Zim elephants migrate to Botswana en masse in sear...

Zim elephants migrate to Botswana en masse in search of drinking water

On Safari in Botswana: Witnessing the Great Migration of Elephants, Zebras, and Other Wildlife | Discover Africa Safaris

The Zimbabwe Parks and Wildlife says large numbers of elephants from Zimbabwe’s biggest national park are migrating to neighbouring Botswana in a search for water.

The authority said wildlife migration between Hwange National Park to Botswana is not uncommon. However, this year it had come “too early” due to climate change.

ZimParks spokesperson Tinashe Farawo said many animals have and are moving from Hwange National Park into Botswana.

“Water bodies have dried up and the animals are in search for water and food, buffaloes and “all types of animals present in the park” are also migrating in huge numbers.

“I can’t quantify how many elephants have moved whether its hundreds or thousands but it has been a lot.

“The amount of animals migrating has definitely increased over the years due to the increase in water shortages,” Farawo added.

He stated that mass movement of wild animals could lead to an increase in conflict between humans and wildlife as they pass through populated areas in Zimbabwe.

“It means more animals are going to invade communities, people competing for water with animals,” Farawo noted.

Hwange National Park covers an area of more than 14,600 square kilometres and is home to about 50,000 elephants.

Conflict between humans and wildlife is a significant problem in remote parts of Zimbabwe, caused in part by population growth.

According to government figures, elephants killed at least 60 people last year.

Zimbabwe has around 100,000 elephants, the second largest population in the world and almost double the capacity of its parks, conservationists say.

Botswana is home to around 130,000, the world’s largest elephant population.

The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change has classified southern Africa as a region at risk, facing increased risks of extreme heat and reduced rainfall due to global warming.