Johnny Rodrigues is Chairman of the Zimbabwe Conservation Task Force, formed in April 2001 by a group of Zimbabweans, who were desperately concerned about the unacceptable levels of poaching as well as the destruction of the environment due to the break down of law and order in Zimbabwe.
During the " land grab " in Zimbabwe, it was not only agricultural land that was targeted. A large percentage of private game ranches and conservancies have also been confiscated, leaving the wildlife to the mercy of war vets. Several conservancies are now completely devoid of wildlife.
It is estimated that more than 90% of the game in private game ranches has been lost to poachers and illegal hunters during the last five years. The loss in conservancies is estimated to be 60% and in national parks almost 40%. The slaughter of wildlife in Zimbabwe continues unabated.
It is estimated that game ranches have lost between 80% and 90% of wildlife to poachers and the larger conservancies, have lost around 60%. Some game ranchers have reported that they do not have a single animal left.
Some of these game ranches and conservancies are home to endangered species. The poachers do not discriminate between endangered and common species. The Painted Dog, an endangered species previously hand reared on a conservancy in Gwayi near Victoria Falls, has been totally eliminated.
On a conservancy in Matabeleland, it is estimated that almost 50% of their Black Rhino, also an endangered species, has been slaughtered by so called " war vets ".
In many cases, wild animals are caught in wire snares and left to die an agonizing lingering death. Very often the perpetrators do not return to the snares to collect the meat - they merely leave it to rot. What could possibly be the purpose of this madness?
One method used by war vets/poachers to capture and kill animals is to force an animal into a corner, utilizing hunting dogs. Once the animal is cornered the poachers spear it with assegais which are made from metal rods stolen from bore holes. Frequently, the terrified animal frantically tries to escape with the embedded spears protruding from its body. It tries to run between the trees but the assegais prevent it from moving any further. In a desperate attempt to free itself, it pushes through the trees causing the assegais to tear its insides out.
Johnny writes - "Until five years ago, road signs were posted everywhere in Zimbabwe, Africa. They alerted motorists to the presence of wildlife. In fact, it was very rare to travel from Harare to Beit Bridge without having to slow down or stop for a kudu, giraffe or elephant. This was part of the beauty and excitement of travelling through Zimbabwe. Today the warning signs have been removed — there is no longer any need for them. Every day, another strong and vibrant creature is caught, tortured, shot or maimed for its skin and other body parts."
(read less)Johnny Rodrigues is Chairman of the Zimbabwe Conservation Task Force, formed in April 2001 by a group of Zimbabweans, who were desperately concerned about the unacceptable levels of poaching as well as the destruction of the environment due to the break down of law and order in Zimbabwe.
During the " land grab " in Zimbabwe, it was not only agricultural land that was targeted. A large percentage of private game ranches and conservancies have also been confiscated, leaving the wildlife to the...
(read more)
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