Our 2023 data shows the constant threat that poaching is. Whilst numbers are well down from COVID-19 times, poaching in this area will always be a threat. One common theory is that Victoria Falls is growing quickly. Around Zim, Vic Falls is seen as the place to make good money. Almost daily, people are moving to the area in search of better opportunities.

This creates a larger pool of idle hands. As we all know, idle hands tend to get up to no good! These “outsiders” also don’t necessarily have the care and appreciation of the uniqueness of our area, and the significance of the wildlife to our existence. We aim to forge a closer alliance with the Victoria Falls Wildlife Trust which is already doing great work in the field of conservation education in the area.

In the spirit of cohesiveness. The stats below represent a combined effort between VFPAU Rangers and the IMPI Horse Mounted Unit.

Through a very generous grant offered by the Lion Recovery Fund. We were able to purchase a dedicated vehicle. This has greatly increased our reach, and effectiveness when it comes to our response to the poaching threat in the Victoria Falls area.

A major highlight of 2023 is the introduction of a specialized K9 unit to the Anti-Poaching efforts of Victoria Falls.

The Take Action Trust has moved to Vic  been awarded the IFAW contract for reintroducing a canine unit under National Parks in Hwange.

This has given VFAPU access to highly trained dogs to aid our anti-poaching efforts. In short, the addition of the dogs has been incredible. Having only run a handful of joint operations over the last few months with the dogs, their impact has already convinced us to get our unit. Adding a K9 unit to the VFAPU team will be a priority for the coming year, as well as securing the necessary funding to operate it.

To end the year on a high, some guests in Zambezi National Park managed to capture some stunning shots of a leopard. This leopard has a particular soft spot in our hearts as it was the victim of a horrific snaring incident back in June 2020. This poor leopard had found itself trapped around the waist by the dreaded poacher’s snare. Fortunately, it had managed to break away from the tree that was restraining it. It was free but had a tight wire around its abdomen.

After being spotted by a Good Samaritan, the conservation organizations of this city jumped into action. Within 48 hours, this young female leopard had been trapped and darted, and the life-threatening snare was removed. Although a serious wound, the leopard was released. The photographs taken were of this leopard, over two and a half years later. Not only surviving but thriving. Forever bearing the scars of her near-death experience.

This sent two reminders through the VFAPU team.

Firstly, the constant (and sometimes successful) attempts on the lives of our wildlife often draw us into a constantly aggressive mindset of deep focus on bringing justice to all those who would cause harm to our animals. This incident reminds us to lift our heads out of the grindstone, look back and appreciate the impact we are having in protecting the wildlife of Victoria Falls.

The second reminder was just how important the work we are doing is. That snare was no doubt set for an impala or a kudu but ended up threatening the life of a beautiful female leopard. This incident sends a realization that our day-in, day-out efforts have far-reaching effects on the greater ecosystem.

2024 Victoria Falls Anti-Poaching Unit Goals.

Expanding Technology in the Anti-Poaching Fight.

VFAPU was very kindly donated 3 camera traps by Wildlife Protection Solutions. These are no ordinary trail cameras. These have 4G capability. Fitted with a sim card, this AI-generated technology sends real-time images via WhatsApp. Being Artificial Intelligence, we have been able to teach it to only send us alerts when it is a matter of interest. This avoids our WhatsApp’s being spammed by hundreds of baboons playing for an hour in front of the camera!

For us, a matter of interest is anything human-related and a few key species. We have taught these cameras to only send us images of anything human-orientated. That is pedestrian and vehicle movement, as well as specific animals, namely any predator, elephants and buffalo.

This technology has been revolutionary in detecting incursions. Unfortunately, only 2 of the 3 cameras are still working, but already have aided in the successful pursuit and arrest of poachers.

We aim to get as many cameras as possible set up at all known entrance and exit points from town into the wildlife areas. The cameras pick up the incursion, and our boots-on-the-ground rangers react to these incursions. Increasing the level of arrests, and decreasing the poaching threat in the area.

Establishment of a VFAPUK9- Unit.

Take Action Trust is not a reaction organization by heart. Whilst they will react when called upon, their main role is in the preparation and training of dogs to fulfil various roles and responsibilities.

Even with our few joint operations together, we have seen the great value that dogs add to our anti-poaching efforts. Following up and tracking an incursion can be very time-consuming, especially if the poacher is deploying anti-tracking methods.

A dog, tracking by scent, reduces this tracking time drastically. This, combined with an apprehension dog, would greatly enhance our arrest stats, and is an area for growth in 2024.

This comes with a whole set of additional expenses. To run a successful unit, we would need to engage at least 2 dedicated dog handlers. These guys will spend all day, every day with the dogs. Their training needs to be maintained daily. This would also require funding for the care and upkeep of the Dogs themselves. With the close working relationship we have with the Take Action Trust, the dogs would come from them, and their on-the-ground presence would aid greatly in ensuring this unit achieved great success.

Wildlife Crime- Behind The Scenes.

It is common knowledge that fewer arrests are made in the field, whilst out on patrol compared to undercover work within the communities that poachers come from or frequent, and where potential bush meat or trophies are sold.

A large emphasis will be placed on establishing a functional informer network within the residents of Victoria Falls. The aim is to combat wildlife crime outside of the bush, and where the profits of such illegal activities are realized.

Already existing informer networks have been engaged, and new informers recruited regularly. We have also committed funding for rewards on information that leads to a successful arrest of those exploiting our Natural Environment.

Our aim is to make it as challenging as possible for poachers. Not only are they combatting us out in the field, but also have the eyes of the greater community, constantly scrutinizing their movements and habits. Our intention is to make it as difficult as possible to perform their illegal activities.

Heartfelt Appreciation To Our

Guardian Angels.

VFAPU exists entirely because of you and the goodwill you provide by dipping into your pockets. Because of you, Victoria Falls remains one of the most unique destinations where wildlife and people coexist.

Your assistance and contribution allow VFAPU to be a voice for wildlife and ensure that this coexistence continues for generations to come.

We are eternally grateful to everyone for their unwavering support of our work.