Provision of water to wildlife is critical during drought periods in Protected Areas (PA). The objectives of the study were to: (i) assess the distribution of artificial and natural water sources, (ii) assess if there is any relation between borehole depths and borehole water yields, and (iii) assess rainfall trends in relation to borehole yields in Mid Zambezi Protected Area (PA). A combination of remote sensing, water divining, borehole drilling, and visual observations was used to collect data in four PAs in Mid Zambezi in November 2019. Drilled boreholes had mean depths of 74 metres. There were no significant differences in borehole depths and boreholes water yield, Borehole depth: (Kruskal-Wallis χ 2 test = 10,8, df = 9, p > 0.05) and borehole water yield Kruskal-Wallis χ 2 test = 7,3, df = 11, p > 0.05). A negative correlation was recorded between the boreholes depth and borehole water yields (r = −0.32, n = 18, p < 0.05). The gradual decline in rainfall in the Zambezi valley was ascertained to be related to low borehole water yields and increased borehole depths in some PA. The study recommends another study on the perceived negative impacts of artificial water sources in the wildlife ecosystem.

Over the years hunting at Sengwa has proved to be a worthwhile and fantastic venture. Hunting thrills both the new entry and hardened bush lovers. Hunting outcomes have provided the basis of bravely packaged future hunts. The uncertainties of getting desirable trophy quality make hunting unpredictable and always interesting. Despite constraints in ever tightening regulations hunting is still in its glory and it is a worldwide occupation. It is rewarding to fulfill one's ego in appropriately appointed safari hunts. At Sengwa Wildlife Research Area (SWRA) the challenge has always been the anxiety to fulfill one's hunting bag in the shortest but most exhilarating African hunt. A beautiful picture is then made of the hunting patterns at Sengwa in one of the last remaining out-backs of rugged and harsh terrains. Hunting is a knot of hunters' emotions, hope, worry and gratitude that delight in its existence. In this paper, the hunting paradox are investigated so that a template can remain for future management to secure hunting in SWRA and to improve biodiversity conservation.This paper represents a structured assessment on the impacts of hunting in SWRA and the potential that trophy hunting can provide to wildlife conservation for the present and future generation if effectively managed and monitored.

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