Tembanechako Mastick, a former poacher, is now advocating against the hunting of wildlife in southeast Zimbabwe. Recently, he and a group of men searched for a hyena den that had been responsible for livestock attacks. Despite finding signs of the animals, Mastick advised his companions against killing them, a stance he embraced after spending nearly three months in jail for poaching.
During his incarceration, he participated in a program designed to convert poachers into conservationists, which profoundly altered his perspective. Since his release, he has urged his community to rely on agriculture and livestock instead of hunting for sustenance.
Mastick explained the broader community impacts of poaching, arguing that while killing a zebra might benefit him in the short term, having tourists view the zebra would provide income for everyone in the village.
The challenge he faces is significant; conflicting interests between humans and wildlife are on the rise as habitats shrink due to illegal hunting, deforestation, and agricultural expansion. This has resulted in elephants raiding crops and predators like lions and hyenas attacking livestock, which is vital for local farmers surviving on minimal resources.
In the past three years, the Zimbabwe parks authority has received thousands of distress calls from communities dealing with wildlife conflicts, a notable increase from previous years. The situation continues to deteriorate as the country approaches a drier season.
Mastick’s journey from being a hunter to a conservation advocate is rooted in personal experience. He reflects on how land reforms and environmental changes have led to habitat destruction and increased encounters with wildlife, disrupting the balance that once existed between humans and animals.
Currently residing in Chiredzi, Mastick works to educate locals, sharing his own experiences of loss—he once had 45 goats, but now only 10 remain due to wildlife attacks. He understands the community’s frustration but stresses that killing wildlife is not a sustainable solution.
Through his carpentry skills, learned while jailed, he can provide for his family and teach others in his community, further helping to shift the focus from poaching to alternative livelihoods. Mastick’s credibility as a former poacher aids in conveying the message that reform is possible, inspiring others to pursue sustainable ways to support themselves without resorting to illegal hunting.