 Reference Base  The rhino conservation strategy in the Zambezi Valley cod... |
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Tatham, G.H., 1988. The rhino conservation strategy in the Zambezi Valley code named Operation Stronghold. Zimbabwe Science News 22 (1/2): 21-23, fig. 1
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| Location: |
Africa - Southern Africa - Zimbabwe |
| Subject: |
Distribution - Poaching |
| Species: |
African Rhino Species |
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Undoubtedly this must have had a devastating effect on the rhino densities and poachers were soon to find difficulties in locating sufficient rhino to make the incursions into Luangwa profitable. The highest densities of, and the most easily accessible rhino for these poachers are presently in the Zimbabwean Zambezi Valley. Considering these facts and that the eastern Zambezi Valley (Kanyemba area) has been a traditional trade route for ivory, gold and horn dating back to the 14th century, and that the local communities have been involved in this trade for generations, it was predictable that the rhino and to a lesser degree, elephant, in this area were soon to face a serious poaching threat.
During the middle of 1983, the first signs of rhino poaching were revealed. Local inhabitants in the north western Dande Communal Land began snaring rhino although some were shot with rifles. Over 30 rhino were known to have been poached during this period. A major anti-poaching effort was put into action and the situation was brought under control.
The Lower Zambezi Valley situated between Kariba on the west and Kanyemba in the east, some 15 000 km in extent, holds the last stronghold of a contiguous and viable black rhino population in Africa. Of this approximately 12 000 km are protected within the Parks and Wild Life Estate, comprising one National Park, Mane Pools, and four Safari Areas, Chewore, Sapi, Urungwe and Charara. The operation to save these rhino in this area is code-named Stronghold. For operational purposes there are six sub-sections, namely Charara, Rife, Nyakasanga, Mana, Sapi and Chewore.
Following limited across-border incursions in the latter half of 1984 which increased in the early part of 1985, the struggle to save the rhino commenced in earnest.
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