Examination Papers, February 2026

FIREARMS

FA.FEB.26 – QU.1   What is the name of the science that studies the laws governing the behaviour of propellants and projectiles and predicts their performance? 1 mk

FA.FEB.26 – QU.2   Under what conditions can a hunter client use a tour operator’s firearm without possessing a certificate?  2 mks

FA.FEB.26 – QU.3   What physical force is responsible for propelling a projectile out of a firearm’s barrel?   2 mks

FA.FEB.26 – QU. 4   What is lock time in firearms, and why is it significant?  3 mks

FA.FEB.26 – QU.5     Under what circumstances can the Controller of Firearms require a physical inspection of a firearm? 4 mks

FA.FEB.26 – QU.6       What is the maximum number of firearms that one certificate can cover? 2 mks

FA.FEB.26 – QU.7     When should you avoid using your firearm, according to the Golden Rule? 2 mks

FA.FEB.26 – QU.8   What aspects or circumstances must the Controller of Firearms be satisfied of before granting a firearm certificate? 2 mks

FA.FEB.26 – QU.9     Under Part II of the Firearms Act Chapter 10:09, which air weapons are excluded from control? 3 mks

FA.FEB.26 – QU.10     According to the Firearms Act, Chapter 10:09, what four specific firearm modifications are considered illegal without the prior written permission of the firearms controller?   4 mks

FA.FEB.26 – QU.11     What is the first step in making a bolt-action rifle safe? 2 mks

FA.FEB.26 – QU.12     Is a certificate holder permitted to possess an unlimited amount of ammunition for the certified firearm? 2 mks

FA.FEB.26 – QU.13    Give any four situations in which safety precautions can be carried out. 4 mks

FA.FEB.26 – QU.14    How do you check that a rifle chamber is empty? 4 mks

FA.FEB.26 – QU.15    Which primer type is easier to reload? 2 mks

FA.FEB.26 – QU.16 If a firearm is stolen, what is the legal presumption regarding its status unless proven otherwise? 2 mks

FA.FEB.26 – QU.17     What is a revolver? 2 mks

FA.FEB.26 – QU.18      Are young people legally permitted to possess firearms under the Firearms Act Chapter, 10:09? 2 mks

FA.FEB.26 – QU.19     Define a shotshell.  2 mks

FA.FEB.26 – QU.20   What is the function of a wad in a shotshell.   4 mks

FA.FEB.26 – QU.21   Give two major characteristics of a full metal jacket bullet. 4 mks

FA.FEB.26 – QU.22      Describe how a semi-automatic rifle action functions. 2 mks

FA.FEB.26 – QU.23     What is the purpose of a safety catch on a firearm? 2 mks

FA.FEB.26 – QU.24      Name the part of a rifle that extracts the spent cartridge case from the chamber. 2 mks

FA.FEB.26 – QU.25       Define the following terms as they are used in ballistics. 1 mk each = 9 mks

a) Ejection.

b) Feeding.

c) Chambering.

d) Cocking.

e) Locking.

f) Firing.

g) Unlocking

i) Extracting.

j) Ejecting.

FA.FEB.26 – QU.26    Define ballistic coefficient (BC).    2 mks

FA.FEB.26 – QU.27    Describe point-blank range.    2 mks

FA.FEB.26 – QU.28    In your own words, outline what bullet yaw is.    2 mks

FA.FEB.26 – QU.29     Give two factors, besides bullet energy, that determine the lethal quality of a bullet.   4 mks

FA.FEB.26 – QU.30     How is overpenetration defined in terminal ballistics? 3 mks

FA.FEB.26 – QU.31     Can a visitor to Zimbabwe legally possess a firearm without a local certificate? If so, under what regulations or conditions is this permitted?  2 mks

FA.FEB.26 – QU.32    What is the required timeframe within which a person must present a firearm certificate upon police demand?   2 mks

FA.FEB.26 – QU.33   List four actions that constitute “improper use” of a firearm under Section 27 of the Firearms Act, Chapter 10:09. 8 mks

FA.FEB.26 – QU.34    What is the validity period of a firearm certificate before it must be renewed? 2 mks

FA.FEB.26 – QU.35     Which signalling device is specifically NOT excluded from the Act’s Firearm definition? 3 mks

FIELD GUIDING & RESOURCE INTERPRETATION  

GUI.FEB.26 – QU.1    Give two advantages of guided walks over other safari activities. 2 mks

GUI.FEB.26 – QU.2   List any five skills that make professional field guiding more than just leading a tour. 5 mks

GUI.FEB.26 – QU.3   Why must guides maintain non-technological navigation skills? 2 mks

GUI.FEB.26 – QU.4     Describe the importance of interpretation in field guiding. 4 mks

GUI.FEB.26 – QU.5    State how safety performance impacts destination reputation. 3 mks

GUI.FEB.26 – QU.6     Give three reasons why guides advise against wearing bright coloured clothing during guided walks.    3 mks

GUI.FEB.26 – QU.7    Distinguish between interpretation and basic information sharing. 2 mks

GUI.FEB.26 – QU.8     Name three senses commonly used in field interpretation. 3 mks

GUI.FEB.26 – QU.9    Provide a clear and concise definition of visitor-centred interpretation. 2 mks

GUI.FEB.26 – QU.10   Give four reasons why professional guides must understand animal behaviour. 8 mks

GUI.FEB.26 – QU.11     Define a complaint. 2 mks

GUI.FEB.26 – QU.12   ldentify the daily visible constellation used for Southern Hemisphere navigation. 2 mks

GUI.FEB.26 – QU.13     What is the guide’s main duty during safari activities? 2 mks

GUI.FEB.26 – QU.14   Why are first aid kits mandatory? 2 mks

GUI.FEB.26 – QU.15    During a safari, how should a guide respond when animals display distress signals? 2 mks

GUI.FEB.26 – QU.16   Define a tourism destination and give one popular example of such a destination outside Zimbabwe.   4 mks

GUI.FEB.26 – QU.17     Explain the role of guides as conservation ambassadors. 2 mks

GUI.FEB.26 – QU.18     Describe sub-grouping as used in group management. 5 mks

GUI.FEB.26 – QU.19    State three reasons for analysing guest profiles pre-arrival. 3 mks

GUI.FEB.26 – QU.20   Why are stories more effective than facts?   2 mks

GUI.FEB.26 – QU.21   List the four emergency management phases.   8 mks

GUI.FEB.26 – QU.22   Define tour management in field guiding.   2 mks

GUI.FEB.26 – QU.23    List the three main roles of safety briefings in safari guided activities.   3 mks

GUI.FEB.26 – QU.24   Why is safety central to tourism sustainability?   4 mks

GUI.FEB.26 – QU.25    Name five tourism health hazards that may occur at a destination in Zimbabwe.   5 mks

GUI.FEB.26 – QU.26    Explain the role of complaints in service improvement of the safari industry.    2 mks

GUI.FEB.26 – QU.27   What is a game drive?   2 mks

GUI.FEB.26 – QU.28    State any three major reasons for avoiding giving too many facts to guests at once.    2 mks

GUI.FEB.26 – QU.29   Outline any five steps to follow when managing guest complaints in your safari organization.    10 mks

GUI.FEB.26 – QU.30   Give two disadvantages of a guided game drive.   2 mks

GENERAL PAPER

GP.FEB.26 – QU.1   Answer the following questions. 1 mk each = 10 mks

a) What is the emergency contact number for the Fire Department in Zimbabwe?

b) How many official languages are recognized in Zimbabwe?

c) In which year was the Middle Zambezi Man and Biosphere Reserve established?

d) What percentage of Zimbabwe’s total surface area is covered by aquatic ecosystems?

e) Under which CITES Appendix is the African lion, Panthera leo, listed?

f) What is the stipulated minimum distance in meters that hunters should maintain from a vehicle before shooting an animal?

g) A giraffe should be hunted using a rifle with a minimum calibre of how many millimetres in diameter? –

h) In which year was the Memorandum of Agreement for Lower Zambezi-Mana Pools Transfrontier Conservation Area (LOZAMAP TFCA) between Zimbabwe and Zambia signed?

i) What is the height of the eternal flame at the National Heroes Acre in Zimbabwe?

j) What is Zimbabwe‘s ranking globally in terms of rhino population?

GP.FEB.26 – QU.2   What is the nationality of the 49-year-old tourist who died after falling into the Victoria Falls gorge in early January 2026? 1 mk           

GP.FEB.26 – QU.3    Which town in Zimbabwe will host the 2026 Africa’s Eden Travel Show – Africa Edition? 1 mk 

GP.FEB.26 – QU.4    Which country was voted the best country to visit by Forbes magazine in 2025? 1 mk    

GP.FEB.26 – QU.5      Which African country will host the 32″“ United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP32) in 2027?   1 mk

GP.FEB.26 – QU.6      Which African country won the 2026 Africa Cup of Nations (AF CON) tournament? 1 mk   

GP.FEB.26 – QU.7   The iconic Kenyan elephant named Craig, a legendary “super tusker” passed away on January 3, 2026.

a) How old was the elephant when he passed away? 1 mk

b) What was the average weight, in kilograms, of each tusk at the time of his passing? 1 mk  

GP.FEB.26 – QU.8      Who is the new Chief Executive Officer for the Zimbabwe Tourism Authority? 2 mks

GP.FEB.26 – QU.9    Who is the Zimbabwean expert serving as the current chairperson of the newly formed African Group of Negotiators on Wildlife? 2 mks   

GP.FEB.26 – QU.10   Which two SADC countries jointly hosted the 2026 International Cricket Council ICC) Under-19 Men’s Cricket World Cup?  2 mks       

GP.FEB.26 – QU.11   Zimbabwe always observes World Wetland Day.

a) On which day is the World Wetland Day observed?  2 mks

b) Where did the main Zimbabwean national event take place in 2026?   1 mk       

GP.FEB.26 – QU.12     Which distance estimation method depends on prior experience and familiarity with the object or  terrain?   1 mk    

GP.FEB.26 – QU.13     Which rare phobia refers to fear of flowers?   1 mk    

GP.FEB.26 – QU.14     Which Specially Protected tree species is endemic to the Nyuni Hills in southern Zimbabwe, particularly near Ngundu?    1 mk    

GP.FEB.26 – QU.15    Which category within the Parks and Wildlife Estate covers the largest area in Zimbabwe?   1 mk     

GP.FEB.26 – QU.16     Which Zimbabwean court has jurisdiction over disputes related to government decisions, local authorities, and public bodies?    1 mk   

GP.FEB.26 – QU.17      How many women traditional chiefs are there in Zimbabwe?    1 mk      

GP.FEB.26 – QU.18      Which traditional leader is responsible for the collection of taxes, levies and other charges payable according under the Rural District Council Act, Chapter 29:13?     1 mk       

GP.FEB.26 – QU.19     Which of the Small Five animals is considered one of the strongest animals in the world relative to its size?    1 mk      

GP.FEB.26 – QU.20      What is the English name of the group of stars known as the “Path of the Elephant”?   1 mk    

GP.FEB.26 – QU.21   Which knot is commonly called the “rescue knot” because it creates a secure loop at the end of a rope?    1 mk

GP.FEB.26 – QU.22     What is the name of the indigenous community gathering in Zimbabwe, where people come together to help each other with activities such as weeding, cultivation, or harvesting? Give both Shona and Ndebele names.  2 mks       

GP.FEB.26 – QU.23     Why is it important to consider wind direction when choosing a campsite?   2 mks

GP.FEB.26 – QU.24     Why is vinegar often used in biltong preparation?   2 mks

GP.FEB.26 – QU.26      For which of the Big Five animals in Zimbabwe has species-specific management planning not yet been developed?   2 mks    

GP.FEB.26 – QU.26     The 30 by 30 Protection goal is an initiative under which Biodiversity Framework?  2 mks

GP.FEB.26 – QU. 27     Which three Recreational Parks were recently gazetted under the Parks and Wildlife Amendment Act No 4 of 2024?   3 mks      

GP.FEB.26 – QU.28     Apart from Zimbabwe, which four other SADC member states have been selected to pilot the SADC Tourism UNIVISA?  2 mks    

HABITS & HABITATS

HH.FEB.26 – QU.1    Animals have developed unique habits which enable them to survive in particular environments.  What are the three key features of an animal habit? 3 mks

HH.FEB.26 – QU.2    While traveling with clients in the Lowveld region, you observe several baobab trees (Adansonia digitata) with damaged trunks. How would you explain the possible causes of this damage to your clients? 2 mks

HH.FEB.26 – QU. 3     Explain why red-billed oxpeckers, Buphagus erythrynchus, are a necessary nuisance in a rhinoceros’s life.  2 mks

HH.FEB.26 – QU.4      Describe bradycardia in a hippopotamus. 2 mks

HH.FEB.26 – QU.5      Why are warthogs regarded as the originator of ‘reverse parking’ on social media? 3 mks

HH.FEB.26 – QU.6   What structural adaptations of a cheetah make it a predator specialized for speed?    4 mks

HH.FEB.26 – QU.7      The Cape buffalo, Syncerus caffer, loves mud wallowing to the extent that old solitary bulls are called “dagga boys”. What are the benefits of this activity? 3 mks

HH.FEB.26 – QU.8      Briefly explain why elephant trunk is regarded as a unique apparatus. 4 mks

HH.FEB.26 – QU.9    

a. Female elephant has two teats in between its hind legs. True/False 1 mk

b. Female buffalo has two teats in between its hind legs. True/False 1 mk

HH.FEB.26 – QU.10

Differentiate between the following animal habits;

a. siblicide and infanticide 2 mks

b. aestivation and hibernation 2 mks

HH.FEB.26 – QU.11     Explain why Sansevieria aethiopica is commonly called “Mother-in-law’s tongue.”   Additionally, list two practical uses of this plant. 2 mks

HH.FEB.26 – QU.12    Why is the lion considered an animal built for hunting and killing? 4 mks

HH.FEB.26 – QU.13     While guiding your American clients along the Zambezi River close to Mana Pools, you encounter a fisherman holding a long-finned eel-fish Anguilla mossambica. How would you explain the presence of this fish in this area considering the geographical features of this river? 3 mks

HH.FEB.26 – QU.14    During a bush camp with clients, a Mozambique spitting cobra, Naja mossambica, sprays venom into the eyes of one client. Describe the steps you would take to assist the client. 3 mks

HH.FEB.26 – QU.15      Name a butterfly species that mimics the African Monarch’s (Danaus chrysippus) colours to avoid predation. 1 mk

HH.FEB.26 – QU.16      What factors influence caste differentiation and task allocation in Matabele ants’ (Megaponera analis) colonies? 2 mks

HH.FEB.26 – QU. 17    Name the fungus which is cultivated by Mound-Building Termites that helps to digest tough plant material, turning it into food. 1 mk

HH.FEB.26 – QU. 18 What is the purpose of the “waggle dance” in bees? 1 mk

HH.FEB.26 – QU. 19    Name the spider species which has a venom stronger than a rattle snake, Crotalus spp?  1 mk

HH.FEB.26 – QU. 20   Explain why birds of prey are regarded as having the most advanced eyesight in the animal kingdom? 3 mks

LAW

LAW.FEB.26 – QU.1       Define the following terms according to the Parks and Wildlife Act, Chapter 20:14, Amendment, Number 4.

i) captive wild animal   2 mks

ii) consumptive tourism   2 mks

m) animal   2 mks

iv) plant   2 mks

v) fish   2  mks

LAW.FEB.26 – QU.2    State the categories of land that make up the Parks and Wildlife Estate and provide one example for each category.  6 mks

LAW.FEB.26 – QU.3    Select Specially Protected animals from the list below. 4 mks

Cheetah, Acinonyx jubatus; eland, Taurotragus oyrx; roan antelope, Hippotragus equinus; pangolin, Smutsi temminckii; impala, Aepyceros melampus; wild dog, Lycaon pictus; klipspringer, Oreotragus oreotragus; African elephant, Loxodonta Africana;

LAW.FEB.26 – QU.4     Name any two Recreational Parks found in Masvingo Province and any one Safari Area found in the Midlands province, and one Safari Area in the Nyaminyami District of Mashonaland West Province of Zimbabwe.  4 mks

LAW.FEB.26 – QU.5      What are the main differences between the purposes of National Parks and Botanical Reserves in Zimbabwe?  Provide two examples of protected areas for each category, as classified under the Parks and Wildlife Act, Chapter 20:14.    8 mks

LAW.FEB.26 – QU.6     Identify four animal species that can be hunted using specified weapons, as listed under Part A of the Third Schedule of Statutory Instrument 362 of 1990. 4 mks

LAW.FEB.26 – QU.7    List six hunting methods that are prohibited under Statutory Instrument 362 of 1990.3 mks

LAW.FEB.26 – QU.8      List six National Parks and six Botanical Reserves found in Zimbabwe. 6 mks

LAW.FEB.26 – QU.9      State two animal species that may be hunted in Zimbabwe with a special permit. 2 mks

LAW.FEB.26 – QU.10     List the three arms of the State.    3 mks

LAW.FEB.26 – QU.11      Identify the Statutory Instrument that amended the Parks and Wildlife Act (General) Regulation Statutory Instrument 362 of 1990 by removing buffalo from Part A and relocating it to Part E, thereby establishing the requirements for hunting buffalo with a bow and arrow. 1 mk

LAW.FEB.26 – QU.12      List four animal species that are designated as dangerous under the Parks and Wildlife Act Chapter 20:14. 2 mks

LAW.FEB.26 – QU.13    Referring to the Parks and Wildlife General Regulations Statutory Instrument 362 of 1990, specify from the list below animal species that can be hunted using projectiles whose bullet diameter and muzzle energy are given below: eland, hippopotamus, roan and impala.     4 mks

LAW.FEB.26 – QU.14       What is the other name for CITES form 10? 1 mk

LAW.FEB.26 – QU.15      State any four Specially Protected plant species according to the Parks and Wildlife Act Chapter 20:14.    2 mks

LAW.FEB.26 – QU.16    Professional hunter John was legally hunting in Hurungwe Safari Area, he came across another Professional Hunter Peter. Peter identified himself to John and asked John to also provide his identify upon which John refused. John argued that Peter was neither a Parks official nor a police detail and was infringing on his rights. Comment on John response in terms of the law. 2 mks

LAW.FEB.26 – QU.17   Nyasha, a professional hunter, was legally hunting in Charara Safari Area with client Bonface. They encountered a sick kudu, and the client expressed sympathy for the animal and inquired whether he could shoot it. If you were Nyasha, how would you respond to the client? 2 mks

LAW.FEB.26 – QU.18      What does the law say in relation to shooting of animals in self-defence?  2 mks

LAW.FEB.26 – QU.19     Explain the definition of ‘problem animals’ as per the amended Section 80 of Chapter 20:14. In your answer, outline the three key criteria that categorize an animal as a problem animal.    3 mks

LAW.FEB.26 – QU.20      Which species are classified as Specially Protected Animals according to the Parks and Wildlife Act, Chapter 20:14 of Zimbabwe:

a) Proteles cristatus, b) Phacochoerus africanus, c) Pedetes capensis 1 mk