adminIvan Zhakata
Herald Correspondent
ANNUAL game counts are crucial for supporting conservation initiatives in Zimbabwe through providing and using up-to-date data, a local organisation, Wildlife and Environment Zimbabwe (WEZ), has said.
The counts, held annually in September and October around the full moon, have been conducted since 1973 in Hwange, Mana Pools and Gonarezhou National parks.
They provide valuable information to the Zimbabwe National Parks and Wildlife Management Authority (ZimParks).
In a statement, WEZ said the collected data helped assess game population sizes, identify trends and changes in these populations, and monitor the health and behaviour of wildlife.
The counts offered insights into the status of vegetation and water availability.
“The first game count was held in 1973, initiated by the then Department of National Parks and Wildlife Management. The Matabeleland branch of the Wildlife Society enthusiastically responded to the call for volunteers, resulting in a successful count with 25 participants.
“Since then, the game count has been conducted annually, providing over 50 years of continuous data and attracting approximately 300 participants each year.
“The Mana Pools game count was established in 1993 by the Makonde branch of The Wildlife Society and has been continued by the WEZ Mashonaland branch since the Makonde branch disbanded,” said the statement.
WEZ said Gonarezhou National Park, known for its large elephant population, had been included in the game counts since the 1990s.
In addition to wildlife, WEZ said Gonarezhou offered stunning landscapes, including the iconic Chilojo Cliffs.
Online Reporter