Human Deaths in Wildlife Conflicts Jump 20% in Q1 ...

Human Deaths in Wildlife Conflicts Jump 20% in Q1 2025

Man survives crocodile attack by prying its jaws off his head. How did ...

ZimNow Reporter

Human fatalities from wildlife attacks in Zimbabwe went up to 18 deaths in the first quarter of 2025—a 20% increase compared to the 15 human deaths recorded in Q1 2024, according to ZimParks.

While injuries to humans dropped by 25.6% (from 43 to 32), lethal encounters with lions, crocodiles, and hyenas dominated reports.

Livestock losses also rose sharply in 2025, with 53 cattle and 85 goats killed by predators in Q1.

ZimParks data reveals 300 human deaths over five years (averaging 60/year), highlighting the persistent danger to communities near wildlife zones.

Zimparks has warned people in high-risk areas to avoid night movements, as most attacks happen then when predators are on the hunt.

Habitat overlap is a key conflict driver, with districts like Hwange, Mbire, and Kariba, which border national parks, accounting for 70% of reported incidents.

Climate change, water scarcity and food shortages are the other key factors The El Niño drought that hit southern Africa in 2024 meant that both humans and animals had to deal with heightened food insecurity, exacerbating the situation.

Zimparks said it has relocated 129 animals from communities to protected areas. The authority also said that it has a 100% response rate to its 579 human-wildlife emergency call line and prioritizes high-risk districts like Hurungwe and Chiredzi.

The drop in human injuries suggests improved community awareness or faster rescue efforts, but rising deaths signal an urgent need for habitat buffers and anti-poaching patrols to protect vulnerable populations.

Stats Sources: ZimParks, Zimbabwe National Statistics Agency, UN FAO.