BY NOKUTHABA DLAMINI 

The International Fund for Animal Welfare (IFAW) is planning to introduce snifter dogs at the Victoria Fails International Airport to detect wildlife products like ivory.

This was revealed by IFAW Country Director, Aleta Nyawuye, at a handover ceremony of two Land Cruisers and a K9 dog unit to Zimparks in Victoria Falls towards the end of last year.  On the sidelines of the event Nyawuye said, “So, there are a number of types of dogs that are used in detecting crimes. This particular type of dog that we are partnering with Zimparks is called the blue ticker hound.”

Nyawuye emphasized the importance of addressing transboundary crimes, saying, “What we need to do progressively is to be able to deal with transboundary crimes… Because crime is not only confined within the country, but it also traverses across borders.”

She noted that the Kavango Zambezi Transfrontier Park (KAZA) region, which spans across Zimbabwe, Botswana, Zambia, and Namibia, is particularly vulnerable to such crimes.

Nyawuye explained that the introduction of sniffer dogs at the Victoria Falls International Airport is part of a broader strategy to combat wildlife crime. “So, what we need to do going forward is to be able to have specific types of sniffer dogs at the international airport Victoria Falls that are able to detect stuff like ivory or any other animal product that is not supposed to be leaving this country.”

She acknowledged that the planning stages are still underway, saying, “When I say we are going to implement this, we are still at the planning stage. This is a long-term intervention that we are planning because this also goes with a rapid response unit.”

BY NOKUTHABA DLAMINI

A surge in human-crocodile conflicts has prompted the Zimbabwe Parks and Wildlife Management Authority (ZimParks) to issue a warning to the public to exercise extreme caution when near water bodies.

According to ZimParks, over 20 incidents of crocodile attacks have been reported in the past two months, resulting in eight fatalities and three serious injuries. The attacks have also posed a threat to livestock.

The most affected areas include the South East Lowveld, specifically Lundi, Tokwe Mukosi, and Lake Mutirikwi, which have recorded six incidents. The Central Region, including Munyati River, Kwekwe River, and Sebakwe River, has seen five incidents, while the Mid Zambezi area, comprising Lake Kariba, Hunyani River, and Angwa River, has also recorded five incidents.

ZimParks is urging the public to remain alert and take necessary precautions when engaging in domestic activities near water bodies.

Livestock owners are advised not to leave their animals unattended near rivers or lakes, as they may become easy targets for crocodiles.

“In light of these, the authority urges the public to exercise extreme caution around water bodies and remain alert while engaging in domestic activities near these areas to minimise the risk of crocodile attacks,”Zimaparks cautioned in a press statement.

“To minimize the risk of conflict with crocodiles, livestock should not be left unattended near rivers or lakes to prevent them from becoming easy targets for crocodiles.”

The authority reiterated its commitment to promoting coexistence between humans and wildlife, ensuring safety and fostering respect for wildlife for the benefit of present and future generations.

BY STAFF REPORTER 

The Zimbabwe Parks and Wildlife Management Authority (ZimParks) has announced the appointment of Professor Edson Gandiwa as its new Director General, effective immediately.

According to a statement released by ZimParks, Prof. Gandiwa brings over 20 years of experience in wildlife conservation and higher education to the role. Previously, he served as Director of Scientific Services at ZimParks from 2021 to 2025.

Prof. Gandiwa’s impressive academic credentials include a PhD in Wildlife Conservation and Management from Wageningen University and Research in the Netherlands, as well as a Master’s degree in Tropical Resource Ecology from the University of Zimbabwe.

A renowned expert in his field, Prof. Gandiwa has authored over 200 peer-reviewed scientific publications and currently chairs the African Elephant Fund Steering Committee under the United Nations Environment Programme.

His appointment follows the departure of Dr. Fulton Mangwanya, who has taken up a new role as Director General in the President’s department.

ZimParks spokesperson Tinashe Farawo welcomed Prof. Gandiwa’s appointment, saying his expertise would be invaluable in driving the organization’s conservation efforts forward.