Anti-poaching group embarks on mission to eradicate wire snares

Victor Sibanda

VICTORIA FALLS-Nestled in the heart of the majestic Victoria Falls region lies the Matetsi Conservancy, a haven for wildlife and a testament to the beauty of nature. This pristine wilderness, spanning hundreds of square kilometers, is home to a diverse array of flora and fauna, attracting tourists from around the globe who come to witness its awe-inspiring landscapes and remarkable wildlife.

Amidst this natural splendor, a dark and dangerous threat looms – wire snares. These treacherous traps, often set by poachers, pose a grave risk to the wildlife that roams freely within the conservancy and this is also threat to the development of tourism in the Matabelaland Province. Wire snares are indiscriminate, capturing anything that comes into their lethal grasp – from majestic elephants to agile antelope, from graceful giraffes to vulnerable predators. The issue of wire snares is not unique to Matetsi Conservancy, but its impact here is particularly devastating as it negatively affects employment and infrastructural growth. The conservancy serves as a vital corridor for wildlife migration, enabling animals to traverse across vast expanses of land. However, as they journey through this natural highway, many fall victim to the hidden snares, their lives cut short and their presence sorely missed. 

Recognizing the urgency of the situation, a group of dedicated conservationists and local communities led by Wisdom Bushe Neshavi, have joined forces to combat this menace. Neshavi of a conservation group known as Akatoie Anti-Poaching armed with courage, compassion, and a deep-rooted love for wildlife and embarked on a heroic mission to remove wire snares from the Matetsi Conservancy, one snare at a time from the 1st to the 15th of March, 2024.

” Akatoie Anti- poaching movement is a voluntary non-profit making entity and our thrust is to conscientise the youth and the old on the importance of conservation so that our flora and fauna survives future generations. I expect a large number of volunteers to partake in the walk. We will feed the walkers for two weeks. We will get to the farms and game parks areas where we will search for snares and de-activate them,” said Neshavi adding that in a similar campaign recently they apprehended poachers and handed them over  to the police for prosecution.

Akatoie Anti-poaching establishment said that its major target are the youths. Neshavi said: ” Youths needs exposure so that they appreciate the aesthetic value of the environment. We started the anti-poaching walk in 2009 so as to promote and develop the tourism industry. Once our fauna and flora is depleted we are likely to lose a lot international tourists because there will be nothing to come here for. Poaching reduces wildlife and hunters have lamented that substandard trophies are obtained from poor quality species due to poaching.” 

Ekatoie works in partnership with the Zimbabwe Parks and Wildlife in the campaigns against poaching.

Former teacher and environmentalist , Nqobile Mkwananzi of the famed conservation 500km walk from Victoria Falls to Matopo last year said the Ekatoie Conservation walk is brilliant. 

“A brilliant initiative, however, I wish there was a quota in the number of participants reserved for matetsi community members who can’t afford but are willing to participate in this anti-poaching initiative. There should also cater for secondary learners so that they can cater for them as the timing is not good as they are in school, they should perhaps have a mini camp for them during holiday,” said Mr Mkwananzi. 

But their work goes beyond mere removal of snares. Ekatoie anti-poaching heroes also engage in extensive community outreach, educating local residents about the importance of wildlife conservation and the devastating consequences of snaring. By fostering a sense of shared responsibility and raising awareness about sustainable practices, they strive to create a future where humans and wildlife can coexist harmoniously.

It is enshrined in the Parks and Wildlife Act Chapter 20:14  that communities may come up with conservation committees to be watchdogs against poaching and plundering of natural resources. Poaching impedes on economic development as uncontrolled plundering of wildlife is detrimental to tourism. 

Wildlife is an integral part of our planet and this explains why Victoria Falls was confered with the World Heritage Status by The United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) in 1989. It is a source of beauty, wonder, and inspiration for many people.  

Unfortunately, the poaching of animals for their meat and hides has led to the use of wire snares, which are a lethal threat to many animals and plants. It is a cruel and inhumane practice that has decimated populations of wild animals in many parts of Zimbabwe.