Chronicle Editor
Fairness Moyana recently in Dete
THE Covid-19 pandemic hugely affected wildlife conservation efforts, as poaching activities increased in the wake of restrictive movements during the various levels of lockdowns.
Painted Dog Conservation (PDC) operations manager Mr David Kuvawoga told a Wildlife Ranger Challenge in Dete last week that poaching increased in most wildlife sanctuaries in the country as rangers were incapacitated.
The Wildlife Ranger Challenge is a 21km race by rangers across terrain of Africa’s protected areas
“The Covid-19 crisis has eliminated essential funding for wildlife protection that comes from tourism. We also saw a rise in poaching caused by the economic stresses of Covid-19 on communities and reduced ranger presence has resulted in an increase in poaching. The threat is expected to increase further if ranger capacity is not increased and international borders opened,” said Kuvawoga.
He said rangers are stretched to capacity due to continuous cuts in resources and an increase in poaching as a result of the devastating economic impact of the pandemic.
The Wildlife Ranger Challenge will support rangers to safeguard the continent’s iconic wildlife, as the pressures on Africa’s protected areas threaten to compromise decades of development and conservation success through a continental wide collapse of tourism.
As a response to the devastation that the virus has had on livelihoods of wildlife rangers, Kuvawoga said a fundraising campaign was launched to support them.
“A global campaign #ForwildlifeRanger will use the power of ranger voices, influencers and celebrities to issue a call for public support for Africa’s rangers by donating to the Ranger Fund or by taking part in the Wildlife Ranger Challenge in solidarity wherever they are in the world. As Painted Dog Conservation, we committed from the onset to ride this wave together with our rangers. We had no retrenchments, but instead co-opted the Mabale volunteer communities to increase boots on the ground and mitigate the surge in poaching.
“This is the spirit we take into the Wildlife Ranger Challenge; one of collaboration, engagement and support for the rangers and communities across Africa. I am encouraged by Zimbabwe’s corporate world; Nyaradzo has been a trailblazer, supporting Conservation, especially this Wildlife Ranger Challenge. We certainly hope that they have set the pace and others will follow,” Kuvawoga said.
Nyaradzo Group donated groceries to 45 Mabale community anti-poaching volunteers, while PDC gave them new uniforms.
Rangers participating in the 21km race from Miombo Camp to Lupote Business Centre were led by WRC Ambassador, Ms Rumbidzai Takawira, a champion for conservation and wildlife.
The Wildlife Ranger Challenge, which is in its second year, brings together rangers from more than 120 African countries in a series of mental and physical challenges.
The challenge is a reflection of the vital work rangers provide for the conservation and protection of wildlife.
Rangers do this work without a second thought despite spending a lot of time away from their families and the risks they face from wildlife and poachers.
The event was also supported by the Forestry Commission, Zimparks, Ganda Lodge, Hwange Safari Lodge, Tikki Hywood Trust and local businesses.
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