Govt set to introduce hunting quota in the wake of...

Govt set to introduce hunting quota in the wake of a rise in human-wildlife conflict

Zim Now Writer

Government is set to introduce a hunting quota in the wake of an increase in cases of human-wildlife conflict because of the ballooning elephant population in the country.

The country’s elephant holding capacity is around 45 000, but the jumbo herd in Zimbabwe has doubled to over 90 000.

The increased number of elephants has led to an upsurge in human-wildlife conflict.

It is with this in mind that the Minister of Environment, Climate and Wildlife, Honourable Mangaliso Ndlovu revealed that the government is working on a hunting quota for elephant management.

“As the elephant herds in the country grow so does the conflict with humans, hence, we are working on a hunting quota which should be announced in the first quarter of the year. This quota will ensure that it not only supports rural development, but will decongest the elephant herds which have grown to large numbers as well as support conservation financing,” she said.

The government also remains committed to assisting communities and individuals affected by human-animal conflict.

He added: “We as a government, are working on having a pocket to assist communities that have been affected by interactions with wildlife. The animals themselves will assist in the generation of funds to assist these communities. We look forward to the resuscitation of the CAMPFIRE project where we will see funds going towards building clinics and providing drugs to assist victims before they reach bigger hospitals.”

The government is on a drive to expand the Communal Areas Management Programme for Indigenous Resources programme, an initiative meant to benefit communities affected by human-wildlife conflict.