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World Pangolin Day: What conservationists had to say

Published

2 years ago

February 18, 2023

BY NOKUTHABA DLAMINI

Environmental organisations have called on continuous education about the importance of conserving pangolins as they continue to be classified under of the most endangered species.

Various organisations across the country took to their social media platforms to celebrate the globally recognised day to celebrate their successes in a bid to rescue, rehabilitate, and rewild orphaned and injured animals in the country including the pangolins.

World Pangolin Day is celebrated on the third of every Saturday in February.

Below is what selected organisations had to say:

Wild is Life Trust and Zimbabwe Elephant Nursery

“It is critical that we take the plight of these very important animals seriously as all eight species of pangolins are now threatened with extinction, according to the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN).”

Bhejane Trust

“Celebrating World Pangolin Day… Today we raise awareness of the most highly trafficked wildlife species on the continent – the African Pangolin.

“Thank you to all conservationists, protectors, supporters and donors with your assistance in helping us protect our pangolins.

These pangolins were photographed being handed over to the authorities by community members who found them in the rural areas and are being released back into the wild National Parks. ”

Victoria Falls Wildlife Trust

“As we celebrate these critically endangered mammals, many of whom we have cared for, we can’t forget the one special case that came to the Trust back in 2017 (https://bit.ly/3Keh6rR) which later became known as “Moyo.

“We are grateful to have been able to have played a role in the rescue of this creature and that the beautiful, scaly, ant-eating animal was later released within a secure protected area.

Let’s share some amazing fun facts about pangolins as we celebrate them!

Did you know?

1. Pangolin scales have no magic properties.

2. A single pangolin can consume about 70 million ants per year

3. Pangolins have no teeth.

4. They are the most trafficked non-human mammals in the world.

5. They have no external ears yet they can hear very well.

6. Their scales make up about 20% of their weight and are made of keratin.

7. Pangolin tongue can reach up to 41 centimeters.

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Zimparks launches elephant culling program

Published

1 month 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

Hwange police seek public’s help in locating missing teen

Published

2 months 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

3 months 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.