The Scorpions: Guardians of the Wild
The wildlife and the natural beauty of this earth are the heritage of all generations to come. We must act as their guardians.”
– David Attenborough
Every day, deep in the vast wilderness of Hwange National Park, a small, extraordinary team quietly go to battle. They are the Scorpions Anti-Poaching Unit – dedicated rangers whose mission is to defend the wildlife that calls this wilderness home. Operating in collaboration with the Zimbabwe Parks department, they are responsible for approximately 1800 square kms. along the southern and south-eastern edges of the Park.
Armed not with rifles but with determination, experience, and courage, the Scorpions are a vital part of Wilderness’ conservation responsibility for its concessions. They are “boots on the ground” in the fight against wildlife crime. Their greatest enemy? The cruel and silent killer known as the wire snare – a simple loop of wire set to trap animals for bushmeat. Once caught, the animal can suffer a slow, agonizing death. Over the 14 years since the unit was formed, the Scorpions have removed thousands of snares from the bush – each one representing a life saved and a victory for conservation.
The ‘collateral damage’ of these snares in maiming other species such as lions and painted dogs who are accidentally trapped, is tragic to see. It has led to the creation of DART, an animal rescue trust to remove the snare-wire often deeply embedded in limbs or necks when injured animals are seen by wildlife guides in the Park.
We came across this Painted Dog on our afternoon safari with a snare deeply embedded in its neck. Our Guide quickly reported it but now the challenge is for the authorities to locate it as the dogs tend to travel far and fast.
This cheetah too was a victim of a snare wire but thankfully was treated and released. Note the scar around his hips.
The Scorpions patrols cover their vast territory on foot, often in intense heat and among dangerous wildlife. It’s hard, relentless, and often thankless work – but they do it with pride, purpose, and passion. And their efforts are paying off. Every year, the number of snares they find is declining, a testament to both their effectiveness and to the growing awareness in nearby communities.
Still, the challenge remains. As long as hunger drives people to seek bushmeat, the temptation to set snares will persist. That’s why the Scorpions’ work extends beyond anti-poaching patrols. They partner closely with the villages that border Hwange, to educate locals on the importance of conservation and protecting one of Africa’s most valuable resources – her wildlife.
When our Tasimba guests visit the Scorpions’ base camp, they meet this Unit face-to-face and hear their stories firsthand. Guests come away deeply moved by the Scorpions’ passion, commitment and courage – true heroes protecting the wild heart of Africa.
At Tasimba, we are proud to support and share their story. The Scorpions remind us that every animal roaming free in Hwange does so because someone, somewhere, is willing to stand watch and protect them.
We salute these unheralded guardians of the wilderness – courageous, humble, and unwavering.
