Fw: ZCTF Report - August 2009

[Guest guest]

- Johnny Rodrigues

Undisclosed recipient

Saturday, August 29, 2009 2:51 PM

ZCTF Report - August 2009

 

 

 

ZIMBABWE CONSERVATION TASK FORCE

 

 

 

28th August 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. Our contact details are below.

 

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. In one photo, you can see the AK47 bullet shells that were found in the vicinity of the carcass. 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.

 

 

 

 

 

Johnny RodriguesChairman for Zimbabwe Conservation Task ForceLandline: 263 4 336710Landline/Fax: 263 4 339065Mobile: 263 11 603 213Email: galorandWebsite: www.zctf.mweb.co.zwWebsite: www.zimbabwe-art.com