Poaching Crisis Threatens Zimbabwe’s Wildlife Su...

Poaching Crisis Threatens Zimbabwe’s Wildlife Survival

Rutendo Mazhindu – Zim Now Reporter

Poaching continues to pose a grave threat to Zimbabwe’s wildlife, with crude wire snares and targeted killings leaving a trail of destruction across the country’s national parks and conservancies.

In a recent incident in Victoria Falls, a young elephant calf was rescued after being trapped in a wire snare. The calf suffered deep leg wounds and was only saved following a week-long search and intervention by the Victoria Falls Anti-Poaching Unit.

“This young pachyderm was first spotted almost a week ago by some guides while out on safari,” VFAPU said in a statement. “It took several hours to locate the small herd and successfully dart both the injured calf and its mother, who refused to leave her baby’s side.”

Though snares are often intended for bushmeat species such as antelope, they frequently ensnare unintended victims — including elephants, lions, and endangered wildlife. In this case, VFAPU confirmed that the snare, likely set for a large antelope, had caused severe trauma to the elephant’s leg.

“Snapping the snare off wasn’t the hard part — but the damage left behind by the tight wire was clearly visible,” the organisation said.

Research indicates that up to 90% of animals caught in snares die slow, painful deaths from infection, dehydration, or starvation. The crude traps, often left behind after a single kill, continue to pose fatal risks to other wildlife.

According to the Zimbabwe Parks and Wildlife Management Authority, over 200 elephants were lost in 2024 due to poaching and culling. In June 2025, ZimParks authorised the culling of at least 50 elephants in the Save Valley Conservancy, citing overpopulation and escalating human-wildlife conflict.

“We currently have about 2,500 elephants in an area that can sustainably support only 800,” said ZimParks spokesperson Tinashe Farawo. “We had no option but to act.”

Farawo acknowledged that while ivory poaching has slowed in recent years—thanks to stricter enforcement and international cooperation—bushmeat poaching using wire snares remains widespread, especially in economically strained rural communities.

“Poaching is still a major concern,” he said. “We are intensifying anti-poaching patrols and expanding community engagement efforts.”

As Zimbabwe continues to balance conservation, population pressures, and community livelihoods, the fight against poaching remains a race against time to protect the country’s iconic wildlife.