Victoria Falls Anti-Poaching Unit Snares Ivory Dealers and over 300 Poachers

Anti-poaching teams in Victoria Falls have had a bumper year in the field, having captured three prominent ivory dealers and more than 300 poachers in 2015. 

The Victoria Falls Anti-Poaching Unit (VFAPU), founded by conservationist Charles Brightman and hospitality group Africa Albida Tourism’s flagship property Victoria Falls Safari Lodge, were responsible for the busts.

The unit, which employs 17 scouts, works closely with National Parks and Wildlife Management and the Zimbabwe Republic Police to conserve Zimbabwe’s valuable wildlife resources.

The ivory dealers, all Victoria Falls residents, were caught in January last year with nearly 10kg of elephant tusks during undercover operations, and each was sentenced to nine years in prison.

“VFAPU assists and funds a number of these types of operations each year, said Charles Brightman, VFAPU head of operations. “We helped in several cases where poachers were arrested for possession of cyanide, weapons and tusks.

“Recently a pangolin was rescued from two men attempting to sell it, and VFAPU assisted in this success,” Mr Brightman said.

Of the more than 300 poachers caught by VFAPU last year, 12 were mammal poachers, with the illegal bush meat trade – which results in 3.5 million tons of wildlife being consumed in central and southern Africa each year – an area of great concern, he said.

Four warthogs, three impala, two baboons, a zebra, a buffalo and a kudu were found poached within VFAPU’s operational area, a 50km radius of Victoria Falls.

“In one incident, VFAPU scouts located a poached buffalo which had been butchered in the Chamabonda area and were then able to track the spoor to a house in one of the Victoria Falls suburbs,” he said. 

“A trap was set and two men were apprehended with fresh meat from the buffalo. They were recently sentenced to six months in jail.

Fortunately, VFAPU scouts were able to save three kudu and a warthog injured in poachers’ snares by darting, treating and releasing them back to the wild. Since VFAPU began operating in 1999, 183 mammals have been saved from a slow, painful death in this manner.

In addition, four people were caught selling game meat without correct permits, he said.

So far, VFAPU has removed more than 22,000 wire snares from its operational area, including 181 last year.

VFAPU scouts also put their tracking skills to use to locate five thieves who were tormenting Victoria Falls town residents. They were charged with housebreaking offences, and later sentenced.

Three fish poachers, as well as 14 people who illegally entered National Park’s land, were also apprehended by VFAPU last year.

“VFAPU’s successes wouldn’t be possible without joining forces with government authorities and working together, as well as public support – every donation, no matter how small helps,” Mr Brightman said. “I urge everyone to support anti-poaching efforts in any way can and wherever they can.” 

Africa Albida Tourism chief executive Ross Kennedy said the contribution that VFAPU made to Victoria Falls community, tourism industry and surrounding area was immeasurable.

“No one should take for granted the dedication and commitment, hard work and passion displayed 365 days a year by Charles and the scouts,” said Kennedy.

VFAPU needs more, and regular, funding commitments from the Victoria Falls tourism industry,” he continued. “And, indeed, all who care for our wildlife and conservation, as VFAPU’s work and success is a beacon of positive change.” 

Source: Victoria Falls Anti-Poaching Unit Snares Ivory Dealers and over 300 Poachers (10/03/16)