Wildlife overpopulation sparks concern in Tsholots...

Wildlife overpopulation sparks concern in Tsholotsho villagers

Villagers in Tsholotsho district, Matabeleland North have raised alarm over a surge in the population of lions, hyenas, and jackals, resulting in escalating livestock losses. The concerns were raised during a recent engagement session between the Environment of Climate Change and Wildlife Minister Mangaliso Ndlovu and the Sipepa community. The rise in such conflicts, attributed largely to climate change-induced droughts, has been devastating for communities
residing near game parks.

Instances of human-wildlife conflict are prevalent in various regions, including Lupane, Binga, Hwange, and Tsholotsho, where villagers have incurred significant losses in livestock, crops, and even lives.

Dumisani Nkomo, a resident, highlighted the increasing menace of wild animals, stressing the need for effective coexistence strategies.

“Wild animals like hyenas and jackals are killing our livestock here. We have been forced to keep our livestock in pens for the greater part of the day because of these wild animals. How can we have good co-existence with hyenas and jackals? These animals do not benefit us at all unlike elephants which can be sold for the benefit of the community,” he said.

Among the villagers’ demands is the implementation of stronger boundary fences to deter wild animals from encroaching into communities. Mrs. Florence Nkomo shared her harrowing experience of losing four cattle to lions in January alone, illustrating the urgency for authorities to intervene. “For a long time, we did not mind hyenas and jackals because they did not give us problems, but the situation has changed now because they are now coming to our kraals to kill our livestock. I lost four cattle last month to lions,” she said.

Councillor Gift Tshuma emphasized the need for improved response mechanisms from wildlife management organizations like Campfire to safeguard villagers and their livestock. “The greatest challenge is that even if you report to Campfire nothing happens. Our children walk long distances to school and with lions in the vicinity, we are now worried about their safety. Campfire must be capacitated us to respond to distress calls from villagers,” Tshuma said.

Minister Ndlovu addressed the challenge posed by international regulations, particularly the CITES ban on ivory and elephant trade expressing frustration at the limitations imposed on countries with significant wildlife populations, citing Zimbabwe’s untapped potential in generating revenue from its ivory stockpile.

“I am troubled because the CITES treaty is now being used to dictate what countries like us which have animals can and cannot do by countries that do not have animals. We have a serious fight within CITES because through them we are not allowed to sell ivory of even animals that died of natural causes,” the Minister said.

He said Zimbabwe has a stockpile of ivory from elephants and rhinos which can earn the country about $500 million annually. – The Environment