Counter-poaching operations are currently supported by an EMCT manager and vehicle which has proven invaluable in improving counter-poaching standards.

There is an opportunity to reintroduce white and black rhino to Zinave in 2021. Discussions are still underway to determine feasibility. It is to be hoped that this Park will become Mozambique's first Big 5 protected area, with lion and leopard reintroduction foreseen for 2021. As wildlife numbers increase both naturally and due to our Rewilding Zinave efforts, counter-poaching activities will become ever more important and focussed.

The significant increase on the previous years figures is attributable to a drought and COVID-19 impact on community livelihoods, most notably through a loss in migrant labour earnings. Fortunately the impact of this increased activity has not resulted in any notable increase in animals poached.

In the year to date almost 5,000 snares have been removed, and over the past three years around 20,000 snares and over 200 rifles have been removed from the region.