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Over 160 elephants die of starvation: ZimParks

Over 160 elephants die of starvation: ZimParks

Zim Now Writer

Zimbabwe lost at least 160 elephants between August and December 2023 due to starvation, while 50 lives were lost and 85 injured in Human Wildlife conflict incidences across the country.

This was revealed by Zimbabwe National Parks and Wildlife Management spokesperson, Tinashe Farawo, citing that shortage of water had resulted in human-wildlife conflicts as animals were moving into communities in search for water.

“We are now aware of how many elephants we have mainly in Hwange which is part of the Kavango Zambezi. We are extremely worried as we move into drier months of the year.

“Currently, we are facing water shortages most of our natural pens are dry so as you know Hwange relies on borehole water for our animals. This is expensive, it needs money and resources. As we move into September and October, it means temperatures will be high and less water.

“If you go to Hwange today, most of our animals pens are elephants because they are dominating, they chase away other animals which is affecting other small species. We don't want to create an elephant park but want to create a park where animals thrive.

“Animals are now forced to move long distances in search of water. Those which move in communities create problems through conflicts and we are likely going to witness more conflict up until the onset of the rainy season,” he said.

Recently, six elephants were found dead in the Gwayi-Shangani conservancy in a case of suspected cyanide poisoning.

Last week, the Chinhoyi Caves and ZimParks anti-poaching project received US$33 278 donation worth of field equipment.

The donation was handed over to ZimParks Director, Dr Fulton Mangwanya by African Wildlife Foundation Mid-Zambezi Valley Programmes Manager.

AWF donated 60 stretcher beds, 60 overalls, 60 one-man tents, 60 sleeping bags, 133 patrol boots, 60 raincoats, 60 mosquito nets and 69 patrol bag packs for the protected areas.

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