Dear All Shrew Trap Apart from my two dogs, a cat and owls in my chimney, I often have shrews visiting. They seem to live in my ceiling a lot of the time as I hear them squeaking. They are so cute, though – not like a rat – so I have tried to live with them. This has meant that all my dry food in the pantry has either been moved into the freezer or put in plastic containers. I have come into the pantry in the mornings and found holes nibbled into the bags, with mealie meal, dog or cat food, or sugar distributed all over the shelves as they have feasted. Of course, by the morning they have disappeared into the ceiling again and gone to sleep. The other morning, though, was different. I got up to hear movement in the pantry and what I found was a complete shock. My interlopers had knocked off the top of a jar containing old cooking oil and five of them were stuck inside looking so forlorn. It’s Ok. I took them out of the garden to the land in front and let them go. I am sure they will find their way home ... back into my ceiling, but I couldn’t kill them. Kariba Textiles The other week I visited Kariba Textiles. I had read in the newspaper reports that they had laid off a lot of staff and yes, it was true. They have downsized dramatically with most of their looms lying idle. The cause of the problem is cheap imports which we see lining the roads by the Town Centre market. All my blankets are from Kariba Textiles. They are excellent quality and last for years. We really need to do something in Zambia to protect our industries. LIVINGSTONE
Transcript
Dear All
Shrew Trap
Apart from my two dogs, a cat and owls in my chimney, I often have shrews visiting. They seem to live in my ceiling a lot of the time as I hear them squeaking. They are so cute, though – not like a rat – so I have tried to live with them. This has meant that all my dry food in the pantry has either been moved into the freezer or put in plastic containers. I have come into the pantry in the mornings and found holes nibbled into the bags, with mealie meal, dog or cat food, or sugar distributed all over the shelves as they have feasted. Of course, by the morning they have disappeared into the ceiling again and gone to sleep. The other morning, though, was different. I got up to hear movement in the pantry and what I found was a complete shock. My interlopers had knocked off the top of a jar containing old cooking oil and fi ve of them were stuck inside looking so forlorn.
It’s Ok. I took them out of the garden to the land in front and let them go. I am sure they will fi nd their way home ... back into my ceiling, but I couldn’t kill them.
Kariba Textiles
The other week I visited Kariba Textiles. I had read in the newspaper reports that they had laid off a lot of staff and yes, it was true. They have downsized dramatically with most of their looms lying idle. The cause of the problem is cheap imports which we see lining the roads by the Town Centre market. All my blankets are from Kariba Textiles. They are excellent quality and last for years. We really need to do something in Zambia to protect our industries.
LIVINGSTONE
Truck Offl oading
According to an article by ZNBC Livingstone City Council is to address the issue of trucks offl oading along the main road.
Most of the shops have access from the rear, but all these roads are, sadly, very neglected and, often, rubbish has piled up along them. We shall see what Council does.
RTSA
In order to serve you better, the Road Transport and Safety Agency (RTSA) has introduced a Whatsapp line to improve communication with the members of the publicMembers of the public can now text the agency to report any road traffi c concerns and bad road user behaviour with picture and video evidence.The number to text us on is (+26) 0965 429 499 available 24 hrs. The number cannot receive incoming calls hence those who would like to call us should continue doing so on our toll free line 983.
Hippo Cull
The Hippo Cull which had started in GMAs neighbouring South Luangwa National Park has been suspended.
From Born Free:“Leaving aside the ethical dimension – whether it is morally acceptable to kill hundreds of healthy animals to prevent a possible future outbreak of a disease – other important questions remain to be answered. Is there an overpopulation of hippo and on what is this evaluation based? Is culling an effective anthrax control strategy and, again, where is the evidence?” - Will Travers OBE, CEO of Born Free.There has been widespread shock and outrage on social media since news of the cull was reported last week by Born Free. The distressing news made headlines across the world and may have prompted the decision of the authorities to suspend the cull.
G: I had a look at the Zambia Environmental Management Act and part of its mission is the protection and conservation of the environment and the sustainable management and use of natural resources. Surely this means that the cull could only go ahead after an Environmental Impact Assessment is undertaken which proved that the cull was necessary.
National Parks:
Subject: Demolition of unapproved structures in GMA
The Ministry of Tourism and Arts would like to sound a strong warning to operators who have decided to erect illegal structures and extensions that are not approved by the Department of National Parks and Wildlife.These structures will be demolished as they contravene the Department of National Parks and Wildlife’s General Management Plan provisions.Illegal structures and extensions create a likelihood of human wildlife confl icts as they are built in animal corridors. They also lead to habit destruction which fuel climatic change.This developing problem is common in the Lupande Game Management Area (GMA) in Mfuwe and Chiawa GMA of the Lower Zambezi National Park.
ZAMBIA
Zambia Development AgencyZambia’s IDC Unveils Solar Auction Winners, 73 MW to be Added
Italy’s Enel SpA (BIT:ENEL) and a consortium of French fi rm Neoen SAS and US-based First Solar Inc (NASDAQ:FSLR) were confi rmed on Monday as the winners in the up to 100-MW solar tender in Zambia.The Neoen/First Solar partnership has won the right to build a 45-MW solar plant with their bid of USD 0.0602 (EUR 0.054) per kWh, while Enel Green Power emerged as winner after bidding USD 0.0784/kWh.“These are the lowest solar power tariffs seen to date in Africa, and among the lowest prices for solar power anywhere in the world,” Philippe Le Houerou, the CEO and executive vice president of the International Finance Corp (IFC), said in a statement on Monday.The IFC designed and helped the Industrial Development Corporation of Zambia Ltd (IDC) run the tender. ...
Game Rangers International
Well done to The Department of National Parks and Wildlife’s Investigations and Intelligence Unit for the arrest of 3 suspects with 2 live pangolin on Sunday night near Kafue NP. There is a growing concern with regards to pangolin poaching and trade in Zambia. WCPP work closely to support DNPW to put a stop to the poaching and illegal trade of pangolin. We will keep you updated.
Chiawa Camp
NEW CHIAWA RECORD - 57LB VUNDU caught by repeat guest Ian. Patience prevailed for Ian and it is wonderful to see that due to responsible fi shing practices in the Lower Zambezi that fi sh are able to reach these and potentially greater weights. No need to fret either as immediately after some photo evidence was collected, our guide ensured the barbless fi shing hook and any line was safely removed, and the Vundu was released back into the waters of the mighty Zambezi.
Zambia Carnivore Programme
Great news from Kafue, as Dr. Kambwiri Banda and the ZCP team have collared the 18 dog strong Tateyoyo pack! Unfortunately this pack has been heavily impacted from high speed traffi c on the M9 highway cutting through the park and the pack was found milling around a road-killed pack member. Thus ZCP will work closely with the authorities and Kafue conservation partners to help reduce traffi c fatalities for this important pack!! Photo by M. Vinks
The Hot Springs pack, hunting in the Nsefu sector of South Luangwa. Photo by M.Becker
Conservation Lower Zambezi
We currently have the very talented Francois d’Elbee at CLZ Base Camp taking some photos of our projects. This mornings shoot was of the CLZ Village Scouts at the stunning Chongwe Falls. We can’t wait to see the fi nal photos!
We’re just ONE MONTH away from our annual community sports day ‘Rubatano’ (meaning ‘Unity’ in Goba, the local language of the Lower Zambezi). The last two years have been a huge success with over 400 participants and even more spectators taking part in a fun-fi lled day with some competitive sport thrown in!Rubatano is not a fundraising event, it is purely a fantastic way of bringing together all the stakeholders of the Lower Zambezi, corporates, lodges, conservationists, Department of National Parks and Wildlife, students, headmen and teachers.The communities in the Chiawa GMA, bordering the Lower Zambezi National Park are hugely important in the future outcome of the natural resources in the area, and so community engagement is a very necessary part of any wildlife protection programs.If anyone is feeling generous and would like to support Rubatano, you can do so at www.virginmoneygiving.com/CLZ
Comment from 2015:
July saw CLZ and the Chiawa Community’s second annual Community Sports Day/Tournament – Rubatano 2015. The event saw 15 football teams and 8 netball teams competing for the titles. There was a mixture of corporate teams, community teams and lodge teams. This was a great illustration of the unity and interlinked relationships within the Chiawa Community, one of this event’s main objectives.
Zambia Carnivore Programme
We have exciting news from Liuwa! One of the collared female cheetahs has had 4 cubs! This cheetah is the sister of cheetah 179, who has been a magnifi cent mom by raising her 4 cubs to healthy youngsters in Liuwa last year. The newborns were spotted earlier this month and are estimated to be about 6-8 weeks old, as this is the age cheetah cubs generally come out of the den to start exploring their new surroundings.Cheetah cub survival is often low in many ecosystems but we’re hopeful these cubs will thrive and contribute to Liuwa’s cheetah population recovery.We will bring you updates as often as possible on these new little ones while also trying to let them enjoy some privacy.
Game Rangers international
Once a week the keepers at the Lilayi elephant nursery weigh the orphans. Although they are still babies, Nkala 3 years old is now 545kg and Muchichili 23months 418kg!
KCM
KCM RESTOCKS KAFUE RIVER WITH 20,000 FINGERLINGS
THOUSANDS of Tilapia fi ngerlings were released into the Kafue River yesterday as part of the KCM annual fi sh restocking exercise in commemoration of the World Environmental Week activities.During a fi sh restocking exercise in Kanenga area of Chililabombwe, KCM General Manager Corporate Services Howard Chilundika, said KCM would continue to support issues of biodiversity, including fi sh restocking exercise.Since 2008 KCM has planted 230,000 fi ngerlings into the Kafue River and streams near its operations on the Copperbelt to help restore fi sh stocks in the water bodies, he said.“The restocking exercise has economic benefi ts and it is important for us to share benefi ts from the mines with surrounding communities. We do this every year,” he added.“The programmes add some great value to the nation in many ways such as boosting the food basket and fostering sustainable livelihoods,” Mr. Chilundika said.Mr. Chilundika called on the fi shermen and communities to avoid illegal fi shing activities which deplete fi sh stocks in rivers.He said KCM is not only involved in fi sh restocking but supports tree planting. The company has planted over 87,000 trees within its operations and in the communities.Research Offi cer – Aquaculture at National Aquaculture Research and Development Centre (NARDC), Ian Bbole, hailed KCM for its continued support to the fi sh restocking exercise, saying the programme has ripple effects not only on the community but the nation at large.He urged the community to guard against illegal fi shing activities to allow the restocked fi sh to multiply and grow.A community representative, Handson Sichone, who depends on fi shing for his livelihood thanked KCM for sharing the benefi ts from the mines with the local people.“As people of Kanenga we depend on fi shing and agriculture for our livelihood. We appreciate that the mines are also caring for the local people who are not in formal employment,” Mr. Sichone saidHe echoed sentiments by all stakeholders that the community should desist from illegal fi shing to protect the fi ngerlings for future generations
Liuwa PlainAfrican Parks
At the beginning of the month, some of the staff from the African Parks Zambia team travelled by boat to the island of Libonda, to participate in the yearly celebration of the coronation of her Royal Highness Chieftainess Mbwanjikana, who was appointed as Chieftainess of the chiefdom Mbwanjikana in 2013. The entire National Park falls under this chiefdom. It was beautiful day of festivities with a lot of music and dancing, and diving into the traditions of the Royal Barotse Establishment in Western Province of Zambia!
KARIBA LAKE LEVEL – KINDLY SUPPLIED BY KINGDOM CALLS (MARINELAND)
Kariba level and in-fl ows 10thJune 2016
June updates as follows:
June 2016 May 2016
13/06/2016 Lake Level 480.25 Chavuma, fl ow into Barotseland 354 m/sec 823 m/sec Ngonya Rapids out of Barotseland 1425 m/sec 2259 m/sec Vic Falls Flow 1987 m/sec 2750 m/sec Total lake rise since 22/02/2016 3.13 meters Current average: daily rise 1.55 cm/day 2.58 cm/day
Points of interest to note from above fi gures: 1. Flow into Barotseland substantial drop 2. Flow out of Barotseland dropping fast 3. Victoria Falls fl ow, whilst still fl owing well, is dropping rapidly. 4. Lake level still rising, hopefully we will see another 30cm before it stops.
Continued increase in level is dependent on the turbine discharge authorised by the Authorities.
It is pleasing to see that the discharge rate has been dropped from 1000cu/m/sec to around 700cu/m/sec. Long may that decrease last for the sake of lake level.
I have spent the last few days in Bumi Hills working with the Bumi Hills Foundation documenting the incredible story of Ben The Elephant.Elephants are amazing animals but this guy in particular is very special and it is wonderful to see his recovery and improvement as each day passes.For those who are following the story and would like to contribute towards the #helpben campaign which has been set up to raise funds for covering the costs of his medical treatment, please visit the Bumi Hills Foundation Page for more details.
Elephant that survived being shot in head treated in Mana PoolsAWAREJust 24 hours after AWARE vets Dr Keith Dutlow and Dr Lisa Marabini had administered follow up treatment to “Matusadona Ben”, they were in Mana Pools with Debbie Ottman of KAWFT looking for another 2 wounded elephants that were reported to them by Parks and Wildlife Management Authority. “Hurry up and wait” is a common saying in wildlife circles as it usually takes more time to fi nd the animal than it does to treat it. Not so on 13 June - when “Pretty Boy” heard they’d arrived in Mana Pools he made himself available for examination within half an hour, coming right up to their car. An extremely gentle and relaxed bull, the vets managed to get a good look at what immediately became apparent was a hole going into his forehead.
After confi rming with Dave Mcfarlane that this was indeed the target elephant, and with assistance from Goliath Safaris to re-locate him after briefl y losing visual, Parks rangers were assembled to help the AWARE and KAWFT darting team. Keith and 2IC Zachariah walked in to dart Pretty Boy. He did not move far after darting and went down smoothly.
An Xray was taken of Pretty Boy’s skull which - in the vets’ opinion - confi rms the presence of a deformed bullet. He was likely shot at several centimeters too high for a “kill shot”, and the bullet glanced off his skull causing a depression fracture of the bones in his sinuses. The bullet is lodged under his skin some 5cm away from the wound, but because of the diffi culty of taking several Xray angles on a skull that big, it could not be suffi ciently triangulated to defi nitively locate it.
Whilst the elephant was in lateral recumbency, grey pus - the likes of which the vets had never seen before - started to ooze out of the hole. Keith removed several black foul smelling necrotic fragments of bone before thoroughly cleaning and fl ushing the wound. Pretty Boy was given ultra-long acting anti-biotics and parasiticides. The vets were worried his weak back might interfere with him getting to his feet after reversal, but he recovered uneventfully and then lay his head against a tree and dozed for half an hour. The following day he was feeling much happier and very relaxed, and allowed Stretch, Keith and Lisa to get very close to him for a fi nal assessment. His progress will be monitored by the tour operators in the area and if necessary a folllow up treatment will be done.
Grateful thanks to Stretch Ferreira and Goliath Safaris who put us up for the night and fed us - even though we were unannounced; to Debbie Ottman who organised logistics and KAWFT who contributed $150 to this treatment; to Parks rangers who helped in the operation, and the 2IC and tour operators (Zachariah, and Dave and Tess McFarlane) who reported the animal’s injury and will continue to monitor him. Also Richard Maasdorp who helped expedite the permit. And of course our loyal supporters - you know who you are.
The drugs alone for this exercise cost $315, and transport cost $400. Our funds are being rapidly depleted! Please help save others like Pretty Boy. Donate to https://www.paypal.com/cgi-bin/webscr?cmd=_s-xclick&hosted_button_id=JZAPVWE6D7Z7Q or via bank details on our website:www.awaretrust.org
Raptors Botswana
Another terrible week in the Pans! Yes, sarcasm at its best. Although, sadly, we are seeing a pattern of decreasing active lappet-faced vulture nests since our fi rst survey in 2014, with 14 in 2014, 10 in 2015 and this year only 8. Is this an indication of declining adults in the population?? We cannot think of another explanation for this, given that this is such a pristine environment with plentiful nesting trees and enough space for everyone!
Flying in this little beauty is just a thriller!
African Bush Camps
Cecil the Lion’s cubs were recently spotted near our Somalisa Camps in Hwange National Park, Zimbabwe, by our Professional Guide Lewis Mangaba.Lewis was out on game drive with guests and managed to snap these shots of the pride looking healthy and relaxed. Lewis notes that, “...these are no ordinary lions. This pride tells a story coming of age, of three lionesses that have lived a nomadic life to save the seven youngsters. Knowing that such an investment is crucial to the future of their own kind”.The pride remains at 3 lionesses, 5 young females and 2 young males.
BOTSWANA
Elephant SandsOur Ellies are back
Thamalakane Flowing Again
The Okavango River reaches Botswana near Shakawe. It then travels into the Okavango Delta where it spreads out, its fl ow reduced dramatically. The difference in the height of the land between Shakawe and Maun is only 50 metres so the water takes time to journey through the Delta. Finally, one of its many channels from the Delta fl ows into the Thamalakane River which passes through Maun.
Last week, the Thamalakane River started to fl ow and there were cheers throughout Maun. From residents who spoke to a reporter of The Voice: It has been months without water at our homesteads and now there is hope.You have no idea how happy I am because very soon we will be swimming and going for a boat cruise.We will also start fi shing and braaing along the river.That’s what makes life tick in Maun. Whenever there is no water there are limited activities and people end up drinking as a pastime.
This event shows how our ‘fl ood’ seasons vary quite a bit between our high water in the Zambezi River near Livingstone and those in Maun. The water comes from the same region in Angola.
Batawana sue govtThe Voice
Batawana will this week fi le a statutory notice with the Attorney General of their intention to sue the government over the ownership of Moremi Game Reserve and Maun Education Park.
This was revealed by Member of Parliament for Maun West and Batawana Kgosikgolo, Tawana Moremi while addressing a kgotla meeting on Monday where he also said they had already served Tawana Land Board with the notice.
Moremi said a consultation forum which they had agreed to have with the government had failed to materialize hence the decision to seek legal recourse. ...
G: Moremi Game Reserve is not a National Park. It was declared a Game Reserve in 1960 when the widow of Chief Moremi asked for government help to protect part of the Okavango Delta, known as the Mopane Tongue. In 1970s Chiefs Island was added and fi nally in 1992 another strip between Jao and Nqoga rivers increased Moremi to its present size.
In another development:
Govt to grow citizens participation in tourismMmegi
The minister of Environment, Wildlife and Tourism, Tshekedi Khama has revealed that government is set to increase citizen participation in tourism in The Okavango Delta.
Khama told Mmegi Business that some tourism concessions in the delta will in future be sub-divided to make more room for citizens willing to participate in the tourism sector in the area.
“Lack of investment capital is one of the reasons explaining why Batswana’s participation is low in the Okavango Delta. However, foreign companies should also be applauded for building the tourism sector in the Okavango and they will continue to be allowed to do business in the area,”Khama said.
Kwando Carnivore Project
Yesterday we held our fi rst HRM farmer information day in the Mudumu South Complex. Hans Fwelimbi (Lion Coordinator) hosted the small group at his garden in the Wuparo conservancy. I did a presentation on how lion/livestock confl ict and mitigation had led us to concepts like Conservation Agriculture (CA) and Holistic Rangeland Management. These concepts are relatively new in our region so we are starting with a pilot project involving a handful of farmers. The group watched a short movie on the HRM concept and then we carried out a practical exercise in Han’s fi eld. We worked out the size of mobile kraal needed for each farmer based on the number of cattle he owned. Cattle need to be housed at high density for short periods of time to nutrify cropping fi elds. The most exciting part for me was listening to the exchange of ideas between the farmers themselves on how to solve problems such as stocking ratio for calves for dairy farming and optimising ploughing and planting techniques to get the best result from environmental conditions and the newly nutrifi ed fi elds. I am very excited about the future of this project.
NAMIBIA
From the Desert Lion Conservation Project
13 Jun 2016. Confl ict. When the fi ve male lions (the “Musketeers”) moved past the temporary cattle post (12 km west of Tomakas) two days ago a human-lion confl ict incident occurred somewhere between the cattle post and Otjizeka spring. The exact details of the incident are still unclear. Deep inside a Salvadora thicket at Otjizeka spring Xpl-89 “Harry” died of a mortal bullet wound to the chest during the early morning hours on 12 Jun 2016. When the remaining four lions were observed at sunset, two of the males showed signs of injuries. Xpl-92 “Adolf” had a new wound on his right cheek and Xpl-91 “Ben” appeared to have a bullet wound. The photos below suggest that he may have been shot in the lower stomach. It would appear that the bullet passed straight through. The Ministry of Environment & Tourism was informed of the developments. The Purros Conservancy, MET, IRDNC, Okahirongo Elephant Lodge and DLP are all working together to defuse the tense situation.
14 Jun 2016. Xpl-89 “Harry”. Finding the carcass of Xpl-89 inside the Salvadora thickets was challenging and required crawling for approximately 30 metres through the thick undergrowth. An autopsy was performed on the carcass and biological samples were collected. The lion died quickly from a single gunshot to the chest. The bullet passed through the heart and lungs. The remaining four male lions were monitored closely and the bullet wound to Xpl-91 “Ben” does not appear to be serious. Two Okongwe lionesses joined the males during the night and after sunrise they were all observed scaling the tall mountains to the south of the Gomatum valley.
SCORES of people took part in the Brandberg Rhino Run and Cycle Tour last weekend in aid of the Save the Rhino Trust, which organisers have described as very successful.
ANGOLA
South Afri-CAN
The Free State is snowed over but it didn’t stop this bunch, who were seen frolicking in their “pyjamas” at The Golden Gate National Park. Zebras playing in snow... only in Africa!
SOUTH AFRICA
Peace Parks Foundation Advert
KAVANGO ZAMBEZI TRANSFRONTIER CONSERVATION AREATECHNICAL ADVISORS FOR LUENGUE-LUIANA AND MAVINGA NATIONAL PARKS, ANGOLA (TWO POSITIONS)These are contractual positions of three (3) years’ duration with six (6) month probation period, and are tenable in Luenge-Luiana National Park and Mavinga National Park, Angola.
The main purpose of the positions is to: Support the Ministry of Environment with the development and effective management of the Luenge-Luiana and Mavinga National Parks.
African Wildlife Foundation
Incredibly proud of these AWF-trained dog-and-handler teams—last week, the Kenya Wildlife Service canine unit seized 500 kilogrammes of pangolin scales!
KENYA
OTHER STUFFNo deserving winner for African Leadership awardFrom SABC
There is again no winner for the coveted prize for Achievement in African Leadership awarded by the Mo Ibrahim Founda-tion. The $5 million prize is awarded to a democratically elected leader on the continent who governed well, raised living standards and then voluntarily left offi ce.
It is the brain child of Sudan-born telecoms entrepreneur Mo Ibrahim. The award was launched 10 years ago but only four African presidents have walked away with the prize.
This year’s no award comes as a number of African Presidents have chosen to extend their stay in offi ce by changing the Constitution and others have contested elections to continue their decades long rule.
Chairperson of the foundation, Mo Ibrahim, says they deliberately set a very high bar for the prize to shine the spotlight on outstanding leadership to provide role models across society.
The prize money is supposed to allow the winner to continue sharing their wisdom and experience with the continent.
Former Presidents who have been honoured are Hifi kepunye Pohamba of Namibia, Festus Mogae of Botswana, Joaquim Chissano of Mozambique and Pedro Pires of Cape Verde.
Former President Nelson Mandela was the inaugural honorary Laureate in 2007.
Population Matters
Population Matters patron David Attenborough is concerned by 230,000 new humans (after deaths) being added to the planet daily.
To Hunt or not to Hunt
Hunting, it seems, is always in the news now since the killing of Cecil, the lion, in Zimbabwe. The question is: To Hunt or not to Hunt.
From the New York Times
Advocates of trophy hunting, and even the United States government, have long justifi ed the killing of protected wildlife in Africa by saying that taxes and fees from the hunts help pay for larger conservation efforts.
But a new report by the Democratic staff of the House Natural Resources Committee challenges those claims, fi nding little evidence that the money is being used to help threatened species, mostly because of rampant corruption in some countries and poorly managed wildlife programs. It concludes that trophy hunting may be contributing to the extinction of certain animals. ...
The 25-page House report, called “Missing the Mark,” says that while poaching remains the gravest threat to animals like lions, rhinoceroses and leopards, “trophy hunting also removes a signifi cant number of animals from these rapidly declining populations.” ...
In theory, elaborate big-game hunts — which can cost tens of thousands of dollars, including trophy fees, professional guide payments, transportation and lodging — could help poor countries maintain robust conservation programs and give aid to residents. In the past, the money has been used to repair degraded environments, and the revenue from trophy hunting has been seen as deterring local residents from killing animals because they consider them a nuisance or a danger.
However, the report says, “In assessing the fl ow of trophy hunting revenue to conservation efforts, we found many troubling examples of funds’ either being diverted from their purpose or not being dedicated to conservation in the fi rst place. ...
But hunting does operate side by side with photographic safaris as long as it is done professionally and ethically. Here is a list of some African countries and their hunting operations:
SOUTH AFRICA – Hunting mostly on private farms. Hunters can hunt almost anything.
NAMIBIA – Hunting mostly on private land. Also, community conservancies rely on income from hunting
ZIMBABWE – Hunting areas similar to Zambia’s GMAs. Conservancies used to work well under their CAMPFIRE Programme, but has since declined. Wildlife in the Hunting Safari Areas has declined.
TANZANIA –Hunting in hunting blocks – mostly government controlled. (100,000 elephants killed by poachers between 2010 and 2012.) Hunters can kill most things including elephant.
BOTSWANA – Hunting banned in 2014.
ZAMBIA – Hunting re-opened. No large cats or elephants on the list. Hunting in Game Management Areas and private land.
MOZAMBIQUE – Hunting allowed including elephants and lions in mostly government-controlled land. (From The Great Elephant Census: This preliminary data suggests alarming news; elephant populations appear to have plummeted in many traditional habitats including Niassa Reserve, Limpopo National Park, Quirimbas National Park, Tchuma Tchato and The Tete area. It appears from this preliminary data that in fi ve years there has been a 48% decline in Mozambique due to severe poaching, with formerly elephant-rich ecosystems such as the Niassa Reserve experiencing losses of 63% in three years.)
MALAWI – on private reserves only and includes hippo and crocodile.
KENYA – Hunting banned in 1973.
UGANDA –Hunting of antelope, pigs, baboons, zebra. Elephant population is growing, now at 5,000.
ANGOLA – No hunting
DRC – hunting of antelope, hog and buffalo only. DRC is still recovering from its long civil war, so wildlife areas are severely under threat from poaching and degradation.
We do need to be worried about hunting reducing populations of our wildlife, especially when it is on government controlled land. If the animals are owned by the hunter, he will not allow his best breeding individuals to be shot but this is generally not the case in government controlled land. Our biggest and best elephant have long-gone to the poacher or hunter as have most of our prized animals. I feel that if the hunter is also the owner, then hunting can be good for a country, but otherwise it tends not to be.
