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Detection of key factors driving fire frequency, especially in protected areas, is important for effective management of ecosystems. In this study, we used Generalized Linear Models to test the contribution of natural (NDVI, wind speed, dry matter productivity, soil moisture, percentage tree cover, elevation and temperature) and anthropogenic (distance from settlements) factors as predictors of fire frequency in Hwange National Park and adjacent areas. We used the Akaike Information Criterion (AIC) to evaluate the variable contribution to fire frequency. The model results indicated that all the variables that were used contributed significantly to fire recurrence (p < 0.05). Distance from settlements contributed the most to the model whilst dry matter productivity and annual average temperature were second and third respectively. Removal of distance from settlements from the model increased the AIC value to 1411.2 while removal of dry matter productivity and temperature resulted in AICs of 1269.9 and 1265.8 respectively. Results showed that settlements which are found in the vicinity of the protected area influence the recurrence of fires. Findings from this study can be used for strategic fire management and for the development of effective measures to minimize fire recurrence in a protected area. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Conservation of wildlife often results in the protection of endangered species, like the Southern African python (Python natalensis). However, wildlife tends to occur both in protected areas and human settlements and the latter results in human–wildlife conflict (HWC). Often when the species involved threaten human life and/or livestock, wildlife authorities react through Problem Animal Control (PAC). The successes and challenges of this practice often vary. We present opportunities and challenges in the practical interventions to minimize human–python conflict by the Zimbabwe Parks and Wildlife Management Authority (ZPWMA) in communities adjacent to Nyanga National Park (NNP). We draw on station reports and reactions of human–python conflicts (2013–2020), our involvement with communities when human–python interactions occur, and discussions with stakeholders, extension officers, and wildlife rangers and managers responsible for coordinating PAC programs. We observed that the number of human–python conflict reports have decreased in the past 5 years. Furthermore, ZPWMA's efforts to resolve HWC through PAC reactions in concert with education and awareness, as well as collaborating with stakeholders, contributed to addressing the conflict. We propose four key action areas to strengthen intervention plans and procedures. The action areas involve (i) establishing the population and distribution structure of P. natalensis, (ii) evaluation of successes of capture and release, (iii) establishing the link between python age and involvement in human–python conflicts, and (iv) assessing community perceptions towards human–python conflict reports and interventions by the ZPWMA. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Ranger‐based monitoring has enormous potential to inform conservation globally, with hundreds of thousands of rangers patrolling extensive areas and recording observations of illegal activities and biodiversity. Much quantitative research has demonstrated the pitfalls and potential of data collection by rangers, but little work has considered its human dimensions. Yet poor engagement with, and ownership of, monitoring by those undertaking it may compromise data quality and thereby limit evidence‐based conservation.We interviewed rangers and supervisors involved in a programme for monitoring and managing elephant poaching in the Zambezi Valley, Zimbabwe. We assess the importance that rangers ascribed to data collection within their broader occupation, and their level of engagement with data management and use.We found that rangers saw the collection of biodiversity data as a routine duty that helped guide patrol strategy. Reporting these data was perceived as a primary way of demonstrating fulfilled responsibilities to their supervisors. Rangers did not, however, engage actively with data management and use. Ranger sentiment was evenly divided between those who said feedback on how the data they collected were used would motivate more engaged data collection, and those who said they would continue collecting data regardless, out of duty.Three elements of the occupational culture of rangers at our site—a strong sense of duty, deference to authority and knowing their defined responsibilities within the organizational hierarchy—were identified as key drivers of their engagement with monitoring.Building on these findings, we develop a theory of change to develop more meaningful engagement of rangers with monitoring. We argue that more effective and sustainable monitoring can be achieved by building on existing ranger culture while also fostering rangers' appreciation of data collection and utilization. Addressing key challenges around ranger well‐being, and resource and capacity needs, is also essential. A free Plain Language Summary can be found within the Supporting Information of this article. A free Plain Language Summary can be found within the Supporting Information of this article. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article discusses an analysis of the abundance and spatial distribution of the common hippopotamus also known as Hippopotamus amphibius in the Manjirenji Dam, Zimbabwe, to address conservation and detect human–wildlife conflict hot spots. It mentions competition for natural resources between wild animals and resident human communities has led to human–wildlife conflict. it also discusses constriction of habitat quality and quantity.