The weather is warming up in Hwange and the migratory birds are arriving back for the summer – among them these beautiful yellow-billed kites. Please visit our website and check out the “Our News” tab for more detailed reports and articles of interest.
ANTI-POACHING UPDATE
The removal of illegally cut timber is still a big problem in some areas. Of major concern is the hard wood cut for the furniture and charcoal trades. The tables below summarise our anti-poaching activities so far this year.
FIRE BREAKS
After the rains Forestry Commission must re-establish hundreds of kilometres of firebreaks throughout the forests bordering Hwange National Park. These firebreaks are to slow or stop the progress of a bushfire should one break out. Every year CWF contribute fuel and rations to this operation and help with transport and logistics. It is a hot, exhausting exercise for weeks on end, and we salute the men and women on the ground for their hard work.
GIN TRAPS
In July one of our joint patrols recovered a spring-jaw (aka gin) trap. These traps can be primed and buried under sand and when the animal stands on the pressure plate the jaws slam shut and catch the animal by the leg. The trap can also be baited, and the jaws will catch the head of the unfortunate animal. Due to the strength of the steel jaws and wicked teeth it’s almost impossible to escape and the animal endures incredible suffering until it perishes from starvation or lack of water or the owner of the trap kills them.
WILDLIFE RANGER CHALLENGE
CWF participated in the 2021 Wildlife Ranger Challenge on 18 September when over 2,000 rangers from 125 protected areas in 24 countries ran to raise awareness and funds for Rangers across Africa. We are proud of our four CWF Scouts who ran the 21km challenge, loaded with 22kg packs, in exactly 3 hours! Thanks to our supporters who gave so generously and to National Foods for donating the 22kg contents of the back packs.
THANK YOU!
