Tourism and Environment

Rhino poaching cases decline in Africa

Published

3 years ago

September 22, 2022

BY NOKUTHABA DLAMINI

Rhino poaching rates in Africa have continued to decline from a peak of 5.3 percent of the total population in 2015 to 2.3 percent in 2021, the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) has said in a report.

IUCN in its recent report said at least 2 707 rhinos were poached across Africa between 2018 and 2021, accounting for both the white rhino (Ceratotherium simum), which is on the IUCN red list of threatened species.

“The overall decline in poaching of rhinos is encouraging, yet this remains an acute threat to the survival of these iconic animals,” Sam Ferreira, a scientific officer with the IUCN SSC African Rhino Specialist Group said.

“To support the growth of rhino numbers, it is essential to continue active population management and anti-poaching activities for all subspecies across different range states.”

Every year on September 22, World Rhino Day is observed to spread awareness about the different Rhinoceros species and the dangers they face.

The report said that South Africa accounted for 90% of all reported cases, predominantly affecting white rhinos in Kruger National Park, home to the world’s largest white rhino population.

“As a result, overall white rhino numbers on the continent have declined by almost 12% (from 18,067 to 15,942 individuals) during this period, while populations of black rhino increased by just over 12% (from 5,495 to 6,195 individuals),” the IUCN added.

“Overall, Africa’s rhino population declined around 1.6% per year from an estimated 23,562 individuals in 2018 to 22,137 at the end of 2021.”

World Rhino Day: History

The day’s announcement was made in 2010 by WWF-South Africa.

When Lisa Jane Campbell, the founder of Annamitici and owner of the Chishakwe Ranch in Zimbabwe, teamed up with Rhishja Cota, the event’s creative director in 2011 to raise awareness about the need to preserve or protect all five species of rhinos from extinction.

The annual celebration gained recognition on a global scale. World Rhino Day was first observed in 2011, and every year since then, it has been observed worldwide.

World Rhino Day: Significance

Rhino is in danger of going extinct due to poaching, climate change, and disturbances to their natural environment. The yearly commemoration of the day emphasizes spreading awareness about the necessity of protecting and caring for the rhino species worldwide. Today, three species of rhino—black, Javan, and Sumatran are said to be critically endangered.

World Rhino Day: Interesting Facts

Rhinos are partially blind as they can only see objects about 30 meters away from them.

Rhino horns are made up of Keratin.

Rhinos are herbivores, so they only consume grass.

Rhinos have tiny brains relative to their size.

Rhinos move quickly on land and can turn swiftly in small spaces.

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Zimparks launches elephant culling program

Published

3 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.