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ZCTF
Report - August 2009
Zimbabwe Conservation Task Force (ZCTF)
August 29, 2009
Appeal
for M99
Almost a year ago, some
of you very kindly responded to our appeal for funds to buy M99,
the tranquilizer required in snare removals. We were able to purchase
12 vials of the drug and thanks to those who assisted with funds,
many animals have been saved from an agonizing, lingering death.
The "Father of Mana", Oliver is still thriving after his
wounded leg was treated with the help of M99. We received these
photos of him from Neville and Yvonne Edwards who saw him in July
this year.
We would like to thank the Kariba residents for their efforts in
preserving the wildlife, in particular, Colin Horsley, Steve Kok,
Geoff Blythe and the Clements family.
In June this year, Colin Horsley used his own aircraft to fly to
Mana Pools to collect Norman Monks to do a snare removal on a zebra
in Kariba. The cost of this exercise was over USD1 000, which included
fuel for the plane, landing, enroute and departure fees. He flew
Norman back to Mana Pools after the snare removal was done and we
would like to thank Colin most sincerely for this wonderful gesture.
Thanks also to Norman Monks who had done several snare removals
in the Kariba area and to Geoff Blythe who tracks down the snared
animals and organizes for the snares to be removed.
The poaching and snaring situation in Kariba is becoming critical.
There are currently an elephant, 2 buffalo, and 4 zebras walking
around with snares embedded in their flesh and Geoff Blythe has
reported that National Parks have recently retrieved over 100 wire
snares from the bush in the Charara area and about the same number
from the Mopani Bay area.
The Clements family in Kariba have been playing an important role
in the preservation of the wildlife in Kariba. Brice Clements does
patrols in his microlite to find the locations of the biggest concentrations
of animals and then reports back to National Parks who go in on
foot and scour the areas for snares.
Steve Kok of Charara is also doing an amazing job of trying to combat
the poaching problem. He transports National Parks scouts to various
areas to look for snares and supplies them with rations, fuel and
outboard oil. The ZCTF donated $200 to him last month to try and
help him with funds and we are hoping to be able to assist him on
a monthly basis.
Our stocks of M99 are now running very low. We have ordered another
10 vials and we are trying to raise USD3 275 to pay for it. If anyone
is in a position to assist us with funds, we would be extemely grateful.
We have a proforma invoice and if anyone would like to see it, please
contact us.
Rhino poaching
It is common knowledge that the rhino poaching situation is critical.
At the turn of the century, there were over 50 black rhinos in Midlands
Conservancy and we were shocked to hear, about 2 or 3 years ago
that there were only 21 left. The latest report is even more disturbing.
It is alleged that there are now only 5 rhinos left there.
We have received these photos of 2 rhinos killed this year. It is
believed that organized poaching syndicates, involving certain members
of the government, police and defence forces are responsible for
the deaths of the rhino.
Visit the ZCTF
fact
sheet
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