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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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Tsholotsho burglar lands six-month jail term

Published

4 hours ago

January 15, 2025

VicFallsLive

BY COURT REPORTER

A Tsholotsho man’s life of crime came crashing down when he was sentenced to six months in prison for burglary.

Mengesi Sibanda, 26, from Susumani line, was convicted of stealing ZAR1600 in cash from a complainant’s bedroom on January 9.

The court heard that Sibanda had unlocked the complainant’s bedroom door and made off with the cash. He then gave ZAR1500 to his accomplice, Zikhiye Ncube, who transported the stolen money to South Africa and handed it over to Sibanda’s wife.

Meanwhile, Sibanda blew ZAR100 of the stolen cash on beer at local outlets.

In passing sentence, the Tsholotsho Magistrates’ Court condemned Sibanda’s actions, saying he had shown no remorse for his crime.

Sibanda was sentenced to 12 months in prison, with six months suspended on condition of restitution. He will serve an effective six months behind bars.

Lupane

Lupane man jailed for 12 months over domestic violence

Published

4 hours ago

January 15, 2025

VicFallsLive

BY STAFF REPORTER

A Lupane man has been sentenced to 12 months in prison for physically abusing his wife on two separate occasions.

The incidents occurred on December 27, 2024, and January 2 this year, with the accused assaulting his wife with open hands, fists, and a whip, causing injuries to her face and body.

The court heard that the first incident was sparked by a domestic dispute over the complainant’s whereabouts on Christmas Eve.

The accused became violent, assaulting his wife, who managed to escape and seek refuge at her aunt’s homestead.

In a shocking turn of events, the accused visited his wife at her aunt’s homestead, seeking forgiveness, and she agreed to return home with him.

However, upon their arrival, the accused again accused his wife of infidelity and assaulted her multiple times with a whip.

The court sentenced the accused to 12 months in prison, with six months suspended on condition of good behavior.

In Zimbabwe, domestic violence is a serious crime, and perpetrators can face up to 10 years in prison under the Domestic Violence Act [Chapter 5:16]. The court’s decision in this case sends a strong message that domestic violence will not be tolerated.

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Prof. Gandiwa appointed new ZimParks director general

Published

21 hours ago

January 14, 2025

VicFallsLive

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.