Shortage of resources has been singled out as an impediment to the fight against wildlife crimes in the North West District, an area most endowed and sought after wild animals.
The resources in lack include among others, vehicles and aerial support and these hamper anti-poaching efforts by the relevant authorities.
This was revealed North West District Council (NWDC) chairman, Itumeleng Kelebetseng during the ongoing full council, decrying that bush meat poaching in the district remains a concern more especially bush meat poaching.
“Bush meat poaching targets giraffes, buffalo, impala, kudu, zebra and other game animals,” he noted. Kelebetseng revealed that just this year alone, from September to date the Department of Wildlife and National Parks (DWNP) has recorded a total of 7 cases involving wildlife crimes in the area.
He noted that despite shortage of resources the Department of Wildlife and National Parks collaborates with other stakeholders such as the Botswana Police, Botswana Defence Force and other stakeholders to fight the scourge.
Recently, &Beyond in partnership with Wild Impact donated critical conservation and monitoring equipment to the Department of Wildlife and National Parks (DWNP) reaffirming their commitment to collaboration aimed at safeguarding natural wealth for generations to come. The equipment valued at over P600 000 includes high tech items such as drones, trail cameras and tablets among others.
DWNP’s Chief Law Enforcement Officer, Adrian Kholi emphasised the need for such kind of partnerships that they need not only in fighting wildlife crime but also in other areas that talks to wildlife management as well.
Kholi noted that wildlife management is an extremely expensive area running into millions and that without some assistance from partners involved in the tourism space government cannot do it alone.
Meanwhile, NWDC chairman has pleaded with councillors to communicate with their communities to assist in curbing illegal off-take of wildlife. He reminded them that poaching also negatively affects the same communities as most of them depend on wild animals for their livelihoods through Community Trusts.
Regarding compensation of farmers for damages caused by problematic animals, Kelebetseng revealed that total of 193 them were paid a total of P954, 957.73 while 181 reports are pending to be paid an amount of P1, 078, 771.29.
He noted that 149 reports out of 181 delayed in compensation due to farmers being reluctant to open bank accounts after the closure of Pula Card.
“A total of 442 reports are awaiting attendance and assessment. The district has experienced reports exacerbated by invasion of problem elephants hence the destruction of human properties especially at Hainaveldt Ranches. Although preventative methods of scaring were used it was sometimes difficult to use due to dense vegetation.”
