Quarterly Operations Report - July/September 2024
It does seem as though the Universe is in double warp speed up mode this year – just the other day we were compiling the newsletter for the quarter ending in June, and now all of a sudden, we are in October! The year is just flying by, and the busier we are, the faster it seems to fly.
Thankfully, and as a direct consequence of the daily patrols our rangers carry out (averaging 60kms per day), we are happy to report that the poachers laying illegal wire snares in our area have found themselves outnumbered, and have largely abandoned their efforts to join the bushmeat trade – from 2269 snares recovered in April, May and June of this year, to 205 for the past 3 months is a huge success – our efforts continue unabated, however, as even that is 205 too many. As you will see from our stats, we lost 8 animals this quarter – all of them impala, all caught in snares and astoundingly, none of the meat was retrieved by the snare layers. Every patrol that returns to Base now, hot and weary, but without a grisly harvest of wire snares, is a jubilant patrol.
And, on the topic of patrols, we were very grateful last month to receive brand new boots, donated by Jim Green footwear, organised by The Tashinga Initiative (Lynne Taylor). Good, sturdy, comfortable boots are, without a doubt, the most important piece of our rangers’ uniform – and, the generosity did not stop with Jim Green, as, quite out of the blue, a wonderful supporter of ours all the way from the UK, Tessa Naran, contacted us, saying the following:
“I recently read about the number of snare traps being found by your rangers and the horrific injuries they are causing the wildlife out in Zimbabwe. Your rangers are doing a terrific and admirable job protecting the wildlife.”
And with that, sent us a brand-new pair of leather Altberg boots – very sturdy and beautifully made, and we are keeping them separate for whoever our Ranger of the Year is for 2024!
Rangers try on their brand-new Jim Green boots
Another very exciting piece of news, which will have far reaching effects on our theatre of influence, is that we have finally signed an MoU with Zimparks, which has been a long time in the concept phase. This is an extremely important agreement, that will allow us, accompanied by Parks rangers, to increase our activities, particularly on the Lake. Also, we will now be an even tougher force to be reckoned with, as our land and lake patrols will also comprise members of the Army, Police Support Unit plus ourselves. An MoU allows us greater coverage into areas which were formerly restricted, especially on the lake, which forms part of the Parks and Wildlife Estate. It also caters for indemnity clauses, which would otherwise prevent non-signatories from operating efficiently. It also clarifies roles and responsibilities, and promotes joint problem-solving and decision making, as well as demonstrates commitment and intention to collaborate on matters of mutual concern.
The old African proverb comes to mind here – “ if you want to go fast, go alone , if you want to go far, go together”
Go far - go together!
Whilst on the subject of exciting news, we were thrilled to be awarded The 2024 Environmental Award by AZTA – the Association of Zimbabwe Travel Agents. This is awarded annually in recognition of work done which helps to promote Zimbabwe as a tourist destination – as beautiful as our area is, foreign guests visit to see the incredible variety of game, not just to gaze at unforgettable sunsets! We see the results of our protection year after year, as previously rare species return, and our existing population expands – the animals know where they are safe.
Moredays, Lovemore and Chris proudly hold their award certificate
On the topic of rare species returning - an extremely interesting sighting, caught on a camera trap sponsored by African Bush Camps Foundation (ABCF), was a serval – a species not having been seen in the Bumi area for over 10 years. We see their cousins – the caracal – more often, so this is really exciting indeed!
Serval, caught on a camera trap sponsored by African Bush Camps Foundation
And finally, the best news of all – ‘Blondie’, the lion who was so desperately ill a couple of months ago, and whom we helped on his way to recovery, is back to full mane-bristling strength – he and his brother ‘Scarface’, continue to cut a swathe through the lionesses of the Matusadona National Park, and return here to Bumi every couple of weeks to treat us to concerts of truly earth-shattering roars – a sound we listen to with unalloyed gratitude.
