Tembanechako Mastick, once a poacher, is now an advocate against hunting wildlife in southeast Zimbabwe. Recently, he and a group of men investigated a hyena den near their village following attacks on livestock. Despite some suggestions to eliminate the hyenas, Mastick discouraged this approach, reflecting on his own past when he relied on hunting traditions.
At 47, Mastick turned to poaching as farming became increasingly challenging due to recurring droughts. His perspective changed after he was arrested last year for hunting small game in the Save Valley Conservancy, one of Africa’s largest private game reserves. After spending nearly three months in jail, a rehabilitation program prompted him to value wildlife conservation.
Mastick stresses the importance of wildlife for the entire community rather than individual gain from poaching. He encourages his neighbors to cultivate crops and raise livestock for sustenance instead. He believes that poaching is selfish since it only benefits the poacher when, in contrast, wildlife tourism can provide income for the whole community.
He faces significant challenges as human-wildlife conflicts rise in Zimbabwe due to habitat loss from droughts, illegal hunting, and land conversion. Animals like elephants and lions increasingly raid farms for food, threatening villagers’ livelihoods. Basic fencing practices do little to protect livestock, and traditional methods to scare away animals often prove ineffective.
The Zimbabwe National Parks and Wildlife Management Authority has reported an increase in distress calls from communities grappling with wildlife. The situation is exacerbated by the impending dry season, which may escalate competition for scarce resources between humans and animals.
Reflecting on the past, Mastick recalls a time when wildlife was abundant and hunting was not contentious. However, he notes that the land reform program started in 2000 disrupted wildlife habitats, pushing communities further into traditional animal territories. Mastick is acutely aware of the pain from livestock losses and often speaks to villagers about the futility of retaliatory killings.
Through his personal journey, including his experience in jail, Mastick has learned carpentry skills that now sustain him financially. He operates a workshop where he creates furniture that appeals to both locals and tourists. He uses this opportunity to educate others about the negative impacts of poaching and the benefits of alternative livelihoods.
There is no precise data on poaching in the area, but Mastick has observed a decline in poaching activities since he embarked on community awareness efforts. His transformation has given him credibility, and his new vocation is proving to be an inspiration for others looking for sustainable ways to support their families without resorting to illegal hunting.