SECURING THE PARK
We are happy to report that our President, Nick Murray, has hired a new multi-talented Manager to coordinate and administer daily anti-poaching activities In addition to the patrols and managing the daily vehicle repairs, this new man power provides more security oversight for our road and river vehicles and for precious fuel and food supplies.
Due to your donations, we were able to succeed in our $25,000.00 matching funds campaign generously provided by Bushlife Conservancy Friends, The Lawler Family Trust. We have thereby been able to purchase another vehicle which will be used by the manager in carrying out his many duties.
It is now the rainy season in Zimbabwe and Mana Pools is receiving some life sustaining rains. A lot of the big game animals move away from the river and into the escarpment in search of fresh food sources. This ”migration” gives the riverine habitat a chance to recover after the overgrazing and browsing during the dry season. Unfortunately, so far, the rains are not as good as the past few years and parts of the country, especially the Southeast - Malilangwe- are experiencing a drought.
Many of the roads which are rugged and chew up tires even in the dry season. Despite the difficulties, we are currently running three vehicles and are covering three base camps in the more remote area of the Park. River patrols would start up should more rains arrive.
Your contributions have enabled us to purchase necessary camping gear, tents and other equipment, for Observation Posts. Rifle mounts for the night scopes have also been received. Training the Rangers that have been identified by Parks in the use of this new equipment has begun in Harare and a date will then be set to train inside the Park itself. With all this new equipment and technology the Observation Posts will further secure the Park. The 15 trail cameras are ready for pick up and Nick is waiting for some dry weather before attempting to get them up and running. These will be invaluable in securing the park and alerting the rangers of incursions in real time.
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