www.nzira.co.zw Issue 16 51 Q: What do you specialize in, paintings or pencil work, portraits or is it just animals? A: I do Wildlife art in the form of realism art and I use charcoal pencils to draw. Q: Is there a specific reason why you do not use colour for the majority of your work? A: I choose to use charcoal pencils because they allow me to create and explore different textures. Q: What challenges do you face in the industry? A: The lack of art supplies locally is a major setback and this has forced me to import my art material from abroad but these usually take time to be delivered. Q: What would you say are your greatest achievements up to date? A: I was so happy when I made my first international sale and also being selected to exhibit amongst some renowned international artists at an exhibition that was held at the Borrowdale racecourse in 2019 was an honour. Q: Apart from art what else do you do to support the Wildlife/ Animal welfare? A: I take part in several anti-poaching campaigns and fundraising initiatives towards the purchase of foodstuffs for animal shelters in Zimbabwe. Q: What would you say to someone who is a talented artist but is unsure where to start from or when to start? A: It’s not that easy to make it in the art industry so just be patient and always remember that practice makes perfect! Q: Any big plans for the future in regards to your work? A: My goal is to open a private gallery in Europe one-day where people will be able to appreciate the beauty of African wildlife through my art. www.nzira.co.zw Issue 16 51
52 Issue 16 NZiRA Travel Zimbabwe Magic Mana Images Lee-Anne Russell Photography 52 Issue 16 NZiRA Travel Zimbabwe
www.nzira.co.zw Issue 16 53 www.nzira.co.zw Issue 16 53
54 Issue 16 NZiRA Travel Zimbabwe 54 Issue 16 NZiRA Travel Zimbabwe
www.nzira.co.zw Issue 16 55 www.nzira.co.zw Issue 16 55
0778020699 0773645484 [email protected]
www.nzira.co.zw Issue 16 57 Article Mike Garden Images Tiger Safaris Fishing in the Mighty If you are one of those very fortunate people that have either been brought up or spent an extended period living in Zimbabwe then you will know that one of the “must-do” things in one’s bucket list is to catch and bring in a Tiger Fish – surely one of the world’s finest, fighting game fish. Earlier this year I was cordially invited by Tim and Michelle Ballance to spend a weekend up at their camp along with several members of our Bindu Media team. None of the latter had ever touched a fishing rod and certainly never thought of reading up on what the scientific word described as “Ichthyology” – the study of fish meant. Found at the centre around the pleasures of fishing on the untamed waters flowing swiftly below Kariba is the very pleasant fishing camp known as Tiger Safaris. Sitting in a boat, leisurely drifting down the Zambezi River, is my preferred place to enjoy that special solitude and Chirundu feeling of being “far from the madding crowd”. Tiger Safaris has a flotilla of fishing boats complete with powerful Yamaha boat engines plus the most important, yet very necessary boat captain who knows all the latest spots to throw out a line. We were up early – before 6 am – on the first morning of our weekend – with 3 complete novices heading off into the unknown. Our early morning welcome from the boatswain was the several cooler boxes – one with all the drinks that we could possibly want for the long morning ahead; the other with live Chessa Bait ready for him to place on the sharp long hooks at the end of our already organised Tiger fishing rods – no need for the ladies to dirty their precious hands placing worms on prickly hooks! Zambezi
58 Issue 16 NZiRA Travel Zimbabwe Everyone was relaxed, taking in the beauty of our surrounds – watching Elephants wander down to the nearby shores. We drove past the well-known Chirundu “Boathouse” landmark, admiring the wide jaws of noisy Hippos, at this point, the entire crew was on full alert hoping to witness that mother crocodile before she slipped into the water. Fifteen minutes later the driver cut the engine, opened the bait cooler box and placed the live bait ready for action. Lots of apprehension and calls of “What do I do now?”. Our first location was at the start of the Kafue River. Then the adventure began: at one point all four of us had our reels screaming- and not because of underground foliage! Before 7 am, the men had reeled in a reasonable sized Tiger Fish and taken enough photos to flood Facebook, Instagram and all related social media platforms – well it is not every day you catch your first Tiger Fish. Not to be outdone, it was not long before the ladies had brought in their fish – albeit one was a catfish. It takes just over 4 hours to drive up to Tiger Safaris and the hotter the temperature as you close in on your destination, the more you start to yearn for that first coldie! Why not book a weekend away at Tiger Safaris and take your family up to Chirundu to learn about the well-hidden secret of Tiger fishing? Their lodges are all thatched with fully functional fans making your afternoon naps more bearable and a fully stocked bar and restaurant for those guests that do not want that hassle. CONTACT [email protected] or visit their website www.tigersafaris.co.zw for more details.
www.nzira.co.zw Issue 16 59 where the Verreaux's Eagles Soar Article BirdLife Zimbabwe Images Dave Dell ' Interest was shown this year by some Harare members of Birdlife Zimbabwe (BLZ) to take part in the Black Eagle Survey (BES) in the Matobo Hills (Key Biodiversity Area). This magnificent area 40 km outside Bulawayo provides refuge for Verreaux's Eagles, previously known as Black Eagles. They are not merely plentiful in the area but occur there in the greatest concentration of any large eagle species in the world. Noted for their sublime, aerial mastery, Verreaux’s Eagles favour rugged, mountainous terrain over much of Africa, from the Cape to the Arabian Peninsula. Verreaux’s Eagle pairs are monogamous and may mate for life. They are territorial. There may be several different nesting sites in an eagle pair’s territory so for various reasons they may or may not use the same nest for consecutive years. Sometimes breeding may not be attempted at all. Verreaux’s Eagles lay two eggs, four to five days apart. The first chick hatches some days before the second, there is a significant size difference between the two. For reasons still to be understood, nature ordains that only one chick survives. In a process dubbed the Cain and Abel struggle; the larger, stronger, first-hatched chick pecks its smaller sibling viciously and sustainedly from the time the younger one emerges from its egg until it succumbs and dies. Interestingly, the parent birds do not interfere with this process and continue to offer food to both chicks. Scientists surmise that two eggs are laid as insurance against the failure of the first egg to hatch. Hyraxes are the main prey species of Verreaux’s Eagles in the Matobo Hills, numbers of which significantly affect the success of eagle reproduction success. Surveying of the eagle nesting sites follows, with volunteers being allocated various nests to monitor. The M愀琀obo H椀氀ls www.nzira.co.zw Issue 16 59
60 Issue 16 NZiRA Travel Zimbabwe Observers are asked to visit “their” nests at least three times; once at the start of the breeding season to ascertain which nests are active, once to verify successful incubation (or not) with a positive sighting of a healthy chick, and once to confirm that the young eaglet has successfully fledged. The breeding process lasts for approximately six months from start to finish and occurs during Zimbabwe’s dry winter months from May to October. It takes several more months before the fully-fledged young eagles can hunt for themselves and become independent. The BES extends over a huge area in very rugged terrain with rough roads. Nest sites situated high up in niches on the rocks, are difficult to find for the unskilled observer and are often not visible from the road, so some element of physical exertion is often required! A total of 86 nests to date have been checked to ascertain breeding activity. Of these, 18 nest sites were identified as being occupied, and subsequently, Verreaux’s Eagles were seen to be actively incubating on 16 nests. Five pairs of eagles had failed incubation, healthy chicks ranging in age from an estimated eight to twelve weeks have been observed on 11 nests. Eagle eyries in the communal areas are a challenge. Although some are occasionally checked, the lack of prey in these areas has resulted in limited eagle activity. It seems eagle numbers are decreasing due to continued dassie poaching. There are still questions that need answering: What happens to the young eagles once they are independent? Where do they go? To ascertain that, further study is needed using expensive, sophisticated monitoring devices for which substantial funding is required… one day, soon perhaps? In the meantime, the BirdLife Zimbabwe Matabeleland Youth Club members, the Matland Chirpers have taken exploratory excursions to learn the ropes as it were and BLZ looks forward to them participating fully in the survey next year. BirdLife Zimbabwe is a locallybased registered, not-forprofit Nature Conservation Organisation promoting the survival of birds and biodiversity in Zimbabwe for both their intrinsic value and for the enjoyment of future generations. This is achieved through programmes to raise awareness of the need to protect species and the natural ecosystems inhabited by Zimbabwe`s birds and wildlife which we, humans are also an integral part of through policy, advocacy education and training. For more information: www.birdlifezimbabwe.org
www.nzira.co.zw Issue 16 61 atobo was declared a national park in 1926 primarily because of its dramatic granite landscape, the game park and the various activities it has to offer. It is renowned for; its rhino, a high concentration of leopard and a large variety of birds of prey, especially the black eagle. Within the hills, more than 2,000 hunter-gatherer cave painting sites have been discovered, making it a place with the largest number and probably the most elaborate rock art in the world. In addition to being a national park, it was also declared a UNESCO world heritage site. Much of Zimbabwe’s recent history emanates from Matobo which is illustrated at the site of Rhode’s Grave, Mzilikazi’s grave, colonial battlefields and the painted homes in the villages. When Matobo was declared a national park, there was no rhino, but because the cave paintings had illustrations of both black and white rhino it was assumed the rhino had once lived there before. Efforts to bring back the rhino were made in the 1960s. The white rhinos were brought in from South Africa and black Rhino from Northern Zimbabwe. These became the forefathers of the rhinos we see today. The Rhino flourished and by the year 2000, the population of black and white rhino rose. Between 2000 and 2012, Zimbabwe went through a difficult period, which gave poachers a chance to strike. The parks’ rhino numbers were reduced to approximately 65%. Many were devastated by the situation and a group of enthusiastic Zimbabweans decided to form the Matobo Rhino Trust (MRT). An organization that would work closely with the Zimbabwe Parks and Wildlife Management Authority (ZPWMA) in the protection and conservation of Rhino. The park is surrounded by local community areas. The Trust has embarked on projects to involve the community in park activities especially the protection of rhino. The Trust sees community benefit as a key factor in rhino protection The Trust was formed with representatives from: • Zimbabwe Parks and Wildlife Management Authority (ZPWMA) • Local community • Tour and Lodge Operators • Wildlife Society of Zimbabwe • Rhodes Matobo Committee • Other interested parties. RHINO Matobo Rhino Trust The MRT believes that wildlife has value and it should be protected. Rhino tourism brings external revenue to the park to support conservation, boost the economy and help the local community. ZPWMA welcomes tourists to see the Rhino, under the supervision of a licensed professional guide or ZPWMA personnel. Visitors can walk to view the rhino and have an incredible wildlife experience. The outcome of the coordinated effort by ZPWMA and the Trust has caused a dramatic reduction in rhino poaching. From a declining population, the rhino numbers are now increasing and despite the turbulence of Zimbabwe, this can be considered a conservation success. MRT’s main objective is to create, “The best Rhino viewing area in Africa.” This vision is ambitious but will save the rhino and provide multiple benefits to the Park as a whole, the economy, community, and wildlife species. MRT appeals to every individual to support its projects and donate towards the conservation of these endangered species. You can follow the MRT on Instagram or donate through Paypal. The Matobo Rhino Trust Obligations: This is controlled and organized by ZPWMA. Anti-poaching units were increased and the dedicated, professional game rangers made a major impact in reducing the overall poaching in the park. anti-poaching rhino tourism dehorning conf community 1. 5. 2. 3. 4. The Dehorning program was organized by Dambari Wildlife Trust in conjunction with ZPWMA in an effort to dehorn all the rhino in the Park. It is an ongoing program and the MRT fully supports this initiative. In 2013, the Trust initiated a project to renew the 52 km game fence around the Whovi area within the Park. This was completed at the end of 2014 and has helped stop the rhino from wandering outside the Park. inement M 61 Issue 16 NZiRA Travel Zimbabwe Sustainable Initiatives in Article Matobo Rhino Trust Matobo
62 Issue 16 NZiRA Travel Zimbabwe 7 days, 8 countries, a combined 1,600km and over 300 攀氀eph愀渀t lov攀爀s. The Zambezi Elephant Fund (ZEF) could not have dreamt a year ago that the New York Saving The Elephants Run, held in conjunction with Zimbabwe’s very own version, the Mukuvisi March, would have to happen virtually in 2020, but it did! Over a week in September last year, we all watched as participants around the world got running and walking 5 or 10km for their favourite cause on streets, beaches, forests, hills and treadmills. We hope you enjoy some of the photographic evidence. Around the world in a week. “We can do so much more with your help!” ew Zealand was the first to kick off on Saturday, 19th September in Papamoa where Nicci and John Stevens (ZEF co-founders) family and friends organised a herd of elephant enthusiasts to walk along the beautiful beach. Australia, Zimbabwe, South Africa, France, Germany, the United Kingdom (including the remote Shetland Islands!) and 24 different states in the US followed suit throughout the week! ZEF thanks each one of our supporters around the world – energetic participants, faithful followers, mighty social influencers, generous publications and wonderful donors – and to the amazing Saving the Elephants Run organisers! “Together, we did good.” ABOUT ZEF It is ZEF’s ambition to protect elephants and their habitats so that other wildlife species can also thrive and future generations can experience first-hand the incredible beauty and diversity so essential to the world’s continued survival – in an area that is recognised globally for its unique offerings in the Middle Zambezi Biosphere Reserve and UNESCO World Heritage Site of Mana Pools. This incredible landscape is right on our doorstep and, as the world figures out how to cope, Zimbabwe is welcoming visitors back to the beauty of the bush. In the meantime, ZEF continues to work with Zimbabwe Parks & Wildlife Management Authority and partners in the field to support rangers, various antipoaching efforts, habitat restoration and community projects in the Zambezi Valley. N For more information about ZEF’s work, please visit www.zambezielephantfund.org or write to [email protected]. Follow ZEF on b @zambezi_elephant_fund @zambezielephantfund v Article & Images Zambezi Elephant Fund
www.nzira.co.zw Issue 16 63