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Zimbabwe is launching a programme to collar and track dominant female elephants in Hwange National Park.
The goal is to reduce the ongoing conflict between elephants and local farmers. Elephants in the park often leave the protected area, damaging crops and putting people at risk.
The project, run by the Zimbabwe Parks and Wildlife Management Authority (Zimparks) in partnership with the International Fund for Animal Welfare (IFAW), will track the elephants’ movements.
Since herds are led by a dominant female (a matriarch), collaring eight of these matriarchs will help track the movements of multiple elephant herds.
Around half Zimbabwe’s 100,000 elephants live in and around Hwange National Park, making it home to one of the world’s largest elephant populations.
In a joint statement, IFAW, Zimparks, and Zimparks said, “Elephants will be fitted with satellite-enabled GPS collars to study how the mega-herbivores are utilising the human-dominated landscape.”
Earlier this week, State media reported that Hwange residents are living in fear of stray elephants, which are imposing curfews from dusk to dawn, putting mine workers and others at risk of attacks.
In 2023, Lydia Dube (30), a female security guard was trampled to death by an elephant while guarding a broken-down crane at Chaba Opencast mine.
Dube was rushed to Hwange Colliery Hospital where her condition deteriorated before being transferred to Mpilo where she succumbed to the injuries on arrival.
More: <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

Pindula News

Zimbabwe is putting collars on female elephants in Hwange Park. They want to stop elephants from damaging crops and scaring people. The collars will help track herds of elephants led by females. Hwange Park has many elephants, so this project is important. The collars have GPS to study how elephants move in human areas. People in Hwange are scared of elephants causing accidents. A woman named Lydia was killed by an elephant at a mine. This project will help keep elephants and people safe.

Zimbabwe Plans To Collar Elephants In Hwange National Park

Hwange residents are living in fear of stray elephants, which are imposing curfews from dusk to dawn, putting mine workers and others at risk of attacks, reported <a href="https://www.chronicle.co.zw/stray-elephants-impose-curfew-in-hwange-urban/">Chronicle</a>.
Earlier this year, a woman fetching firewood was seriously injured by an elephant and remains hospitalised in Bulawayo three months later.
The most affected areas include Lusumbami, Makwika, Ingagula, Lower Colliery, and the Airport area, where elephants frequently invade, damaging fences and entering homes in search of mangoes.
Residents, like Wallace Nyoni from Ingagula, are fearful of being trampled by the elephants, which have become a common threat near residential areas. Said Nyoni:
<blockquote>
It’s now dangerous to be on the streets after 6 pm as elephants will now be roaming the neighbourhood, we are living in fear as they have literally imposed curfews. These elephants are so daring that they actually move into people’s yards felling mango trees.
</blockquote>
Trynos Ndlovu from Lusumbami village reported that elephants destroyed a perimeter fence and a plastic storage tank at a local primary school while searching for water and food.
Ward 3 councillor, Bryn Chikumbo, said that residents are living in fear as elephants impose curfews and destroy property, including fences and power lines, leading to the killing of four elephants. Said Chikumbo:
<blockquote>
Elephants have become a menace in my community leading to destruction of property and potential loss of life. Damage and loss are left uncompensated.
For example, the destruction of vegetable gardens and property. The destruction of power lines is creating a challenge leading to energy poverty.
The poorly sited extractive projects have disturbed the ecosystem by tapping into the water bodies ultimately polluting the water, and making it undrinkable, which forces wildlife to draw close to communities.
There is a gap in awareness campaigns and capacity building meant to equip communities with strategies to enhance grassroots ability to tackle climate change.
The elephants have gradually taken over the Ingagula community. They often roam the streets after hours, making communities feel hostage.
</blockquote>
Ward 15 (Makwika) councillor, Elphas Owner Dhlamini concurred that the presence of elephants posed great danger to residents in his area. He said:
<blockquote>
With regards to the Wildlife conflict in my ward, this has become a serious threat, people are living in fear, elephants are everywhere, and as early as 6 pm they will be a stone’s throw from the compound.
Curfews are the order of the day on this side too. The major cause is the drought, which we are experiencing.
There is a serious shortage of food in the bush, if you are to look at these elephants you can surely tell that they are starving.
</blockquote>
Tinashe Matika, district programme manager of the Hwange Youth Empowerment Initiative, said that workers are also suffering from the heightened elephant activity in the area, which leaves them vulnerable to attacks as they travel home from work. Matika said:
<blockquote>
Most of the workers from areas such as No.3, Railways, Ingagula, No.2 and No.5 walk from work since there is a shortage of staff transport.
This puts them in danger of being attacked along the way as the jumbos are now known to camp close to residential areas. Mining is an intrusive economic activity that can drive development.
However, the poor location of the current wave of extractive projects has brought a series of negative externalities whose burden falls on communities.
</blockquote>
In 2023, Lydia Dube (30), a female security guard was trampled to death by an elephant while guarding a broken-down crane at Chaba Opencast mine.
Dube was rushed to Hwange Colliery Hospital where her condition deteriorated before being transferred to Mpilo where she succumbed to the injuries on arrival.
More: <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

Elephants in Hwange town are scaring people by imposing curfews at night. They are destroying property and even attacking residents. Elephants are going into neighborhoods, breaking fences, and looking for food. Some people have been hurt, and even killed, by elephants. The elephants are hungry because of a drought, so they are coming closer to people's homes. People are scared to go out at night, and workers are at risk of being attacked. The elephants are causing a lot of problems for the community, and there is no help or compensation for the damage they are causing.

Stray Elephants Impose "Curfew" In Hwange Town

Residents of Mkhosana in Victoria Falls are living in fear as a large herd of buffaloes, estimated to number between 30 and 40, has been encroaching into the area since June.
The buffaloes have been wreaking havoc by destroying vegetable gardens and posing a threat to human safety.
In an interview with <a href="https://vicfallslive.co.zw/buffaloes-wreak-havoc-in-victoria-falls-residents-living-in-fear/">VicFallsLive</a>, David Mpofu, a concerned resident of Mkhosana, urged ZimParks to intervene and help address the situation. He said:
<blockquote>
We are living in fear because these buffaloes come every day, destroying our vegetable gardens. We want the Zimbabwe Parks and Wildlife Management Authority rangers to take action and chase them away.
</blockquote>
Trymore Ndolo, a member of the Victoria Falls Combined Residents Association, said the buffaloes are becoming a menace as they encroach into high-density residential areas.
Just last week, a large herd of buffaloes invaded the Victoria Falls City Council water works premises, catching security guards off guard and forcing them to take cover.
In Mkhosana, the buffaloes remained stubbornly in the area until officials from the Zimbabwe Parks and Wildlife Management Authority arrived to chase them away.
More: <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

A big group of buffaloes is scaring people in Victoria Falls by coming into their neighborhoods and ruining their gardens. The buffaloes are causing trouble and putting people in danger. The residents want the wildlife rangers to come and make the buffaloes go away. The buffaloes even went to the water works place last week and scared the guards. Finally, the wildlife officials had to come and move the buffaloes out of the neighborhoods. People are hoping that the situation will get better soon.

Buffaloes Invade Residential Areas In Victoria Falls

Three lions were discovered dead in Hwange National Park, Zimbabwe, with their heads and paws removed.
The Zimbabwe Parks and Wildlife Management Authority (ZimParks) suspects that the incident is linked to poaching for ritual purposes.
According to ZimParks, the lions were shot on Monday at Nyamandlovu Pan, near Hwange Main Camp, before being beheaded and having their paws cut off.
ZimParks spokesperson Tinashe Farawo stated that the lions were killed using a heavy-calibre rifle. Said Farawo:
<blockquote>
We are investigating a suspected case of lions poaching in Hwange, the suspects used a heavy calibre rifle before they chopped the heads and feet of the lions.
</blockquote>
Occasionally in Zimbabwe, lions kill people, often with little public condemnation. In contrast, when humans kill lions, it sparks outrage among conservationists both locally and globally.
In 2015, there was widespread condemnation when Cecil the Lion, one of the country’s most famous big cats, was lured with an elephant carcass and subsequently hunted.
According to the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN), the global population of wild African lions has drastically declined to approximately 23,000, down from around 200,000 at the start of the last century.
In Zimbabwe, the lion population is estimated to be around 2,000.
More: <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

Three lions in Hwange were found dead without heads and paws. Suspected to be poaching for rituals, lions were shot and mutilated. ZimParks investigate. In Zimbabwe, when lions kill people, it's okay, but if humans kill lions, it's bad. Cecil the Lion was killed in 2015, causing anger. The lion population is decreasing worldwide. The African lion population has gone from 200,000 to 23,000. In Zimbabwe, there are around 2,000 lions. Many are concerned about the conservation of lions.

Three Lions Found With Heads And Paws Removed In suspected Ritual-use Poaching Incident In Hwange

A group of crocodiles attacked and capsized a canoe on the Zambezi River on October 14, 2024, resulting in the tragic death of a man who was fishing.
As reported by <a href="https://www.chronicle.co.zw/crocodiles-devour-fisherman-as-woman-watches-in-horror/">Chronicle</a>, a woman fetching water nearby witnessed the attack.
The crocodiles reportedly dragged the screaming man to the bottom of the river, and efforts by Zimbabwe Parks and Wildlife officials and the sub-aqua police unit to recover his body were unsuccessful.
Police in Binga, Matabeleland North, are investigating the incident, which occurred around 6 PM. 
The spokesperson for the Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) in Matabeleland North Province, Inspector Glory Banda, confirmed that the victim’s body has not been recovered.
Following a report from an informant, police, sub-aqua units, and rangers from the Parks and Wildlife Management Authority attended the scene and noted the presence of crocodiles in the area.
Inspector Banda urged the public to avoid using unsafe canoes for fishing and to exercise caution when crossing flooded rivers as the rainy season approaches.
He said there are increased risks of crocodile attacks during this season and stressed the need for heightened awareness and safety measures among those frequently crossing waterways.
More: <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

A man fishing on the Zambezi River was attacked and killed by crocodiles while in his canoe. The crocodiles dragged him underwater, and efforts to recover his body were unsuccessful. The incident was witnessed by a woman fetching water nearby. Police are investigating the incident and warn people to be cautious near rivers, especially during the rainy season when there is an increased risk of crocodile attacks. They recommend using safe canoes and being aware of the dangers when crossing waterways. The victim's body has not been found yet.

Man Fatally Attacked By Crocodiles On Zambezi River

The Zimbabwe Parks and Wildlife Management Authority on Wednesday, 09 October killed a problem elephant that had been terrorising communities and destroying mango fruits in Hwange.
Ingagula councillor Brian Chikumbo confirmed the shooting of the elephant to <a href="https://vicfallslive.co.zw/problem-elephant-shot-in-hwange/">VicFallsLive</a>. He said:
<blockquote>
We have been having some human-wildlife conflicts of late, whereby jumbos, more than four herds, have been coming into the community around 7 pm every day and even inside people’s houses. It had become unbearable, and very soon we could have recorded a fatality.
We just want a lasting solution because we fear that one day we might have a fatality as the numbers and teams are increasing every day.
</blockquote>
Farai Maguwu, the founding Director of the Centre for Natural Resource Governance (CNRG), expressed deep concern over the “senseless” killing of elephants, arguing that there is an urgent need to conserve biodiversity. Said Maguwu:
<blockquote>
If [the government] really cared about conservation and biodiversity they would take action against rampant destructive mining taking place everywhere in Zimbabwe.
To have the same officials suddenly showing concern for conservation by killing elephants is ridiculous. Some of us are not fools.
According to Zimparks, crocodiles are the number one killer in Zimbabwe followed by elephants. Why are we not seeing the Zimbabwe government going after crocodiles if it is concerned about people? Stop this criminal activity.
</blockquote>
Human-wildlife conflict is a major issue in Zimbabwe, particularly in areas close to national parks. This conflict often involves elephants, which can cause substantial damage to crops and property, and even pose a threat to human lives.
The Hwange National Park, for example, has seen increasing incidents of elephants straying into nearby villages, leading to crop destruction and sometimes fatal encounters.
More: <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

Zimbabwe officials killed a problem elephant that was causing trouble in Hwange. The elephant was destroying mango farms and entering people's homes. Some people think it was wrong to kill the elephant and that the government should focus on other ways to protect wildlife. The conflict between humans and animals is a big problem in Zimbabwe, especially near national parks. This can lead to damage to crops and danger to people. It is important to find a solution that protects both the animals and the people.

Zimparks Eliminate Problem Elephant In Hwange

Marauding elephants are causing massive damage in Dete’s township, Hwange District, Matabeleland North Province, as they search for raw mangoes and water, destroying homes, gardens, and orchards along the way.
Ward 18 Councilor Stanley Torima has urgently called for action to address the elephant crisis, which has left residents living in fear. Torima told <a href="https://vicfallslive.co.zw/elephant-crisis-in-detes-township-hunters-called-in/">VicFallsLive</a>:
<blockquote>
I called the Hwange Rural District Council Environmental officer to tell him about how these elephants are wreaking havoc in our communities, especially in the townships such as Garikai.
He responded saying that we should expect the rangers or hunters to come this evening (on Wednesday) to kill some because already there is a hunting group looking for elephants.
</blockquote>
The elephants have been wreaking havoc throughout the township, leaving no house untouched. The St. Xavier Mission’s orchard has also been completely devastated. Added Torima:
<blockquote>
They are destroying gardens, and the durawalls and people are living in fear for their lives as they come in large numbers to eat raw mangoes. No house has mangoes left.
</blockquote>
Torima said the anticipated intervention is not part of the government’s proposed culling programme, but rather a direct response to the residents’ urgent pleas for assistance. He said:
<blockquote>
It’s not true that this is part of the government culling program, it’s just us residents who appealed for help because we fear for our lives.
</blockquote>
The government of Zimbabwe recently announced plans to cull 200 elephants to feed communities facing acute hunger after the worst drought in four decades.
More: <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

Elephants in Dete are destroying homes and orchards while looking for food and water. The residents are scared. The government might send hunters to kill some elephants. The elephants are eating all the mangoes and ruining gardens. The government is planning to cull 200 elephants to help feed hungry communities. Residents asked for help because they fear for their lives. The situation is urgent and needs to be addressed quickly.

Marauding Elephants Devastate Dete, Homes And Orchards Destroyed

Zimbabwe has over 130 tonnes of elephant tusks stockpiled, from which it cannot derive any economic value due to the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species (CITES) banning ivory trade in 1989.
This stockpile, valued at over US$600 million, remains idle in Zimparks’ vault in Harare, and the quantities continue to grow.
Fulton Mangwanya, the director general of the Zimbabwe Parks and Wildlife Management Authority (Zimparks), made these remarks during a recent signing ceremony with Defend, formerly known as National Park Rescue (NPR), in Chizarira National Park in Binga. Said Mangwanya (via <a href="https://www.zimlive.com/zimbabwe-feels-ivory-trade-ban-impact-as-stockpiles-surge-to-130-tonnes/">ZimLive</a>):
<blockquote>
Because of natural mortality, because of maybe management of elephants, they (stockpiles) continue to rise.
The situation that I have right now is that the vault on its own is now full of ivory. I don’t know what to do with it.
Right now, we are doing it internally. We want to kill, utilise the meat; we are not exploiting, they still make noise…you send them (elephants) to China, they make noise. You say we want to sell the hides, they (conservationists) make noise.
You want to sell the ivory, they make noise. So, by the end of the day as a sovereign state we have to do what is good for our nation.
We will not watch and see our people dying of hunger, especially those surrounding the parks where we have got these elephants.
So indeed yes, we are going to kill 200 or even more if they don’t actually service the need.
</blockquote>
Zimbabwe is home to over 80,000 elephants, with Hwange National Park home to between 45,000 and 55,000 elephants, exceeding its carrying capacity of 15,000. The country last conducted an elephant culling in 1988.
More: <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

Zimbabwe has a lot of ivory from elephants, but they can't sell it because it's banned. The ivory is worth $600 million and keeps growing. The director of Zimparks doesn't know what to do with it. They may have to kill some of the elephants to control the population to reduce starvation for locals. Zimbabwe has too many elephants in the parks, and they last killed some in 1988. They are facing a tough decision on what to do with the ivory and the elephants.

Zimbabwe Faces Dilemma With 130 Tonnes Of Ivory Worth $600 Million

Villagers in Thekwane, located in Plumtree, Bulilima District, Matabeleland South Province, are living in fear due to marauding elephants frequently spotted in their area, particularly along Dombodema Road.
The elephants have been encroaching on private properties, leaving residents anxious despite concerted efforts by both villagers and safari operators to drive the animals away.
Those who spoke to <a href="https://cite.org.zw/elephant-invasion-sparks-panic-in-thekwane-village-plumtree/">CITE</a> on condition of anonymity expressed their frustration with the situation, saying their attempts to deter the elephants have proven fruitless. One of the villagers said:
<blockquote>
The biggest challenge is farmers who own private properties are uncomfortable with us entering their spaces to chase the elephants away.
They fear that if one elephant is shot, people from Plumtree town may flock into their properties to claim the meat.
When we go to Thekwane, the elephants don’t show up, but as soon as we leave, they return.
When we track their spoor, it leads us to private properties, and we have no choice but to withdraw.
</blockquote>
Tinashe Farawo, Head of Corporate Communications for the Zimbabwe Parks and Wildlife Management Authority (Zimparks), told CITE that they have not received any reports regarding the elephants in Plumtree. Said Farawo:
<blockquote>
We have not yet received any reports about the issue, but it may be possible that it was reported to the Rural District Council (RDC).
We encourage communities to report such cases either to the RDC, traditional leaders, councillors or headmen, as they can assist in handling the matter.
Some RDCs have been given the authority to manage human-wildlife conflict in those areas.
</blockquote>
Farawo urged villagers to notify the Zimbabwe Parks and Wildlife Management Authority directly, assuring them of a prompt response to any reports.
The issue of elephants encroaching on private properties in Plumtree comes at a time when the government has revealed plans to cull 200 elephants to provide meat for communities facing acute hunger due to the worst drought in four decades.
This meat would be distributed to drought-stricken areas across Zimbabwe.
However, the culling plan has drawn criticism from some conservationists, who argue that there are more effective solutions for feeding those whose crops have failed.
In 2023, there were 50 reported fatalities due to elephant attacks in Zimbabwe.
Zimbabwe is home to over 84,000 elephants—well above the 55,000 that authorities say its parks can sustainably support.
More: <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

Elephants are scaring villagers in Plumtree by entering their homes. Villagers can't chase them away because the elephants go onto private properties. The villagers are afraid to hurt the elephants because people might come to claim the meat. The government plans to kill 200 elephants to give food to hungry communities, but some people think there are better ways to help. In 2023, 50 people were killed by elephants in Zimbabwe. There are more elephants in Zimbabwe than the land can support. Villagers are told to report any elephant problems to the Zimbabwe Parks and Wildlife Management Authority.

Marauding Elephants Spark Fear In Plumtree

Villagers from Matabeleland North Province, home to Zimbabwe’s largest game park, have welcomed the government’s recent announcement to cull 200 elephants to provide protein to starving communities.
Residents who spoke to <a href="https://vicfallslive.co.zw/villagers-weigh-in-on-elephant-culling-they-should-kill-them/">VicFallsLive</a> said the decision to cull the elephants was commendable as the elephants frequently stray into settlements, causing significant crop damage and, in some cases, posing a threat to human life.
They view the culling as a necessary measure to address both food security and the challenges posed by these animals. Councillor from Mabale, Eugene Sibanda from Ward 17 said:
<blockquote>
We’re tired of the destruction they have done in our communities, they are now too many so their decision to kill is welcomed. When will this happen?
</blockquote>
Lenziwe Nyoni from Kamativi stated that elephants should be culled, revealing that a jumbo killed her father in 2013. She said:
<blockquote>
We want compensation and justice. They should kill them.
</blockquote>
Elizabeth Thebe, a subsistence farmer from Chief Mvuthu in Hwange bemoaned the destruction caused by elephants in her village. She said:
<blockquote>
They’re not our cows. We’re scared to move around, and they destroy our fields. If the owners want to kill them, that’s alright. They should kill them.
</blockquote>
Daniel Sithole from Green Shango Environmental Trust said while they respect international laws on wildlife, people’s rights should come first.
The proposal to cull elephants in Zimbabwe follows Namibia’s recently announced plans to cull 723 wild animals including 83 elephants.
Both the two southern African countries cited drought which has negatively affected vegetation and water, as well as the need to feed communities facing food shortages, as reasons for the cull.
Environment, Water and Climate Minister Sithembiso Nyoni recently told VOA that the meat will provide nutrition to villagers. She said:
<blockquote>
We are having a discussion with ZimParks and some communities to do what Namibia has done so that we can cull the elephants and mobilise the women to maybe dry the meat, package it, and ensure that it gets to some communities that need the protein.
The Ministry is working very hard to ensure that within the confines of the law, we can cull what is allowed for us to cull and be able to input into the Presidential feeding schemes to provide the protein.
</blockquote>
Elephants and their habitats are protected by international conventions. These include the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES), the Convention on the Conservation of Migratory Species of Wild Animals (CMS), the African Elephant Action Plan (AEAP), the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD), as well as the Southern African Development Community (SADC) Protocol on Wildlife Conservation and Law Enforcement.
More: <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

Villagers in Zimbabwe want to kill some elephants because they are causing problems. The elephants come into villages and destroy crops. People are afraid of them and some have even been hurt. The government is planning to cull 200 elephants to help feed hungry communities. They want to provide protein to people who don't have enough food. Even though international laws protect elephants, the government says people's needs come first. This plan to cull elephants is also happening in Namibia because of drought and food shortages.

"Kill Them", Mat' North Villagers Speak On Culling Elephants

The Zimbabwe National Parks and Wildlife (Zimparks) has resorted to shooting, poisoning, and caging marauding baboons in Redcliff, Midlands Province.
The primates have been destroying gardens, breaking into homes, and stealing food from residents in this small town located near Kwekwe.
Zimparks rangers began eliminating the baboons last week on Wednesday, and have already killed or caged several of the animals.
In an interview with <a href="https://masvingomirror.com/zim-parks-shoot-poison-cage-baboons-in-redcliff/">The Mirror</a> on the sidelines of a Livetouch dust emissions stakeholders meeting last Wednesday, Redcliff Municipality mayor Vincent Shangwa Masiiwa said that after engaging with the council to address the baboon problem, Zimparks has introduced three measures to deal with the situation: shooting the baboons, poisoning the baboons, and caging the baboons. He said:
<blockquote>
We engaged Parks and Wildlife and they started by raising awareness in the community about the measures they are about to take to control the baboons.
They have three measures in place which are shooting, poisoning and luring the baboons into their cages.
Community is being warned not to touch or consume the dead baboons because they are poisonous.
</blockquote>
However, Zimparks’ policy to eliminate the baboons through methods like shooting and poisoning has received mixed responses from the Redcliff community.
While some residents welcome the measures to address the baboon problem, others have raised concerns about the ethics and sustainability of the wildlife authority’s approach. Added Masiiwa:
<blockquote>
It quiet a tricky situation because some traditionalists are against the idea of shooting and poisoning the baboons they are saying it’s a taboo whilst others have embraced the idea.
</blockquote>
More: <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

Zimparks in Zimbabwe is dealing with baboons causing trouble in Redcliff by shooting, poisoning, and caging them. The baboons are destroying gardens and stealing food. Redcliff Municipality mayor Vincent Shangwa Masiiwa says Zimparks is using three methods to control the baboons: shooting, poisoning, and luring into cages. Some people support this, but others are worried about the ethics of killing the animals. It's a tricky situation with different opinions in the community. Residents are warned not to touch or eat dead baboons because they are toxic.

Shooting, Poisoning, And Caging: Zimparks' Response To Redcliff's Baboon Problem

Residents of Chisuma village in Hwange District, Matabeleland North Province, are living in fear due to the increasing menace of marauding troops of baboons.
Once a rare sight in the area, baboons have now become a constant nuisance, wreaking havoc on homes, gardens, and livestock within the village.
Speaking to <a href="https://vicfallslive.co.zw/living-in-fear-hwange-village-under-siege-by-marauding-baboons/">VicFallsLive</a>, Sikhanyiso Moyo, a community representative, expressed the villagers’ concerns, stating that the baboons have been killing chickens and goats. She said:
<blockquote>
We have a huge problem with baboons. They destroy our vegetables, attack our homes, and kill our chickens and goats. It’s like they have no season, they come anytime and cause havoc.
</blockquote>
Eneles Moyo, another Chisuma village resident, described an even more distressing aspect of the baboon attacks, saying the primates beat up children and throw stones at them when they try to chase them away. Said Moyo:
<blockquote>
We can’t even plant crops without them digging up the seeds. They prey on our chickens and goats, leaving us with nothing.
It’s been years, but with the drought, it’s gotten worse. They even beat and throw rocks at our children when they try to chase them away.
We leave our homes to safeguard our crops, but they still find ways to destroy them. They even break into our homes, destroying our thatch and property.
We need help now, not tomorrow. Our children are being beaten, our livestock is being killed, and our homes are being destroyed. We can’t wait any longer.
</blockquote>
The Parks and Wildlife Amendment Bill, currently under review, aims to address human-wildlife conflict, among other issues.
The Bill provides for the establishment of the Human-Wildlife Conflict Relief Fund to provide compensation for crop destruction and livestock loss, as well as the administration of the fund at the district level.
More: <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

Baboons are causing trouble for people in a village in Hwange, Zimbabwe. They destroy homes, gardens, and kill animals. The villagers are scared and want help. The baboons even hurt children by throwing stones at them. The government is working on a law to help with this problem. The law will provide compensation for crops and animals damaged by wildlife. The villagers hope this law will help them deal with the baboons.

Marauding Baboons Terrorise Hwange Villagers

A woman from Number 3 Makwika Village in Hwange, Matabeleland North Province, who is believed to be in her 40s, was airlifted to Mpilo Central Hospital in Bulawayo after being attacked by an elephant.
Loveness Ncube was reportedly picking charcoal from an old mine dumpsite when the elephant attacked her, breaking her spine.
Ncube was first taken to St Patrick’s Hospital, but her condition was critical, so she was later transferred to the hospital in Bulawayo.
The director of the Green Shango Environment Trust, Daniel Sithole, posted on X (social media) that human-wildlife conflicts will increase due to climate change. Said Sithole:
<blockquote>
A sad event occurred in Hwange when an elephant tramped Loveness Ncube. This emphasises how urgently the bill needs to be amended in order to assist those who have been harmed by conflicts between people and wildlife.
For her transfer to Bulawayo, she is having difficulty raising the ambulance fees. The fact that wild animals have an ambulance but human victims do not have one is shocking. These conflicts will only grow more frequent as climate change becomes more severe.
</blockquote>
Women Coalition of Zimbabwe chapter chairperson for Hwange Sithembinkosi Ndlovu said women are at higher risk as they fend for families. She said (via <a href="https://www.chronicle.co.zw/hwange-woman-airlifted-to-bulawayo-hospital-after-being-trampled-by-elephant/">Chronicle</a>):
<blockquote>
There is a need to hold people involved accountable but authorities would argue that she was trespassing in a private concession area.
So as women, we would like to say they should prioritise life so that at least she gets treatment since she is not a Hwange Colliery employee who can access services at the Colliery Hospital.
The Parks and Wildlife Management Bill whose provisions will be compensation in such circumstances is still being debated so such cases may not even get help.
We also want to put it that proposals for victims to apply for the fund will not work because the person who needs help will be bedridden and in urgent need of treatment.
</blockquote>
The animals are wandering into areas where people live because the bush has been taken over by open-pit mining, especially in the Table Mine area.
This has blocked the paths that the animals used to move through, causing more conflicts between people and wild animals.
More: <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

A woman named Loveness Ncube was attacked by an elephant in Hwange and airlifted to a hospital in Bulawayo. She was picking charcoal when the elephant broke her spine. Due to climate change, human-wildlife conflicts are increasing. There is a struggle to get help for victims like Ncube. Women in the area are at risk as they care for their families. The animals are coming into human areas due to mining activities blocking their paths. Authorities need to prioritize helping victims of wildlife attacks.

Hwange Woman Airlifted To Bulawayo Hospital After Elephant Attacked

A 30-year-old man from Birchenough Bridge was on 27 July trampled to death by two elephants believed to have strayed from the Save Conservancy.
Tinashe Farawo, the spokesperson for Zimbabwe National Parks (ZimParks), confirmed the death of Kudakwashe Mazarire after he was attacked by two stray elephants from the Save Conservancy.
Farawo told <a href="https://www.manicapost.co.zw/stray-jumbos-kill-one-in-birchenough-bridge/">The Manica Post</a> that ZimParks has since killed one of the elephants, but the one that was directly responsible for Mazarire’s death is still at large. He said:
<blockquote>
I can confirm the death of Kudakwashe Mazarire of Birchenough Bridge after he was attacked by an elephant on his way to a meat-sharing event.
It was a rare attack in that he was killed by the elephant in the afternoon. Under normal circumstances, wild animals attack people during the night. This attack happened on July 27.
The elephant which killed Mazarire is yet to be found, and our officers are on the ground tracking it to kill it. The elephants were raiding crops in the Makazwei area.
Normally these animals escape during the drier season in search of food and water.
It often happens from September up until the advent of the rainy season.
As temperatures soar, they run to the rivers where it is cooler.
</blockquote>
A Birchenough Bridge resident, Soyapai Sithole said they are now living in fear of being attacked by the marauding elephants. Said Sithole:
<blockquote>
We are no longer safe because more wild animals are likely to escape from their conservancies in search of food due to this drought. Strangely, these animals are invading our area during winter.
They usually come out when it is hot and in most cases harmless because they will be looking for water.
</blockquote>
Wildlife conflict is a significant issue in Zimbabwe, particularly in areas adjacent to national parks. This conflict often involves elephants, which can cause substantial damage to crops and property, and even pose a threat to human lives.
For instance, Hwange National Park is home to an elephant population that has grown to over 50,000, far exceeding the park’s ecological capacity.
This overpopulation has led to increased incidents of elephants straying into nearby communities, resulting in crop destruction and sometimes fatal encounters, as seen in the tragic case of Kudakwashe Mazarire.
More: <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

A man named Kudakwashe Mazarire was killed by two stray elephants in Birchenough Bridge. The elephants had come from Save Conservancy. One elephant was killed by authorities, but the other is still on the loose. The community is scared of more attacks. This happens because elephants are looking for food and water, especially during dry seasons. Similar conflicts with elephants happen in other parts of Zimbabwe too. It is important to find ways to protect both people and elephants from harm.

Stray Elephants Kill One In Birchenough Bridge

Zimbabwe has 166 221.18kg ivory stockpile worth US$700 million but cannot sell the ivory due to the ban on international trade in elephant tusks.
This was said by the Minister of Environment, Climate Change and Wildlife, Sithembiso Nyoni while responding to questions in the National Assembly on Wednesday.
She said the stockpile was from 26,906 pieces collected in and outside its national parks. Nyoni said (via New Ziana):
<blockquote>
As an international law-abiding country, we have complied and are being pushed to keep this stock.
</blockquote>
The Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species (CITES) banned international trade in ivory in 1989.
However, CITES permitted Botswana, Namibia and Zimbabwe to make a one-off sale of their ivory in 1997 and 2008 after recognising that some Southern African elephant populations were healthy and well-managed.
Zimbabwe wants CITES to lift the international ban on trade in ivory to enable it to use the proceeds to fund its wildlife conservation programmes.
Proceeds from the sale of ivory will be used to fund anti-poaching activities, drilling boreholes in the Hwange National Park where animals face water shortages, as well as combating human-wildlife conflict.
Due to the ban, the elephant population has ballooned over the years, from 84,000 in 2014 when the last census was conducted, to an estimated more than 100,000 at present.
Zimbabwe’s game parks have a carrying capacity of 45,000 elephants. Said Minister Nyoni:
<blockquote>
To give you a vivid picture Madam Speaker, in Matabeleland North, the elephant population has increased from 49 310 to 61 531. This was from 2021 to 2022, an increase of 12 221 and this was based on an aerial survey.
</blockquote>
She also highlighted the rise in cases of human-wildlife conflict that threatens the safety of people and their livelihoods. Said the Minister:
<blockquote>
In 2023 alone, more than 35 people were killed by wildlife and more than 80 were injured. The consequences of human-wildlife conflict are more serious in wildlife areas such as communities around Hwange National Parks.
People lose livestock and crops and yet these are an important part of their livelihoods and incomes, apart from themselves losing lives.
</blockquote>
Nyoni said the government is setting up a Human-Wildlife Conflict Relief Fund to assist the remaining family members of those killed as well as those injured and maimed by wild animals.
The fund will be managed by the Zimbabwe Parks and Wildlife Management Authority (Zimparks).
More: <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

Zimbabwe Sitting On US$700 Million Worth Ivory Stockpile - Environment Minister

Botswana’s president Mokgweetsi Masisi has threatened to send 20,000 elephants to Germany. The threat followed proposals by Germany to restrict the import of hunting trophies.
Masisi found the proposals inconsiderate of the situation on the ground in Botswana, saying elephants are now too many, and trophy hunting helps the country earn money while also keeping communities safe.
He proposed that Germans themselves try living amoung the wild animals. 
Speaking to German publication Bild, Masisi said :“We would like to offer such a gift to Germany.” 
Said Masisi in part:
<blockquote>
It is very easy to sit in Berlin and have an opinion about our affairs in Botswana. We are paying the price for preserving these animals for the world.
This is not a joke. 
Germans should live together with the animals, in the way you are trying to tell us to.
We would also like to make such an offer to the Federal Republic of Germany. We won’t take no for an answer.
</blockquote>
Botswana currently has some 130,000 elephants, an increase caused by conservation initiatives. Germany is one of the largest importers of hunting trophies in the world, and conservation efforts such as restricting imports would hurt Botswana’s revenues. 
In 2014 Botswana banned trophy hunting, but following an explosion in elephant numbers and pressure from local communities affected by the animals, it revoked the ban in 2019.
Botswana has the largest population of elephants in the world, followed by Zimbabwe, which has about 100 000. In Zimbabwe, elephants kill close to 100 people every year.
This would not be the first time that Botswana has given its elephants to other countries. It has previously given 8 000 elephants to Angola, and has also offered Mozambique, to try bring the animal population down.

Botswana President Threatens To Send Germany 20 000 Elephants

In the tranquil fishing community of Gatche Gatche, nestled along the shores of Lake Kariba, a chilling legend has taken root.
Residents speak in hushed tones of a crocodile with supernatural powers—a creature that has allegedly claimed the lives of more than 21 people, primarily fishermen.
But it’s not the sheer number of victims that sets this reptile apart; it’s the gruesome manner of their demise.
Locals have christened this elusive giant reptile as “Macheni” because of the crocodile’s peculiar taste for human private parts.
Victims consistently lose these intimate body parts, while the rest of their bodies remain untouched.
Some even speculate that Macheni is no ordinary predator. Instead, it serves as a weapon, wielded by an individual possessing potent “magical powers.”
This mysterious figure allegedly employs the harvested private parts for dark arts.
Kariba residents, who shared their accounts with <a href="https://www.hmetro.co.zw/the-terror-of-kariba-with-a-taste-for-human-private-partszimparks-spokesperson-tinashe-farawo-responding-to-h-metro-enquiries-has-told-this-newspaper-that-residents-of-the-affe/">H-Metro</a>, insist that Macheni is no mere crocodile. They believe it is a phantom, slipping through the murky waters undetected.
Officials from the Zimbabwe Parks and Wildlife Management Authority (Zimparks) have reportedly struggled to track down and eliminate this enigmatic creature.
Residents also allege that most, if not all, of the attacks have occurred in a concentrated region.
Tinashe Farawo, Zimparks spokesperson, acknowledges the community’s belief that Macheni transcends the natural realm. He said:
<blockquote>
A total of 32 lives were lost from crocodile attacks in Lake Kariba, between Sanyati River and the Lake Kariba Dam Wall, between 2016 and 2023.
Between 2016 and 2023, 38 crocodiles were eliminated during the same period. Over 40 crocodiles were also captured and translocated.
As from 2019, legal and illegal gill netting fishers in Gatche Gatche area assumed that crocodile attacks taking place in the Tsetse Island general area were caused by one crocodile.
While the fact that the attacks are caused by only one crocodile remains an assumption, efforts have been made by Zimparks to assess the area and to eliminate suspect crocodiles in the general area.
The community has named the alleged crocodile “Macheni.” Reasons for the assumption that the crocodile attacks were caused by one crocodile emanated from the fact that most of the attacks were taking place in one general area.
“The fishers have a belief that the crocodile is a spiritual crocodile and this is the reason they named it “Macheni,” since they claim that the crocodile used to only remove testicles from men after the attack.”
</blockquote>
Farawo said that their observations have revealed that the crocodile attacks in this area were generally taking place at night. He added:
<blockquote>
Gill netting at night is not allowed, it is actually conducted by poachers. The area of concern is not a legal fishing ground, which they also called “Macheni Bay”. Illegal fishers usually delay giving reports of attacks and this makes follow up difficult.
The reasons why most of the attacks were taking place in this general area were that many people were flocking to this area to do illegal fishing, this is probably because they were enjoying good fish catches in this area.
It is also a fact that crocodiles also feed on fish and they also tend to flock areas with more fish and this has caused this conflict. 
More than 7 crocodiles have been eliminated in the general area between 2020 and 2023, however, the Gatche Gatche community has maintained that the alleged “Macheni” is still alive. 
Several attempts to eliminate the alleged crocodile were done way after the crocodile attacks, since all reports are received days after the attacks, making the searches difficult. 
We have also called upon the Gatche Gatche community to help to identify the alleged crocodile so that we eliminate it once it has been spotted.
We are continuing working with the fishers association to identification of the alleged crocodile.
</blockquote>
Farawo said between December and January this year, Zimparks intensified anti-poaching patrols at Tsetse Island and removed all poachers, who periodically put illegal shelters.
He said since then, no person has been attacked by crocodiles at the alleged “Macheni Bay”.
Farawo added that once the specific crocodile is positively identified, Zimparks will take decisive action to eliminate the threat it poses.
More: <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

“Macheni”: The Enigmatic Crocodile Of Lake Kariba That Allegedly Feeds On Human Privates

Villagers in Tsholotsho district, Matabeleland North, Zimbabwe, are concerned about the increasing population of lions, hyenas, and jackals that are killing their livestock. They also mentioned that the number of elephants is growing, and these animals are destroying their crops. According to the <a href="https://www.chronicle.co.zw/human-wildlife-conflict-lion-hyena-and-jackal-population-balloons-in-tsholotsho-district/">Chronicle,</a> the issue was raised during a meeting between Minister Mangaliso Ndlovu and the Sipepa community, where the minister engaged with communities to understand their challenges regarding the environment, forestry, and wildlife.
Human-wildlife conflict is a growing problem in Zimbabwe, with climate change-induced droughts being identified as a major cause. As droughts occur, wild animals like elephants, lions, buffaloes, hyenas, and wild dogs stray into communities in search of food and water. This leads to conflicts where villagers lose their livestock, crops, and other properties, while some people have been injured or killed. The situation is particularly prevalent in Lupane, Binga, Hwange, and Tsholotsho.
During the meeting, community members expressed their concerns. Mr. Dumisani Nkomo mentioned that hyenas and jackals were killing their livestock, forcing them to keep the animals in pens for most of the day. He was quoted as saying:
<blockquote>
Wild animals like hyenas and jackals are killing our livestock here. We have been forced to keep our livestock in pens for the greater part of the day because of these wild animals. How can we have good co-existence with hyenas and jackals? These animals do not benefit us at all unlike elephants which can be sold for the benefit of the community.
</blockquote>
Mr. Msitheli Sibindi raised the issue of lions attacking their livestock and noted that some of these lions had collars, indicating they were being used for research. He called for action to address this problem, suggesting that those conducting research take measures to mitigate the conflict. He said:
<blockquote>
What is of concern to us is that some of the lions attacking our livestock have collars which shows that they are being used for research. Can’t those who are doing research do something about them because Campfire has failed us.
</blockquote>
He also emphasised the need for a strong boundary fence to keep wild animals away from communities, as well as culling to manage the animal population.
Mrs. Florence Nkomo shared her personal experience of losing four cattle to lions in January and urged authorities to address the problem. Councillor Gift Tshuma reported that 21 animals had been killed by wild animals since the beginning of the year, leading to concerns about the safety of children walking long distances to school.
Minister Ndlovu acknowledged the challenges and highlighted the issue of the blanket ban on ivory and elephant trade imposed by the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species (CITES). He said:
<blockquote>
I am troubled because the CITES treaty is now being used to dictate what countries like us which have animals can and cannot do by countries that do not have animals.
We have a serious fight within CITES because through them we are not allowed to sell ivory of even animals that died of natural causes.
</blockquote>
In Zimbabwe, the conflict between humans and wildlife is causing serious harm. Over the past five years, approximately 400 people have lost their lives due to human-wildlife conflict, according to ZimParks, the country’s parks and wildlife management authority. In 2020, there were 60 deaths and 40 injuries. In 2021 alone, more than 80 people were killed by elephants, and many others were injured by animals like crocodiles and hyenas. This makes Zimbabwe the country with the highest rate of human-wildlife conflict deaths in the Southern Africa region.
The number of human-wildlife conflict cases is increasing, with 68 people killed in 2022 as they entered wildlife areas or when animals strayed into villages. This conflict is a result of the growing populations of both humans and wildlife. In the first quarter of 2023, there were 22 deaths and 43 injuries related to human-wildlife conflict.
<h3><a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">More Pindula News</a></h3>

Villagers Live In Fear As Human-Wildlife Conflict Rises In Zimbabwe

Four men were arrested on February 3, 2024, along the Bulawayo-Victoria Falls Road in Zimbabwe for illegally possessing two pieces of ivory. The Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) acted on a tip-off and sent officers posing as potential buyers to apprehend the suspects at Matetsi Meat Turnoff. In a statement seen by Pindula News, police said:
<blockquote>
On 03/02/24, Police in Hwange acted on received information and arrested Wilson Chuma (43), Billiard Nyoni (29), Morris Mumpande (33) and Amos Mleya (44) for illegal possession of two pieces of ivory.
Police posed as potential buyers and lured the suspects to Matetsi Meat Turnoff along Bulawayo- Victoria Falls Road where they subsequently apprehended them.
</blockquote>
Elephant poaching has significantly decreased in recent years due to various conservation initiatives, including the signing of the Lower Zambezi Mana Pools Transfrontier Conservation Area (LOZAMAP TFCA) Memorandum of Understanding between Zimbabwe and Zambia. 
The LOZAMAP TFCA agreement builds upon the efforts of development partners, such as the African Wildlife Foundation (AWF) and the Zimbabwe Parks and Wildlife Management Authority (Zimparks), in conserving elephants and other wildlife species. The African elephant population has faced threats from poaching and habitat loss, leading to its classification as “endangered” on the International Union for Conservation of Nature’s (IUCN) Red List of Threatened Species.
In the Mana Pools, Chewore, and Sapi protected areas, elephant poaching has been successfully curbed, with<a href="https://www.awf.org/news/elephant-poaching-declines-lower-zambezi-mana-pools-transfrontier-conservation-area#:~:text=%E2%80%9CElephant%20poaching%20has%20greatly%20decreased,since%202020%2C%E2%80%9D%20Ngosi%20said."> zero incidents</a> reported in the past four years. However, the Hurungwe Safari area has experienced a few cases of poaching-related elephant carcasses since 2020. The decline in elephant poaching can be attributed to the collaborative efforts of law enforcement authorities in Zimbabwe and Zambia.
The cross-border collaboration between both countries has played a crucial role in combating poaching and ensuring the protection of elephant populations. The conservationists involved in the efforts believe that this joint approach has contributed to the decline in elephant poaching within the LOZAMAP TFCA area. They emphasize the need to maintain and enhance security measures to ensure the long-term protection of elephants in the region.
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Four Men Arrested For Illegal Possession Of Ivory

Six adult elephants were allegedly killed by poisoning before their tusks were removed by suspected poachers last week at a watering hole at Gwayi, Shangani Wildlife Conservancy, which is close to Hwange National Park.
Zimbabwe Parks and Wildlife Management Authority (ZimParks) spokesperson, Tinashe Farawo confirmed the deaths of the elephants to <a href="https://cite.org.zw/poachers-kill-six-adult-elephants/">CITE</a>, adding investigations were still ongoing to establish the cause of the deaths. He said:
<blockquote>
We have an incident where six elephants were found dead in Gwayi/Shangani area but we cannot ascertain the cause of the death because the elephants were found in a decomposing state.
Our veterinary doctors are investigating the cause but at the moment we do not know what happened so we can’t say it’s poisoning because we can’t confirm that.
</blockquote>
CITE reported wildlife sources in that area as saying the animals were killed by cyanide that was sprinkled in one of the water sources.
A local wildlife conservationist who requested anonymity due to the sensitivity of the matter was quoted as saying:
<blockquote>
We strongly suspect that the bull elephants were poisoned using cyanide. Their decomposing carcasses were found about 100 to 300 metres apart along a pathway which the animals usually use when going to drink water.
Another factor which suggests the elephants might have succumbed to poison is there were no animal scavengers or even maggots at the sight.
</blockquote>
The wildlife conservationist said the elephants had all been dehorned, suggesting that the jumbos were killed by poachers for their tusks.
Last week Farawo told the <a href="https://newsday.co.zw/southerneye/local/article/200021472/hwange-game-park-records-decline-in-poaching">Southern Eye</a> that poaching had been on a decline, with no cases recorded in 2023 at the game park.
He also revealed that a total of 36 wildlife animals were poached in 2022, down from 42 in 2021.
From 2016 to 2019, at least 322 elephants were killed by poachers, largely for their tusks, Farawo explained.
More: <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

Six Elephants Found Dead In Gwayi/Shangani Wildlife Conservancy

The Zimbabwe Parks and Wildlife Authority (Zimparks) has expressed concern about the increasing number of elephants in Hwange National Park. This concern comes after the death of over 100 elephants due to a drought caused by El Nino. The water sources in the park have dried up, leading to a difficult situation for the elephants.
Tinashe Farawo, the spokesperson for Zimparks, explained that there is no need to panic because the park is already overcrowded with elephants, posing a danger to the environment. He mentioned that out of the 45,000 elephants in the park, only 100 have died, <a href="https://www.newzimbabwe.com/zimparks-concerned-with-elephant-population-destroying-the-environment/">NewZimbabwe</a> reported. The high temperatures and lack of rain have caused stress and death among the elephants. He said in an interview:
<blockquote>
We are talking of only 100 elephants in a park with over 45 000 elephants.
It’s expected because the weather is hot. We have high temperatures and we have no water since we haven’t been receiving rain. They are bound to be stressed and die.
What we are concerned about is that they are overpopulated and they are destroying the habitat…in fact, they are becoming a danger to the environment.
</blockquote>
The main concern is the overpopulation of elephants, leading to the destruction of their habitat and posing a threat to the environment. Hwange National Park is part of the Kavango-Zambezi Transfrontier Conservation Area (KAZA), which is one of the largest nature and landscape conservation areas in the world, spanning across Botswana, Namibia, Zimbabwe, Zambia, and Angola.
To address the problem, Zimparks has installed 104 solar-powered boreholes in the park. However, these boreholes are not sufficient to provide enough water for the wildlife, especially during extreme temperatures. As a result, the animals are forced to travel long distances in search of water.
This is not the first time such a situation has occurred. In 2019, around 200 elephants died due to a dry spell. When elephants move from place to place to find water, they often clash with humans, leading to a rise in human-wildlife conflicts.
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ZIMPARKS Says Over 100 Elephants Have Died Due To Drought

The Zimbabwe Parks and Wildlife Management Authority has downplayed reports of massive deaths of elephants and other wildlife in the Hwange National Park due to an El Nino-induced drought.
The International Fund for Animal Welfare (IFAW) recently said more than 100 elephants in the country’s largest national park died due to a lack of water attributed to an extended dry spell.
In a statement, IFAW landscape programme director Phillip Kuvawoga said:
<blockquote>
Summer rains are five weeks late due to the ongoing El Niño phenomenon, as dozens of elephants have already died in Hwange National Park, the county’s largest protected area home to about 45 000 elephants. At least 100 elephants are already reported dead due to lack of water.
</blockquote>
However, Zimparks spokesperson Tinashe Farawo on Tuesday told <a href="https://newziana.co.zw/2023/12/12/zimparks-downplays-reports-of-massive-deaths-of-elephants-due-to-drought/">New Ziana</a> that the situation was not as bad as it was being portrayed. Said Farawo:
<blockquote>
We have been having droughts over the past two years and rains have been inconsistent so what that means is that it will affect wildlife, but the situation is not as bad as we are made to believe.
The number of deaths measured against the population of our elephants; will not be felt.
The affected animals are mainly the old, young and the sick because they cannot walk long distances in search of food and water.
</blockquote>
He said to mitigate the effects of climate change, Zimparks has drilled 100 solar-powered boreholes to pump underground water into pools for the animals to drink. Said Farawo:
<blockquote>
Hwange alone is run on 100 per cent borehole water. We have 104 boreholes in Hwange as some of the measures we have put in place to ensure that animals have water.
However, because of this prolonged drought, some boreholes will not pump enough water for the animals since the water table has fallen.
</blockquote>
News of the deaths of more than 100 elephants comes during COP28, while global leaders gather to determine ambition and responsibilities and identify and assess climate measures at the global climate change conference in Dubai.
Zimbabwe has for years been lobbying the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Flora and Fauna (CITES) to lift the ban on trade in elephants and ivory.
The country says this will raise funds for conserving the animals, whose population has surpassed the carrying capacity of its national parks.
Zimbabwe has a population of over 80 000 elephants against the carrying capacity of its parks of 45 000.
This has become unsustainable as the animals are destroying the natural habitat and the 
ecosystem.
However, animal rights groups oppose and argue that removing the ban on trading in elephants and ivory would result in increased poaching and illegal trade in ivory.
More: <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

Zimparks Downplays Reports Of Massive Deaths Of Elephants In Hwange

Five elephants were found dead in Sinamatela, Hwange, Zimbabwe, and authorities attribute their deaths to dehydration caused by extreme temperatures and a lack of rain. The elephants were part of the population in Hwange National Park, which is home to an estimated 44,000 elephants. In a statement seen by Pindula News, Zimbabwe National Parks Authority spokesperson, Tinashe Farawo said preliminary investigations have shown that they succumbed to dehydration. He said:
<blockquote>
5 elephants were found dead in Sinamatela, Hwange. Preliminary investigations have shown that they succumbed to dehydration.
</blockquote>
In recent years, elephants have been migrating to neighbouring Botswana in search of water. However, this year, the migration started earlier due to the water crisis. Young and elderly elephants, as well as those who were unable to travel long distances, have been particularly vulnerable to dehydration and hunger. Farawo told <a href="https://www.news24.com/news24/africa/news/five-elephants-die-of-dehydration-in-zimbabwe-as-el-nino-sweeps-across-africa-20231205">News24</a>:
<blockquote>
As the dry period persists, young, ailing, and elderly elephants are particularly vulnerable since they are unable to travel great distances in search of water and food; some have been stranded near water holes, foraging all plants within their range.
</blockquote>
Zimparks is drilling boreholes powered by solar energy in wildlife sanctuaries to provide water. However, when surface water dries up, animals are forced to travel long distances to find food and water. In 2019, about 200 elephants died due to the drought.
To protect the country’s wildlife, including elephants and lions, it may be necessary to relocate them to areas with better access to water and food. The lack of rain and rising temperatures, exacerbated by the El Nino weather pattern, continue to pose a threat to wildlife in Southern Africa.
Hwange National Park is part of the Kavango-Zambezi Transfrontier Conservation Area (KAZA), covering Botswana, Namibia, Zimbabwe, Zambia, and Angola. This vast conservation area provides a habitat for a diverse range of wildlife, and animals migrate between these countries based on climate and seasonal factors.
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Five Elephants Found Dead In Sinamatela, Hwange - ZIMPARKS

A wildlife ranger from Zimbabwe named Jealous Mpofu has been recognised by Prince William of Britain for his exceptional work in protecting painted dogs, which are endangered in Zimbabwe and other African countries.
Mpofu, 54, is a chief tracker at Painted Dog Conservation in Hwange National Park. He received the 2023 Tusk Wildlife Ranger Award at the annual Tusk Conservation Awards in London. The award acknowledges the dedication and bravery of individuals who work daily to protect Africa’s wildlife. This event celebrated the remarkable efforts of conservationists in safeguarding Africa’s natural heritage. Mpofu told <a href="https://www.herald.co.zw/prince-williams-honours-zimbabwean-ranger-for-championing-painted-dogs-protection/">The Herald</a> in an interview on Tuesday:
<blockquote>
I am so excited to have been honoured by Prince William. This means a lot to me, my family and Zimbabwe. This is a great honour and it will raise the profile of our conservation efforts to save painted dogs in Zimbabwe. We must continue with the good work to save painted dogs from extinction.
</blockquote>
According to John Lemon, the chairman of Painted Dog Conservation Inc, Jealous Mpofu is a local hero who has made a significant impact on shaping the future of the next generation. Jealous joined Painted Dog Conservation in 1997 and now leads a team responsible for tracking and monitoring packs of painted dogs in Hwange National Park. He also works with the local community to remove snares and combat poaching. Jealous takes care of five packs of dogs, knowing each one individually as if they were his own. He is highly respected in his community and serves as an inspiring role model for aspiring conservationists, teaching them the importance of understanding, empathy, and conserving the species they love. Tusk CEO, Charlie Mayhew said:
<blockquote>
Each year we are blown away by the commitment, excellence and passion of our winners. Our 2023 conservation leaders are no exception. Truly exemplary, Ekwoge Abwe (Cameroon), Fanny Minesi (Democratic Republic of the Congo) and Jealous Mpofu (Zimbabwe) are inspirations to their communities and the pure definition of biodiversity defenders. It is an honour to celebrate them.
</blockquote>
For over 25 years, Mpofu has devoted his life to protecting painted dogs, also known as African Wild Dogs. These dogs are the largest canids in Africa and the second largest in the world, after wolves. Unfortunately, they are endangered and listed on the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) Red List of Threatened Species.
Mpofu has been actively working to safeguard these dogs from threats like poaching, loss of habitat, and habitat fragmentation. Ronnie Sibanda, the marketing and communications manager of PDC, praised Mpofu for his well-deserved recognition and his selfless dedication to painted dog conservation. The population of painted dogs in Africa has drastically decreased from around 500,000 to approximately 7,000 due to poaching, habitat loss, and fragmentation. In Zimbabwe, there are around 700 painted dogs living in the wild, which represents about 10% of the global population.
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Zimbabwean Ranger Gets An Award From Prince William For Protecting Painted Dogs

<a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/Zimbabwe_Parks_%26_Wildlife_Management_Authority">Zimbabwe Parks and Wildlife Management Authority (ZimParks)</a> spokesperson, Tinashe Farawo, has said there were 15 deaths and 43 injuries due to human-wildlife conflict in the first three months of 2023. Last year during the same period, there were 22 deaths and 18 injuries.
Zimbabwe has too many elephants, with around 84 000 exceeding the country’s carrying capacity of 45 000. The ban on the trade in wildlife products and species in Southern Africa has contributed to the ballooning elephant population. 
This has caused an increase in human-wildlife conflict. The elephants are coming into human settlements in search of food and water, causing problems. Farawo said more distress calls were also received this year compared to last year. <a href="https://zbcnews.co.zw/2023/04/06/human-wildlife-conflict-claims-15-in-first-quarter/">ZBC News</a> cites him as saying:
<blockquote>
We have noticed a slight decline in terms of people who have been killed by wild animals from last year. Last year we lost about 22 lives in the first quarter and this year we are at 15. The numbers still remain high if you consider instances that we are still recording. Last year we managed to translocate about 95 animals and this year we have already trans-located 150 animals. This is a way of dealing with human-wildlife conflict within our community. There are also cattle, donkeys and goats that were also killed by wild animals. We will continue to engage communities, teaching them about animal behaviour, and what needs to be done with certain species. We are always on the ground and we are also working with a lot of Rural District Councils to which we have given appropriate authority, so it’s not only the Zimbabwe Parks and Wildlife Authority which needs to react to this problem.
</blockquote>
Traditional leaders from Chief Shana’s area are worried about the threat of human-wildlife conflict to food security in Hwange District. Village Head, Amos Tolani, from Jabula Village-Chief Mvuthu, said that baboons are destroying their crops, despite good results from the Pfumvudza/Intwasa program in the 2022/23 season. They are calling on Zimparks to relocate problem animals deep into national parks, compensate victims of human-wildlife conflict, pay medical bills, and increase the number of scouts or game rangers in each ward to react quickly if wild animals are seen in communities.
The pending Kavango Zambezi (KAZA) Elephant Aerial Survey results could provide proof that Southern African countries’ appeal to lift the ban on ivory and wildlife species trade is genuine.
A total of 66 people were killed by wild animals last year, down from 68 the year before. However, authorities report that nearly 400 people have died due to human-wildlife conflict in the past five years.
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Zimbabwe Records 15 Deaths Due To Human-wildlife Conflict During 1st Quarter Of 2023

Stray buffaloes that were spotted in Buhera District on 13 March attacked and seriously injured a woman from Zambakwe Village in Chief Budzi’s area in neighbouring Bikita District the following day.
Chief Budzi confirmed the incident to <a href="https://masvingomirror.com/stray-buffaloes-seriously-injure-bikita-woman/">The Mirror</a>, saying the woman was attacked 15km deep into Bikita villages.
The victim, Monica Mukamba (50), was attacked by a buffalo at around 10 AM while washing plates next to her hut. She reportedly sustained a broken rib in the attack. Chief Budzi said:
<blockquote>
The stray buffaloes are 15km deep into the villages from Save Conservancy. We are afraid that they are going to attack more people if the Zimbabwe National Parks and Wildlife Management (Zimparks) doesn’t immediately locate them and take them back to the conservancy.
</blockquote>
Mukamba’s neighbour, Zebron Gumireshe, said Zimparks was informed immediately after the attack but rangers only arrived at 5 PM.
Mukamba was taken to Dewure Clinic where she was referred to Birchenough Bridge Hospital.
More: <a href="https://zero.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

Bikita Woman Attacked, Seriously Injured By Stray Buffaloes

A form six (6) student at Rushinga High died on Thursday evening after she was bitten by a snake in the classroom while coming from sports.
Rushinga legislator Tendai Nyabani confirmed the tragedy to <a href="https://bulawayo24.com/index-id-news-sc-national-byo-226873.html">Byo24</a>. Nyabani is quoted as saying:
<blockquote>
I can confirm a sudden death in Rushinga where a form six girl Melody Chiputura (17) was bitten by a snake yesterday afternoon after coming from sports.
We are still shocked as to where this snake came from because students had used the classroom twice and as Rushinga constituency we are saddened by this incident.
</blockquote>
Nyabani further said the classroom where the girl was bitten, had been used by students for two days.
Melody was the daughter of Joseph Chiputura a ZANU PF councillor in Rushinga.
When a storm moves into an area that brings heavy rain, underground dens and burrowed tunnels will begin to fill with water, essentially flooding the snake’s home. 
This will drive the snakes to leave their den and seek dry, safe shelter. So they come out to people’s abodes, sheds, barns, debris, and abandoned buildings seeking a new home.
It is therefore important to:
<blockquote>
i). Be mindful when clearing and cleaning debris. Wear gloves that can protect you against snake bites. 
ii). Wear snake-protective booths that are at least 10 feet high. 
iii). Avoid stepping on a log, unless you are seeing the other side. 
iv). Keep your lawn areas short.
</blockquote>
If you see a snake approaching, do not fuss; move aside and allow it to proceed.
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Form 6 Student Dies After Snake Bite In Classroom

A Kariba woman was attacked by an elephant while fetching water from an outside tap early this morning. She managed to escape.
Miss Angela Kamberembere was filling up containers with water at Number 1158, Nyamhunga 2 Township, near Nyanhewe Primary School when she suddenly saw the elephant, <a href="https://www.herald.co.zw/kariba-resident-survives-elephant-attack/">The Herald</a> reported.
The elephant attempted to grab her with the trunk and she fell to the ground. Miss Kamberembere narrated:
<blockquote>
The moment the elephant charged to attack me further, its right leg got stuck in a dish.
This must have distracted it allowing me to recover before I started crawling away after gaining composure.
</blockquote>
Some residents who spoke to The Herald blamed perennial water were exposing them to danger as they are forced to fetch water from tapes between midnight and 0400 hours. Mrs Albertina Botai said:
<blockquote>
Kariba Municipality is letting residents down. Instead of sleeping, we are busy filling up containers with water, exposing us to dangers with wild animals.
We heard Angela screaming and we rushed to make noise which must have distracted the elephant. She is lucky to be alive.
</blockquote>
Mrs Svinurai Vhareni said the elephant now frequents the area where it drinks water stored in dishes and other containers.
The residents said water problems started in 2018 when Kariba Municipality connected additional institutional water users.
Human-Wildlife Conflict is a serious issue in Zimbabwe.
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Kariba Woman Survives Elephant Attack

A Binga man escaped death by a whisker after being attacked by a crocodile while allegedly running away from a charging elephant.
His left arm and leg were amputated following the crocodile attack. 
Winders Sianene (34) was attacked by a crocodile as he tried to run away from an elephant that was charging at him when he was on his way to Mlibizi River where he was going for a fishing expedition.
Mr Fanikiso Mkombwe, brother to Sianene confirmed the incident to <a href="https://www.sundaynews.co.zw/chased-by-elephant-caught-by-crocodile/">Sunday News</a>. Said Mr Mkombwe:
<blockquote>
Winders was on his way to Mlibizi River when he saw an elephant charging towards him. It was then that he decided to run and jump into the river trying to evade the elephant. Unfortunately, he was attacked by a crocodile in the process. He was going to do fishing in Mlibizi River. He has since been admitted to Mpilo Hospital while his leg and arm have been amputated.
</blockquote>
It’s not stated how he escaped from the crocodile.
Zimparks spokesperson Mr Tinashe Farawo also confirmed the incident and warned the public to stay away from water bodies and treat them cautiously.
Meanwhile, Victoria Falls-based poet, Obert Dube has donated a wheelchair to Sianene through his wheelchair donation programme.
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Man Caught And Attacked By A Crocodile While Fleeing From An Elephant

The Zimbabwe Parks and Wildlife Management Authority has killed a lion after it attacked a 60-year-old Mbire man on Friday, according to <a href="https://www.zbcnews.co.zw/zimparks-put-down-lion-after-it-mauls-man-to-death/">ZBC News</a>.
James Zingundu of Angwa, Mbire district died on Friday morning following an attack as he was walking from one village to another.
Mbire resident James Vhadhiyo told the ZBC News that Zingundu was searching for construction material at around 6 am on Friday when the incident occurred. 
ZIMPARKS and Mbire Rural District Council reacted and killed the lion with ZIMPARKS spokesperson, Mr Tinashe Farawo confirming the incident. He is quoted as saying:
<blockquote>
I can confirm an unfortunate incident in which a Mbire villager was mauled by a lion. It’s unfortunate more lives continue to be lost. The Zimparks reaction team was on the ground and it managed to eliminate the problem animal. We are encouraging our communities to remain calm; we are on the ground. We continue to do our campaigns to say let’s minimise movement at night.
</blockquote>
This year alone, 35 people lost their lives due to wildlife with the growing elephant population being one of the major causes of human-wildlife conflict.
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