CONSERVATION NEWS
Elephant Killed by Poachers
Sub-Adult Killed by Poachers
On April 22, 2024, an elephant was poached in the Upper Lupande Game Management Area in Zambia.
The poached elephant was a sub adult and was discovered with its tusk intact. The carcass was found near a watering hole, indicating the elephant was targeted while vulnerable.
Traces of poachers were found at the scene, including gunpowder, as well as tracks leading away from site.
The Principal Park Rangers from DNPW and other law enforcement authorities were immediately notified of the incident.
A specialized combined investigation team has been dispatched to gather evidence and conduct a thorough investigation to identify and apprehend the perpetrators.
The carcass has been taken to the DNPW for the further examinations.
Ranger Killed in the Line of Duty!
On April 4, 2024, Community Ranger (Scout) Boniface Mposha, from the Mphuka Community Resources Board was attached and axed to death by poachers in the Rufunsa Disrict, Luangwa Game Management Area. The poachers got away with the Ranger's loaded AK-47 and are currently on the run.
The Ranger was 33 when he was attacked and was a dedicated and committed Ranger employed by Mphuka Community Resources Board! His death has had a profound impact on his family, colleagues, and the broader conservation community.
In light of this tragic event, it is imperative to strengthen our efforts to protect wildlife and our Rangers from poaching-related threats. This includes enhancing security measures, providing adequate training and equipment to Rangers and, providing 4x4 vehicles and implementing stricter penalties for poachers.
The brutal murder of Boniface Mposha serves as a stark reminder of the dangers faced by our Rangers who dedicate their lives to protecting wildlife. It underscores the urgent need for greater collaboration, resources, and determination in the fight against illegal poaching activities.
As we mourn the loss of the gallant Ranger, let us renew our commitment to safeguarding our natural heritage for future generations!
From the Field: Another Gun turned in!
Back in April, 2024, the Ranger Team received a homemade shotgun from a young man who voluntarily surrendered it to us after spending much of his youth as a poacher.
He made his decision clear to the team, that after self introspection, he felt he could no longer go on killing innocent animals and was influenced by Nsefu Wildlife's conservation activities in the sector, which includes updated infrastructure, new schools, conservation and community awareness.
The shotgun, valued at 1,000 Kwacha, which is about 37 dollars, still smelled of gun powder when handed over.
Q1 2024: Human Wildlife Conflict meeting
The HWC meeting was centered on what CRBs, Organizations and DNPW are doing to mitigate the impact of HWC (Human Wildlife Conflict) in areas of operations.
Nsefu Wildlife's report was largely based on our beehive fences and also some lessons being delivered in school about conservation. We explained how we intend to up scale the bee fences to a stretch of 1.5km this as a way of reducing on the number of HWC cases.
What is critical to note is that these meetings are quarterly and any report has to be around all activities which have happened in the last three months.
We also talked about the boreholes we sunk so that natural water points should be left for the animals.
What was resolved:
Each organization or stakeholders to start community sensitisation meetings.
Each stakeholder to use power point kind of reporting.
Put up a team under HWC for effective response towards HWC.
Reports based on facts.
It was a good meeting and we learned a lot .
The next meeting takes place in June 2024.
From the field - Nsefu Wildlife Rangers recover poacher’s gun and tools!
Nsefu Wildlife Rangers recover a gun and tools
On February 15th, Nsefu Wildlife Rangers stationed at the Miliyoti Camp, came back from a long patrol in the field. They were able to recover a homemade shotgun, knife, axe and spear.
These kinds of operations help to not only protect wildlife, but the rangers as well.
Your support makes these patrols possible, so please consider becoming a monthly donor.
Learn more about our Ranger Program!