By the end of the lesson children should be able to;

• Define the term "wildlife".
• Explain the relationship between flora aid fauna.
• Distinguish between wildlife and domesticated animals.
• Explain the social, economic, cultural and ecological importance of wildlife to the community and nation.

Many people describe wildlife as living things that are neither human nor domesticated referring to especially mammals, bird and fishes that are hunted by man for leisure or food. In other words most people refer to undomesticated mammals, birds, reptiles and fish as wildlife. However this definition leaves out plant life, which is found abundantly in the wild.

According to the Parks and Wildlife Act, wildlife embraces:

"All things growing (fauna or flora) produced without the care of man and brought forth unassisted by nature"

Fauna refers to animal life while flora means plant life. Fauna and flora cannot be separated when talking about wildlife.

Many vital links exist between plants and animals. They assist each other in many ways. It is clear when examining these many close relationships that the removal of even one kind of plant or animal can result in the disruption of other living things, which might eventually lead to loss of life.

It is important to understand the difference between domesticated animals and wildlife. Once you understand this difference, and move on to the ecological importance of wildlife, you will then fully understand the relationship flora and fauna.

Wildlife consists of:

• Vertebrates - mammals, fish, birds, reptiles, and other living creatures which have a backbone.
• Invertebrates - animals without a backbone, including insects arachnids (spiders)
• Herbivores - those animals, which eat plants and grasses - such as, buffalo, eland, elephant, giraffe, impala, kudu.
• Carnivores- those animals, which eat meat: lion. Leopard, cheetah, jackal, hyena and other smaller animals.

Social importance of wildlife

• Crafts can be made from local wildlife resources.
• Such crafts can also generate income by selling these useful items made from natural resources to urban people and to tourists.
• Beautiful things made with skilled craftsmanship and artistry using natural resources; enhance the quality of the life of the community with the richness of art and beauty
• Animal hides from wildlife serve many useful purposes.
• Abudant edible fruits exist to supplement the diets of rural people and taste good.
• Other wildlife such as mopani worm and termites are excellent sources of protein and taste good.
• Many plants have medicinal qualities, which have been demonstrated through generations.
• Musical instruments have been made from wildlife resources.

• Wildlife brings foreign currency into Zimbabwe, through visitors coming from abroad for game viewing walking and photographic safaris and trophy hunting safaris.
• People get valuable protein from carcases left after collection of trophies.
• The safari industry provides jobs.

• Plants provide food for animals to feed on
• Plants with hollow branches are home to ants.
• Plants give shelter and materials for nests
• Ants spend their whole day crawling over the plant thereby protecting them from grazing animals with their powerful sting.
• Pollination in forests is facilitated by animals, which carry pollen grains from place to place.
• Grass seeds and seedpods, which cling to animals and humans, are then carried elsewhere, so allowing the spread of trees and plants to other areas.
• Trees and plants help keep the soil fertile by retaining moisture and nutrients in the soil.
• Man in turn depends on fertile soil to grow crops and survive.

• Discuss how plants help other plants.
• How animals help other animals
• How animals help plants
• How plants help animals

Compiled by;

J. Z. Nyilika

Community Development Officer

Painted Dog Conservation and

Wildlife & Environment Zimbabwe