said it will continue to release detailed passenger traffic reports for other airports across Zimbabwe as part of its ongoing transparency and performance updates.

“Following up on our prior cumulative report, we continue releasing detailed annual passenger traffic reports for each Zimbabwean airport. Stay connected to ACZ for the upcoming statistics,” the company said.