Lions found dead in Hwange National Park

23 Oct, 2024 - 15:10 0 Views
Lions found dead in Hwange National Park Mr Tinashe Farawo

The discovery of three dead lions in Hwange National Park, suspected to be the result of poaching, has left the community questioning the circumstances surrounding their deaths.

According to Tinashe Farawo, spokesperson for ZIMPARKS, preliminary investigations reveal that the lions had their heads and legs severed. “Our initial findings indicate that the suspects chopped off the legs and heads of the lions. Reaction teams are currently on the ground,” Farawo stated on his personal X account.

The incident occurred at Nyamandlovu Pan, approximately 7km from the main gate of Hwange National Park. Investigators noted that a heavy-calibre rifle was likely used, as evidenced by bullet holes found on the carcasses.

Close sources within Zimbabwe National Parks (ZIMPARKS) suggest that the poaching may be part of a larger syndicate, possibly involving insiders.

“This could be an internal poaching syndicate that involves other nationals. The location of the carcasses, just 7km from the main gate and near the Main Camp residential area, raises concerns,” one source, who wished to remain anonymous, reported.

Eyewitnesses claim that the lions were spotted the day before by visitors on a game drive, who filmed the lions as they hunted down a zebra near the water pan watch video. The following morning, these visitors returned to find the lions dead, with their heads and legs missing.

There are allegations that suspicious individuals, described as foreign nationals driving a Toyota Hilux double cab, were seen in the park until late the previous night. The apparent professionalism of the poaching raises further questions:
“How did a heavy-calibre rifle enter the park? This was clearly a targeted operation,” noted the source.

The heads and paws of lions are often sought after for alleged medicinal purposes. This incident resulted in the loss of one lion and two lionesses, significantly impacting the local lion population.

Daniel Sithole, an environmentalist based in Hwange, condemned the poaching, stating, “This is a tragic event. Such poaching is likely motivated by either ritualistic beliefs or the desire for trophies. This loss is devastating for the wildlife community, and we condemn these organised poaching activities. The poacher was more interested in trophies than meat.”

Sithole also skeptic regarding traditional rituals, noting, “While lion fat and skin can be valuable in traditional medicine, in this case, the lion’s skin remains intact.”
So far this year, five lions have fallen victim to poaching in Hwange National Park, threatening the biodiversity of this iconic species.

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