Zimbabwe Game Count - Special ProgramiCAL Export

The Hwange National Park game census, better known as 'the count,' is southern Africa's longest-continually running wildlife census. The 2023 count was the 54th Annual Statis Pan count in the park. The concept is as simple as it is beautiful and (for some) challenging - to sit by a waterhole, spring, or stretch of river for 24 hours and do nothing but count every mammal that comes to drink. What makes the count genuinely unique is that the vast majority of folks who take part are ordinary people like you and me. You don't have to be a scientist to participate. However, for researchers based in and around Hwange, the annual census is a goldmine of information, particularly regarding the sightings of rare and endangered wildlife. It takes place in the fall when vegetation is at its lowest, so it is most accessible to see the animals with less brush. It occurs during a full moon to aid in observation at night. Being forced to sit still and record the comings and goings, drinking habits, conditions, species, age range, and sex of every animal wandering brings a new dimension to traditional game viewing.

A 24-hour static pan count enables the Zimbabwe Parks and Wildlife Management Authority to get an idea of species distribution throughout the park. There are almost 300 volunteers taking part, nearly all from Zimbabwe, apart from our Globe Aware group. They are split into 83 teams. Lots of other entities are taking part to make all of this happen, such as SAVE, the African Rhino Foundation of Australia, the Hwange Conservation Society UK Bhejane Trust, the Minister of Environment and Climate Change, Hon. Nqabizitha Mangaliso Ndlovu and the Zimbabwe Parks and Wildlife Management Authority. All entities are working together to ensure the Park and its wildlife are provided with much-needed tanks, solar panels, tools, fuel, spare parts and borehole pumps to guarantee the continuity of the most vital element: WATER.