Speaking to MBC Online, Vwaza Game Reserve Manager,  Leonard Chilando Moyo disclosed that 36 poachers were arrested in 2018,  31 in 2019 and 58 in 2020.

In those three years, the reserve has lost 9 elephants and 67 other animals (mammals) of different species through poaching.

He says Malidade being a  Ngoni area, is producing poachers who are killing animals for economic gains through ivory sales and consumption of bushmeat as their diet.

According to Moyo, Vwaza Marsh currently does not have lions as poachers have killed them through traditional animal trapping using string wires. He laments that the situation is putting Tourism Industry at risk saying elephants and lions are major wildlife animals that attract tourists from Europe.

"Tourists see lions when we approach South Luangwa (Zambia side) because on our side there are no lions. This is detrimental to tourism. Things have to change," Moyo said.

In an attempt to ensure that villagers desist from poaching in Vwaza Wildlife Reserve, The Synod of Livingstonia under its development arm has embarked on empowerment of 4000 farmers at Malidade  EPA with skills of improved livestock and crop production.

Executive Director for Livingstonia Synod  Development Department, Kenneth Sakala, says the three and half year conserve project will bring economic independence for people surrounding the reserve and end conflict between game rangers and villagers in the catchment area.

On the challenge that farmers are illegally cutting trees in the reserve for construction of tobacco shades, Sakala says the project will also encompass afforestation component in the communities of Malidade.

The initiative has delighted the Reserve's Manager who is enthusiastic and waiting for wildlife animals to have fresh breath free of poachers and forest encroachers.

Moyo has also urged communities to take part in conserving Lake Kazuni, South Rukuru and Central Luwewe rivers so that aquatic lives (mainly hippos and fish) are safeguarded.

Vwaza Wildlife Marsh interprofessional has an area of  986 square kilometres. 

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