ZimParks culls 5 problematic elephants

In a relief to communities living under Chief Musikavanhu in Chipinge District, the Zimbabwe National Parks and Wildlife Authority (ZimParks) recently culled five elephants that had been causing extensive damage in the area. The elephants, which had been straying into irrigation schemes and destroying vital infrastructure and crops in Ward 20, were humanely put down last Saturday.

The culling not only addressed the immediate threat posed by the elephants but also provided a significant benefit to the local population. Over 5,000 villagers received shares of the elephant meat, with each household reportedly receiving about 2 kilograms. Meanwhile, the ivory and hides from the culled elephants were retained by ZimParks for safekeeping.

This event underscores the growing human-wildlife conflict in Manicaland Province, where communities in Chipinge, Buhera, and Mutare districts are increasingly affected. Villagers have been urging the government and game reserve owners, particularly at Save Conservancy, to strengthen security measures to prevent elephants, lions, buffaloes, and other wildlife from escaping into surrounding settlements.

The fertile landscapes of Chipinge and Buhera irrigation schemes have become a magnet for elephants, while the presence of lions has led to devastating livestock losses for local farmers. Such conflicts pose ongoing challenges for rural communities trying to coexist with wildlife.

ZimParks spokesperson Tinashe Farawo explained that the culling is part of a broader population management exercise aimed at controlling the elephant population in Save Valley Conservancy. The conservancy currently supports approximately 2,550 elephants-far exceeding its ecological carrying capacity of 800.

"To manage the growing elephant population, we have issued permits to Save Valley Conservancy for an initial quota of 50 elephants to be culled," Farawo said. Over the past five years, about 200 elephants have already been translocated to other areas such as Hurungwe and Sapi in a bid to protect both the wildlife habitat and the local communities.

Farawo emphasized that the management exercise is designed to be sustainable and responsible, with elephant meat being distributed to local communities and ivory declared state property. "We remain committed to sustainable wildlife management for the benefit of present and future generations," he added.

Local leadership echoed the concerns over escalating wildlife incursions. Chipinge Rural District Council Ward 20 representative, Councillor Edmore Mabika, noted the increasing instances of wild animals straying into community lands, causing damage and sometimes injury.

"We distributed the meat from the five elephants to more than 5,000 people last Saturday. Each person received around 2 kilograms. Although there were some minor stampede incidents, the distribution process went smoothly," Mabika said.

He also lamented the rising human-wildlife conflict, highlighting the destruction of irrigation schemes and risks to human safety. "While we strive to coexist with wildlife, these animals damage our crops, spread diseases to our livestock, and have even injured or killed people," Mabika said.

The councillor named elephants, buffaloes, lions, crocodiles, and hippos as the main culprits. He further revealed tragic cases of crocodile attacks that have resulted in deaths and severe injuries to residents.

The culling of the five elephants thus represents a necessary step in addressing the fragile balance between wildlife conservation and community livelihoods in Chipinge, but it also highlights the urgent need for more comprehensive and sustained measures to manage human-wildlife interactions in the region.