It's the end of yet another year and the beginning of a new one and the cycle of life in the Zambezi Valley's wild areas goes round once again.
The rainy season brings a refreshing regeneration. The vegetation becomes thick and green and juicy grasses sprout from where there was previously bare earth. Suddenly there is an abundance of food for wildlife.
Flowers bloom and the air is alive with insects. New life is everywhere. It's a very special time in the bush.
But this season also has its drawbacks. The rainy weather makes it much easier for illegal wildlife activity to take place. The presence of poachers after ivory, bushmeat and other wildlife products is less easily detected in thick bush and tracks are soon covered by the rain.
Access for anti-poaching patrols is limited in remote areas due to muddy road conditions and flooded river crossings.
Conditions for foot patrols are uncomfortable and harsh. It's a tricky time for those trying to protect the valuable Zambezi wildlife resources on which tourism to these areas depends.
So.... in this time of giving, and of goal-setting for the start of a new year - spare a thought (or a gift) for the hard-working rangers of ZimParks and the conservationists who support them to work tirelessly in all weather conditions to keep the Zambezi's wildlife safe.
If you would like to make a contribution to assist, check out the excellent work of the following, who all support the valuable work of Parks rangers in the Zambezi Valley. (You can contact them via their details which are listed on their individual pages):-
Bumi Hills Anti-Poaching Unit (BHAPU)
Flying for Wildlife
Kariba Animal Welfare Fund Trust (KAWFT)
Matusadona Anti-Poaching Project (MAPP)
RIFA Conservation Education Camp
The Tashinga Initiative Trust
The Zambezi Society
Victoria Falls Anti-Poaching Unit (VFAPU)
Victoria Falls Wildlife Trust
Zambezi Elephant Fund (ZEF)
Zimbabwe Parks & Wildlife Managment Authority (ZimParks)
PLEASE SPARE A THOUGHT FOR CONSERVATION IN THE ZAMBEZI VALLEY'S WILD AREAS - AND IF YOU CAN, PLEASE CONSIDER MAKING A DONATION IN SUPPORT.