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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>

Pindula News

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

Zimbabwe plans to cull 200 elephants to manage an increasingly large population, with the meat distributed to communities frequently impacted by human-wildlife conflict.
In a statement to Parliament last week, Environment, Water and Climate Minister Sithembiso Nyoni claimed that Zimbabwe has “more elephants than it needs,” and announced that the government had directed the Zimbabwe Parks and Wildlife Authority (ZimParks) to initiate the culling process.
ZimParks Director General Fulton Mangwanya indicated that the culling would occur in areas where elephants have clashed with humans, including Hwange, which is home to the country’s largest elephant population.
Speaking to the Voice of America, Minister Nyoni said:
<blockquote>
We are having a discussion with ZimParks and some communities to do like 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>
Zimbabwe, which is estimated to be home to around 100,000 elephants, last culled elephants in 1988.
However, some experts dispute this figure, suggesting that the true population is closer to 50,000, as elephants frequently move across national boundaries.
This month, Namibia reported that it had already culled 160 wildlife animals as part of a planned cull of over 700, which includes 83 elephants, in response to its worst drought in decades.
Both Zimbabwe and Namibia, along with other countries in southern Africa, have declared a state of emergency due to the ongoing drought conditions.
Farai Maguwu, director of the nonprofit Centre for Natural Resource Governance, is among those who have condemned the decision to cull 200 elephants. Said Maguwu (via <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2024/sep/14/zimbabwe-orders-cull-of-200-elephants-amid-food-shortages-from-drought">The Guardian</a>):
<blockquote>
Government must have more sustainable eco-friendly methods to dealing with drought without affecting tourism.
They risk turning away tourists on ethical grounds. The elephants are more profitable alive than dead.
We have shown that we are poor custodians of natural resources and our appetite for ill-gotten wealth knows no bounds, so this must be stopped because it is unethical.
</blockquote>
Other critics argue that culling just 200 elephants will have little impact on managing the natural ecosystem, as this number is negligible.
They also point out that elephant meat does not address the immediate hunger needs of villagers, as it is not a staple food.
More: <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

Zimbabwe plans to kill 200 elephants because they have too many. The meat will be given to people who need food. Namibia is also killing animals because of a bad drought. Some people think killing elephants is bad and won't help much. They say there are better ways to help the environment and people. Killing elephants might hurt tourism and not solve hunger problems.

Zimbabwe Set To Cull 200 Elephants

Namibia plans to cull 723 wild animals, including 83 elephants, and distribute the meat to people struggling to access food due to the El Niño-induced drought.
In a statement issued on Monday, Namibia’s Ministry of Environment, Forestry and Tourism announced that the cull will occur in parks and communal areas where animal populations exceed available grazing land and water supplies. Read the statement:
<blockquote>
The Ministry with Cabinet approval is contributing game meat to support the drought relief programme by government.
The Ministry will contribute 723 animals comprising 30 Hippos, 60 buffalos, 50 impalas, 100 blue Wilderbeast, 300 Zebras, 83 elephants and 100 elands.
The animals are sourced from national parks and communal areas with sustainable game numbers…
The National Conference on Human Wildlife Conflict Management in 2023 resolved among other things that elephant numbers need to be reduced as a measure to assist in reducing prevailing cases of human-wildlife conflict.
With the severe drought situation in the country, conflicts are expected to increase if no interventions are made.
To this effect, 83 elephants from identified conflict areas will be culled, meat will be allocated to the drought relief program under the Office of the Prime Minister.
</blockquote>
The Ministry said the cull aims to alleviate the negative impacts of drought on wildlife conservation in both national parks and communal areas.
It is estimated that over 200,000 elephants inhabit a conservation area spanning five southern African countries—Zimbabwe, Zambia, Botswana, Angola, and Namibia—making the region home to one of the largest elephant populations in the world.
More: <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

Namibia will kill 723 wild animals, including 83 elephants, and give their meat to hungry people affected by the drought. The Ministry of Environment, Forestry, and Tourism said the animals will be sourced from parks and areas where there is not enough food and water for them. This decision was made because of the increased conflicts between humans and wildlife. The goal is to reduce the negative effects of the drought on wildlife conservation. Namibia has a lot of elephants, with over 200,000 in the region. The cull aims to help both the animals and the people in need.

Namibia To Cull 723 Wild Animals And Distribute Meat To People Affected By Drought

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

An 80 year old tourist was killed in Zambia after an elephant charged at their safari truck and overturned it in Kafue National Park, Zambia. Two other tourists who were injured and were evacuated to Lusaka for medical attention.
According to <a href="https://zambianobserver.com">Zambian Observer</a> the incident happened on Saturday, 30 March 2024.
In a video widely circulated on social media, an elephant is seen charging parallel to the vehicle while the driver of the vehicle seem to be driving to escape.  The vehicle then suddenly stopped and the elephant caught up with it. According to the tourism company in charge of the tour, Wilderness, the road became blocked and the tour guide had to stop the vehicle.
Someone could be heard shouting at the elephant, but the elephant overturned the vehicle, resulting in the death of the tourist.
Here is the video of the incident (does not have any graphic content):
<div class="wp-video" style="width: 320px;">
<video class="wp-video-shortcode" controls="controls" height="564" id="video-273071-1" preload="metadata" width="320"><source src="https://t792ae.c2.acecdn.net/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/rCbqGYwg2sQ3H38k.mp4?_=1" type="video/mp4"/><a href="https://news.pindula.co.zw/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/rCbqGYwg2sQ3H38k.mp4">https://news.pindula.co.zw/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/rCbqGYwg2sQ3H38k.mp4</a></video></div>

Zambian Observer quotes Keith Vincent, Wilderness Chief Executive Officer:
<blockquote>
At around 09h30 on Saturday the six guests were on the game drive when the vehicle was unexpectedly charged by the bull elephant.
Our guides are all extremely well trained and experienced, but sadly in this instance the terrain and vegetation was such that the guide’s route became blocked and he could not move the vehicle out of harm’s way quickly enough.
</blockquote>

Video: Charging Elephant Overturns Safari Vehicle

Zimbabwe has recorded a decline in poaching at the Hwange National Park, the Zimbabwe Parks and Wildlife Management Authority (Zimparks) has said.
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.
ZimParks spokesperson Tinashe 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 said:
<blockquote>
Poaching has gone down in Zimbabwe. In Hwange, we have been doing extremely well in terms of managing our wildlife.
We are not doing this in isolation, but we also work closely with others like the International Fund for Animal Welfare, the World Wildlife Fund, the African Wildlife Foundation and many others too many to mention in fighting poaching.
</blockquote>
Farawo said harsh jail sentences coupled with various interventions such as joint patrols with wildlife agencies have contributed to the decline in poaching. He said:
<blockquote>
In terms of partnerships, what we are calling conservation partnerships, they are also helping us in terms of resources such as vehicles, and refresher courses for our rangers and it has helped a lot because we are now more visible in communities.
We are now more visible in the parks, which is deterring would-be poachers. The mandatory nine-year sentence has also proved to be a deterrent.
</blockquote>
Poachers target elephants and rhinos for their horns, which are in high demand in Asia.
Reports suggest that some Asians believe ivory and tusks have medicinal properties although there is no scientific evidence for this.
More: <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

Hwange Game Park Records Decline In Poaching - Zimparks

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

Elephants and other wildlife are dying in Zimbabwe, as an extended dry season has reduced once abundant water holes, to muddy puddles, the International Fund for Animal Welfare (IFAW) has said.
The 2023/24 rainy seaseon commenced very late due to the ongoing El Niño phenomenon, and 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.
Phillip Kuvawoga, the Landscape Programme Director of the International Fund for Animal Welfare, said:
<blockquote>
Elephants and other wildlife species will face a crisis if the rains don’t come soon. In 2019, over 200 elephants died in Zimbabwe due to severe drought; this phenomenon is recurring.
</blockquote>
Despite having 104 solar-powered boreholes, park authorities say it isn’t enough and no match for extreme temperatures drying up existing waterholes, forcing wildlife to walk long distances searching for food and water.
Water-dependent mammals like elephants are among the most affected.
News of the tragedy 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.
IFAW’s agenda at COP28 advocates for wildlife conservation as a nature-based solution to tackling climate change. Said Kuvawoga:
<blockquote>
Wild animals protect the carbon already stored in nature, prevent it from being released into the atmosphere, and help nature soak up and store even more carbon.
</blockquote>
The devastating impact of climate change on wildlife and humans calls for an integrated and holistic approach to support climate-resilient landscapes and communities. Added Kuvawoga:
<blockquote>
The anticipated deaths of elephants and other species, such as we are seeing in Zimbabwe right now, must be seen as a symptom of deep-seated and complex challenges affecting the region’s natural resources conservation, aggravated by climate change.
</blockquote>
More: <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

100 Elephants Succumb To El Nino-induced Drought

The Zimbabwe Parks and Wildlife Management Authority (Zimparks) has put down an elephant that was destroying crops and fruit trees in the Mkhosana and Mfelandawonye suburbs of Victoria Falls.
Over the weekend, Zimparks rangers reacted to a distress call by the community and put down the lone elephant.
A resident told ZBC News that the elephant was destroying gardens, fields, orchards and perimeter fences. Said the resident:
<blockquote>
We are grateful to Zimparks for listening to our plight and the patrols they are making in our areas. Let them continue and increase such.
We are very happy, the elephant was a real problem and it was destroying our fruit trees, mangoes and paw paws and others.
We had resorted to putting elephant dung on our crops to scare them away.
</blockquote>
A commentator on wildlife issues Bulisani Mathe gave an insight into circumstances that warrant an animal to be put down. Mathe said:
<blockquote>
It is not in the best interest of conservationists to put down wild animals, but there are times when it has to happen. 
When a wild animal becomes a threat to human life and property and when it’s injured beyond recovery through human intervention such as snares, it has to be put down before it kills people or damages more property.
</blockquote>
Cases of human-wildlife conflict have been on the rise in Zimbabwe over the past few years as animals frequent human settlements in search of food and water.
In 2022, about four people were trampled to death by elephants in Victoria Falls.
Over the years, Zimbabwe’s elephant population has ballooned to around 85 000, surpassing the country’s carrying capacity of 45 000. | <a href="https://zbcnews.co.zw/2023/01/16/problem-elephant-put-down-in-victoria-falls/">ZBC News</a>

Zimparks Rangers Put Down Problem Elephant In Victoria Falls

Six elephants that include four adults and two calves were recently found dead in a forest near Victoria Falls.
Zimbabwe Parks and Wildlife Management Authority (Zimparks) spokesperson Tinashe Farawo said they are ruling out poaching because the carcasses were found with their tusks intact.
As a result, Zimparks was conducting investigations to ascertain the cause of death. Said Farawo:
<blockquote>
We can confirm the death of six elephants in a forest near Victoria Falls. When the carcasses were found, the ivory was intact. We are investigating the cause of the death of these elephants.
We are ruling out poaching, but we suspect that they could have been struck by lightning.
</blockquote>
Last year during the same period, seven elephants were also found dead in Ngamo Forests between Hwange and Victoria Falls. | <a href="https://zbcnews.co.zw/2023/01/04/six-elephants-found-dead-near-victoria-falls/">ZBC News</a>

Six Elephants Found Dead Near Victoria Falls

An unknown woman was trampled to death by an elephant before her remains were devoured by hyenas on Nyakasanga Bridge on Wednesday, police have said.
According to a statement issued by the police, the woman’s remains were found scattered at the 321 km peg along Harare–Chirundu Road.
Police are now appealing for information that may lead to the identification of the woman. Police said:
<blockquote>
The ZRP is appealing for information which may assist in the identification of a female adult who is suspected to have been attacked to death by an lephant before her body was devoured by hyenas on 07/12/22 at Nyakasanga Bridge at the 321 km peg along Harare–Chirundu Road.
The victim’s body parts were found scattered at the scene. Anyone with information to report at any nearest Police station.
</blockquote>
Cases of human-wildlife conflict have been on the rise in recent years and this year alone, as of August 2022, 46 Zimbabwean lives had been lost to human-wildlife conflict.
Last month the government said it will establish a fund that will be used to compensate people who will have been attacked by wild animals.
The Human-Wildlife Conflict Relief Fund for Victims in Zimbabwe will cover death, maiming, and injuries.

Woman Trampled To Death By An Elephant And Devoured By Hyenas

Victoria Falls mayor Somvelo Dlamini has appealed to the Government and the Zimbabwe National Parks and Wildlife Management (Zimparks) to assist the local authority to erect a perimeter fence around the resort city to keep dangerous animals away.
This comes after a man from Mkhosana high-density suburb and another man from the Mfelandawonye area were trampled to death by elephants in one week.
Dlamini told VicFallsLive that although Zimparks quickly responded by putting down the two elephants, killing the jumbos was not enough. Said Dlamini:
<blockquote>
We have lost quite a number of people in this town to these human-wildlife conflicts, but I think it’s not warranted to keep losing souls.
We understand that we are in close proximity to wild animals as we are bordering national parks areas, but I believe that there must be control measures put in place so that we don’t keep experiencing these losses.
We used to have a perimeter fence just outside town that used to protect people from these wild animals, but it was vandalised.
I believe with the government working with parks and local authorities, the fence can be put back so that we avoid stray elephants and buffalos getting into residential areas.
I think this should be a quick and long-lasting solution as (the killing of people by elephants) has left many children broken and fatherless.
</blockquote>
<h4>More: <a href="https://vicfallslive.co.zw/index.php/2022/05/17/victoria-falls-mayor-wants-city-fenced-off-to-keep-away-dangerous-animals/">VicFallsLive</a></h4>

Victoria Falls Mayor Wants City Fenced Off To Keep Elephants Away

The Kavango Zambezi Transfrontier Conservation Area (KAZA TFCA) will conduct a US$3 million aerial survey which will inform decisions on the sustainable management of the elephant population in the bloc.
The KAZA has a geographic scope of approximately 520 000km², covering five countries, namely Angola, Botswana, Namibia, Zambia and Zimbabwe.
The survey, which is the first-ever KAZA-wide coordinated aerial survey of elephants, is scheduled to start in the third quarter of 2022.
The aerial survey will be based on the recently revised Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES) Monitoring the Illegal Killing of Elephants (MIKE) aerial survey standards.
Announcing the initiative on Thursday, on behalf of the five states as the coordinating country for the KAZA TFCA, Executive director in Namibia’s Ministry of Environment, Forestry and Tourism, Teofious Nghitila said:
<blockquote>
The survey is a fundamental component of the KAZA Strategic Planning Framework for the conservation and management of elephants.
It is also one of the action points of the 2019 Kasane Elephant Summit and a directive by the five countries’ heads of state.
Results from the survey will contribute significantly towards decisions on the sustainable management of KAZA’s elephant population.
</blockquote>
He said the elephant population within KAZA represents more than 50 per cent of the remaining savannah elephants (Loxodonta Africana) found in Africa.
The species is listed as globally endangered by the International Union for the Conservation of Nature (IUCN).
<h4>More: <a href="https://www.sundaymail.co.zw/new-kaza-tfca-launches-us3m-elephants-aerial-survey">The Sunday Mail</a></h4>

KAZA TFCA Launches US$3 Million Elephants Aerial Survey

Elephants in Hwange trampled a 91-year-old man to death as he was rounding up his cattle, New Zimbabwe reports. The elephants that killed Siancumbi Mungombe are said to be part of the herd that is roaming the streets freely destroying people’s gardens and fruit trees. Narrating the incident Elijah Nkomo a Hwange Rural District Council employee said:
<blockquote>Siancumbi Mungombe (91) left home around 3 pm after telling his wife Grace Tshuma (81) that he was going to look for cattle in the nearby grazing area.
He didn’t return home and the following day his wife informed other villagers that her husband had not returned home.
The villagers formed a search party that left for the bush where the body was found around 10 am Tuesday.</blockquote>
Mungombe had bruises all over his body and a fractured leg when his body was discovered. The body was retrieved by ZRP and Hwange magistrate Barbara Phiri waived postmortem because no foul play was suspected, according to the publication.
More: <a href="https://www.newzimbabwe.com/91-year-old-hwange-granny-killed-by-elephant/">New Zimbabwe </a>

Jumbos Kills A 91 Year Old Hwange Man

A homeless man was reportedly attacked and killed by elephants yesterday in the resort town of Victoria Falls, The Chronicle reports.
The man whose identity could not be established yesterday was walking towards the railway station from The Falls Club direction when the attack happened.
An eye witness who spoke to the publication about the attack said:
<blockquote>These elephants have been here for a week. He always passes by here and today we tried to stop him but he couldn’t understand us. The elephant gave him a warning sound and he tried to run away but he fell down and it caught up with him.</blockquote>
Elephants the heard that have been roaming around the small town and they are reportedly seen camping behind the old Pick n Pay building and they have been charging at people according to one of the councillors.
Police officer Commanding Victoria Falls District Chief Superintendent Rudo Chitombi urged residents to be vigilant as elephants are now roaming the streets more because of the lockdown which reduced human traffic in the resort town:
<blockquote>We have noticed more elephant movement because there are less people as a result of the lockdown, hence we want to encourage residents to be vigilant and always quickly alert ZimParks rangers when they come across wild animals especially elephants</blockquote>
More: <a href="https://www.chronicle.co.zw/jumbo-kills-vic-falls-homeless-man/">The Chronicle</a>

Elephants Kill Vic Falls Homeless Man

An overpopulation of elephants in Zimbabwe’s parks has posed a new challenge for some of the country’s parks as they cant kill or sell them, Open parly reports. Additionally, the elephants are reportedly destroying villagers’ crops in search of food.
This was revealed by The Portfolio Committee on Environment, Climate Change, Tourism and Hospitality Industry’s representative in parly who said this to the parliamentarians:
<blockquote>
It is a fact that this specie is overpopulated. To manage them has become a problem; to sell them has become a problem; to kill them is a problem, that is the reason why we have an overpopulation of this specie in both Hwange and Gonarezhou.
There are certain laws that bind us which makes us become unable to sell and reduce the number of elephants in this country,
…These elephants are coming to their fields to destroy their crops. They even come to the extent of killing people but the burning issue is that there is no compensation that has been given to any of those people who suffer this catastrophe</blockquote>
Zimbabwe has the capacity to carry 55 000 elephants but currently, the country’s elephant population stands at 88 000 meaning parks are battling with an overpopulation of 33 000.
More: <a href="https://www.openparly.co.zw/elephants-overpopulation-we-cant-kill-them-we-cant-sell-them-we-have-a-problem-parly-told/">Open Parly</a>

Parks Struggling With Elephants Overpopulation - Parly Told

The country’s parks and Wildlife management authority is wobbling with a US$10 Million operational deficits amid reports that it’s understaffed by 1000+ workers the Chronicle reports. This is mainly due to the elephants’ overpopulation in the country’s national parks.
This was revealed in an interview with  ZimParks Director-General Mr Fulton Mangwanya who said that they were operating with a deficit of US$10 million every year and that the elephants’ population is making life difficult for rangers who now patrol beyond the recommended area of 25 square metres per individual. He said the ballooning number of elephants has a strain on the budget.
More: <a href="https://www.chronicle.co.zw/zimparks-understaffed-by-1000-workers/">The Chronicle</a>

Over 1000 Positions Remain Vacant At ZimParks - Report

More than 55 elephants have died in the past two months in the <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/Hwange_National_Park" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Hwange National Park</a>, Zimbabwe’s largest wildlife sanctuary, due to climate change-induced drought.
National Parks and Wildlife Management Authority spokesman Tinashe Farawo revealed that the situation is dire as the drought is also affecting lions. He said:
<blockquote>The single biggest threat to our animals now is loss of habitat. We have managed to significantly reduce poaching … we were losing hundreds of elephants in past years, but last year we only lost not more than 20 to poaching.</blockquote>
Farawo also revealed that Hwange National Park is overcrowded leading to the destruction of vegetation. The park’s carrying capacity is 15 000 elephants but currently has about 53,000.
<h4>More: <a href="https://www.newzimbabwe.com/more-than-50-elephants-starve-to-death-in-zimbabwe-drought/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">NewZimbabwe.com</a></h4>

Over 55 Elephants Starve To Death At Hwange National Park

Zimbabwe National Parks and Wildlife Management Authority (Zimparks) rangers on Saturday discovered seven carcasses of elephants that were in an advanced state of decomposition.
The carcasses were found while the rangers were conducting routine patrols in the Mukona area of the game park.
It is suspected that the elephants may have been poisoned with cyanide. A ZBC News report claimed that the elephants could have succumbed to anthrax as they were found with their tusks intact.
The incident was confirmed by Zimparks spokesperson Mr Tinashe Farawo. He said:
<blockquote>It is true that some elephants were found dead and a team is already on the ground taking samples as we are yet to ascertain the cause of death.
All I can say for now is that all departments that make up the anti-poaching unit are on the ground as investigations are being done.</blockquote>
<h4>More: <a href="https://www.chronicle.co.zw/cyanide-poisoning-fears-in-hwange-7-jumbos-found-dead-at-national-park/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Chronicle</a></h4>

7 Elephants Found Dead At Hwange National Park

Zimbabwe has sold close to 100 elephants to China and Dubai for a total price of $2.7 million over six years because of overpopulation.
This was revealed by Parks and Wildlife Management Authority spokesman Tinashe Farawo in an interview with AFP on Wednesday. Said Farawo:
<blockquote>We have 84 000 elephants against a carrying capacity of 50 000. We believe in the sustainable use of resources, so we sell a few elephants to take care of the rest.</blockquote>
He further revealed that 200 people were killed in the human-and-animal conflict in the past five years.
Climate change and recurrent droughts have resulted in the depletion of the natural habitats of the wild animals.
As a result, SADC countries, namely Botswana, Namibia, Zambia and Zimbabwe have called for a global ban on elephant ivory trade to be relaxed due to the ballooning population of elephants.
Meanwhile, the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) claims that over the past 10 years, then the population of elephants across Africa has fallen by about 111,000 to 415,000, largely due to poaching for ivory.
<h4>More: <a href="https://www.dailymail.co.uk/wires/afp/article-7032699/Zimbabwe-sells-100-elephants-China-Dubai.html" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Daily Mail</a></h4>

Zim Sells 100 Elephants To China & Dubai For $2.7 Million

Government has transferred over 500 elephants from Hwange National Park to less populated areas in Masvingo and Manicaland provinces in the wake of the on-going water crisis.
<div>The translocation comes at a time when Hwange National Park is struggling to accommodate its 45 000 elephant population. It has a carrying capacity of about 15 000 elephants. The 500 elephants being transferred from Hwange will be relocated to <a href="http://www.pindula.co.zw/Chipinge">Chipinge</a>, <a href="http://www.pindula.co.zw/Chimanimani">Chimanimani </a>and Malilangwe, among other habitats with less elephants.</div>
<div></div>
<div>Water, Environment and Climate Minister, <a href="http://www.pindula.co.zw/Oppah_Muchinguri">Oppah Muchinguri-Kashiri</a> spoke to The Financial Gazette and said,</div>
<blockquote>
<div>We are in the process of translocation so that the animals don’t concentrate in one area. We have quarantined baby elephants after which we will translocate the elephants to habitats with a few elephants.</div>
</blockquote>
<div>Zimbabwe has the second largest elephant population in Africa.</div>
<div></div>
<div>More: <a href="http://www.financialgazette.co.zw/zimbabwe-water-crisis-forces-elephant-translocation/">Financial Gazette</a></div>

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