"All animals should be provided the fair opportunity to live freely in their natural habitat."
We are a strong force of dedicated men and women that have taken up arms to wage a war against poaching. As custodians, our efforts speak out on behalf of the voiceless wildlife under our watch:
Our rangers undergo intensive military training in the toughest of conditions to prepare them physically and mentally to defend Zimbabwe’s wildlife heritage. Ours is an undeclared war, requiring our forces to be up to the task at all times. Since independence, our country applies various measures to protect vulnerable species. Guided by management plans these measures have directly contributed to the phenomenal recovery of elephant populations among other species.
We also wage war against climate change.
The adverse shifts in temperatures and weather patterns are evident, and the direct impact on animals is there for all to see. Diminishing water sources, loss of habitat and veld fires are some of the elements we fight against, a massive feat which requires immediate and collective action.
Spatial Monitoring and Reporting Tool
In addition to setting fireguards and identifying water solutions, our rangers are instrumental in the collection of scientific data for the management of invasive species, mapping of habitats and home ranges; fire management and siting of specially protected and endangered species using the Spatial Monitoring and Reporting Tool (SMART).
Law Enforcement and Antipoaching Strategy
However, our efforts are not in isolation. Zimbabwe collaborates with her neighbours, especially for shared species such as the African Elephant to undertake joint antipoaching efforts. These are guided at international cooperation bodies such as the Southern African Development Community with initiatives such as the Law Enforcement and Antipoaching (LEAP) Strategy.