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Project update - February 2007
SOME TRIUMPHS, SOME SADNESS….
By Marianthi Noble
As we near the end of 2006 we once again
take stock of the year's activities, achievements and failures
and look to how we can continue to help Zambia fight the war against
poaching, particularly as we move towards another vital CITES*
meeting less than a year away when ivory and other elephant issues
will be high on the international agenda.
Despite the fact that huge consignments
of ivory have been intercepted the pressure in the field is ever
increasing. Zambia has, thanks to funding from DSWF and the dedication
from the men of the IIU (Investigations and Intelligence Unit),
had many successful raids against international poaching gangs
attempting to smuggle ivory to the East. However, we are well
aware that this is just the tip of the iceberg. There is a huge
and sophisticated network of smugglers and poachers who continue
to evade the authorities and make the most of gaps in our enforcement
capability. Apart from ivory, the other most commonly seized items
are leopard, cheetah and lion skins - which forces the question,
is the fur trade opening again?
Our man in the Valley, Matthews Phiri, has
scored the greatest number of successes but his very success sadly
underlines the decimation of our wildlife. Over the last 6 months
he has confiscated 38 ivory tusks, 24 pieces of ivory, 6 leopard
skins, 3 genet skins, 3 python skins, 4 hippo teeth and approx
½ ton of bushmeat. Similarly the operations at the Lusaka
and Ndola International Airports have intercepted huge amounts
of ivory, both carved and raw, on its way to the east - the carvings
themselves tell of their destination, Buddhas, chop sticks, hankos,
nansukis..
Our famous Luangwa valley, once known as
the Valley of the Elephants, has suffered enormous losses in both
elephants and other species to supply the ever increasing bushmeat
market. Even impala, the most common and abundant antelope is
declining and hunters and tourists alike have commented on the
skittishness of most animals. Why are these gentle giants turning
against humankind?
The constant call for the killing of rogue
or "trouble" elephants, hippo and crocodile has become
a daily occurrence. Are these animals becoming more troublesome
or are they being denied access to water and their traditional
routes to feeding grounds by river frontages now blocked by human
habitation and tourism concessions? Traditionally Africans do
not live or plant crops on the water's edge. Why then have we
changed? With all the 'empty' land we have in Zambia why do we
have to encroach on National Parks and block river frontages with
luxury hotels and golf courses?
If do not raise our voices now we will not
leave any elephants or wildlife for our children and grandchildren.
Africa, and particularly Central Africa, is the last bastion of
the large herds and the world's largest animals. Help us to save
them.
Every little contribution helps wildlife
and remember 100% of your donation will go in full to the project - thank you!
You can also help by becoming a member
of DSWF. Click here for more information
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