In Zimbabwe’s wildlife-rich but poverty stricken Chiredzi district, an ex-poacher recently released from prison now preaches the gospel of conservation. But increasing conflict between humans and animals, in large part due to climate change, is making that task difficult. Humans are invading forested areas for farmland, illegal hunting and tree logging, which means diminished animal habitats. Meanwhile, droughts and that squeezed habitat have made some animals more likely to raid settlements to survive. The former poacher, Tembanechako Mastick, now calls poaching “a selfish act” and says communities can benefit when wildlife draws tourism.
