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Leonard Ncube, Victoria Falls Reporter
THE Zimbabwe Parks and Wildlife Management Authority (ZimParks) has said it will maintain zero tolerance to wildlife poaching to protect the country’s heritage despite resources constraints.

Speaking at the World Ranger Day commemorations in Victoria Falls yesterday, ZimParks director for conservation Mr Arthur Musakwa paid tribute to stakeholders for collaborating in conservation efforts.

“Conservation efforts are being seriously affected by poaching which is mainly targeting key species such as elephants and rhinos. I therefore call for zero tolerance to poaching of wildlife and the destruction of their habitats,” said Mr Musakwa.

He paid tribute to police and other partners for supporting anti-poaching initiatives.

“One of our challenges is resource constraints but we are grateful that partners are always coming in to help. We are grateful for the support we get from our conservation partners and stakeholders in areas such as conservation, resource protection, fire management, outreach programmes, human wildlife conflict management as well as research and monitoring programmes,” said Mr Musakwa.

He said it is only by working together as conservationists throughout the world that protection of natural heritage can be achieved for the benefit of current and future generations.

Mr Musakwa said tourism in the country is wildlife-based hence the need for its protection.

World Ranger Day is commemorated on July 31 every year in recognition of rangers’ efforts in protecting wildlife heritage.

Mr Musakwa said the day is important on the calendar of rangers throughout the world to pay gratitude for their dedication to their job.

He thanked the rangers for their resilience saying Government remains committed to continually improving their conditions of work.

Mr Musakwa encouraged communities to immediately report any problem animals in their vicinity, saying ZimParks was there to protect                       people and would either shoot or translocate such wildlife. This year’s theme is: “I will stand by the world rangers.”

@ncubeleon