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Zimbabwe Conservation Task Force Report
Zimbabwe Conservation Task Force (ZCTF)
May 06, 2004

Six more rhino killed
Since December, 4 rhino have been killed by poachers in the Sinamatella Intensive Protection Zone bringing the death toll in this area to 30. A further 2 rhino were shot by poachers in December at Save Valley.

Poaching in Kariba
We have had numerous reports from Kariba residents that the army and the airforce are using helicopters to carry dead animals from the National Parks areas to their camps. The residents have seen quite clearly, buffalo and other plains game suspended from the helicopters as they fly overhead.

Settlers in Gonorezhou
Parts of Gonorezhou Game Reserve are still occupied by settlers, despite assurances by the Minister of Environment and Natural Resources that he would remove them.

Game farmers shot
An elderly couple were shot recently, by a band of marauders on their small game farm close to Harare. Fortunately the couple survived the attack and were rushed to hospital with bullet wounds. However, they are now afraid to return to the farm to tend to their animals, duiker and steenbok which are now at the mercy of the marauders. In addition to this, their medical bills exceed 11 million dollars and they now plan on selling the animals to try and raise the money to pay the hospital.

A safe place has been found for the animals to move to but funds are needed, firstly to pay for the animals and secondly to capture and transport them to the safe area. The ZCTF has been asked for assistance in this case.

South African tourists arrested
In the wake of the Zimbabwean government's concerted efforts to encourage tourists to visit Zimbabwe, a group of 9 South African tourists were arrested recently in the Mana Pools area. They were apparently accused of not having a permit to operate a motor boat on the Zambezi River, and despite the fact that they had all the necessary permits, were subjected to lengthy interrogations by the CIO and other Zimbabwean officials.

Zebra relocation
On a happier note, the zebra and impala which we recently moved to a safe place are doing extremely well and have settled down happily in their new home. Unfortunately, we were unable to raise enough funds to capture the 4 blesbuck which we hope are still alive.

Hunting ban
The ZCTF is extremely concerned about the fact that hunting continues in Zimbabwe regardless of the reduced wildlife population. Since the land invasions began, the wildlife has been slaughtered indiscriminately at an alarming rate and it seems incredible that hunting quotas are still being issued even though it is not known how many animals are left here.

We are therefore appealing to all concerned people and organizations to join us in trying to move the authorities to impose a total ban on all hunting for a year, during which time a proper game count could be done. We would then know whether or not we have sufficient animals to sustain the hunting industry, and if so, quotas could be issued based on accurate information.

Johnny Rodrigues
Chairman for Zimbabwe Conservation Task Force

Visit the ZCTF fact sheet

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