I received the following email this morning.

ZIMBABWE CONSERVATION TASK FORCE

6th December 2007


There is currently an article in circulation quoting the ZCTF as stating that 900 animal carcasses were discovered in Sinamatella, Hwange National Park.

We would like to advise that we made no such statement. We did receive a report about 900 carcasses being discovered, but it was allegedly in Chisarira National Park, and NOT Hwange National Park. We have requested the relevant publications to correct the erroneous statement.

Johnny Rodrigues
Chairman for Zimbabwe Conservation Task Force

Kipper:

Regardless of which park it took place in, 900 carcasses is horrifying, unforgivable and disgusting IF those carcasses were the result of humans. I suppose it is asking too much until the political climate changes that anything can or will be done about this.

By the use of the word "carcasses" one would assume that this was a relatively fresh kill and certainly not being used for food for starving families. Had they been old kills, one would again assume only a few bones would be left. If there are still big cats left in the area, they will be extremely well fed for awhile. I would love to learn more about this. If you hear more please post it. The other thought is, that with so many animals, could it perhaps be due to anthrax or rinderpest - perhaps not at the hand of man after all?

Please keep us up to date on this story.