Online Reporter
Ivan Zhakata
Herald Correspondent
Zimbabwe has reaffirmed its commitment to protecting rhinoceroses and securing their habitats, with the country’s rhino population growth surpassing the five percent annual target set under the previous management framework.
The Zimbabwe Parks and Wildlife Management Authority (ZimParks) said the country was strengthening anti-poaching measures, scientific monitoring and regional cooperation as it joined the international community in commemorating World Rhino Day.
World Rhino Day, observed annually on September 22 since 2011, raises awareness of the threats facing rhinos, particularly poaching and habitat loss.
In a statement, ZimParks public relations manager, Mr Luckmore Safuli, said Zimbabwe has recorded significant conservation progress, including the return of critically endangered black rhinos to Matusadonha National Park this year.
“A landmark conservation achievement in 2026 was the return of critically endangered black rhinos to Matusadonha National Park,” Mr Safuli said.
“This landmark reintroduction, carried out through meticulously planned capture and translocation operations, highlights the effectiveness of coordinated planning, veterinary oversight, and rigorous post-release monitoring.”
He said the growth in the rhino population was being supported by modern technologies, including satellite telemetry, camera traps and DNA profiling, which were strengthening evidence-based wildlife management.
Mr Safuli said the Rhino Management Strategy for Zimbabwe remained the country’s guiding framework for rhino protection, biological management, law enforcement, capacity building and collaboration, although the strategy was now due for review.
Site-specific plans for Kyle, Matusadonha, Matobo and other priority reserves are being used to translate the national strategy into practical measures, including habitat management, veterinary care, anti-poaching operations and community engagement.
Mr Safuli said regional cooperation was also critical in tackling organised wildlife crime, with Zimbabwe working through the Southern African Development Community (SADC) on cross-border law enforcement, joint patrols, intelligence sharing and the disruption of trafficking networks.
“Rhino protection cannot stop at national borders,” he said.
Zimbabwe is also participating in international conservation frameworks, including CITES and the Convention on Biological Diversity, while partnerships in wildlife forensics, canine capacity, intelligence-led investigations and conservation financing are being expanded.
Going forward, ZimParks plans to intensify intelligence-led anti-poaching operations, expand technology-driven monitoring, strengthen veterinary capacity and undertake carefully assessed wildlife translocations.
The authority also plans to restore habitats and wildlife corridors while increasing community participation, sustainable livelihood opportunities and links between local enterprises, wildlife stewardship and tourism value chains.
Mr Safuli called for sustained support from Government, regional and international partners, donors, businesses, tourism operators and citizens.
“Protecting Zimbabwe’s rhinos safeguards the nation’s ecosystems, livelihoods and natural heritage,” he said.
“ZimParks remains committed to science-based conservation and strong partnerships that secure thriving rhino populations for future generations.”
