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3 elephants shot in Bulilima
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A herd of elephants has invaded villages in Bulilima District over the past week, destroying crops and threatening the livelihoods of smallholder farmers in an escalating human-wildlife conflict triggered by water and food shortages.
The elephants, reportedly coming from Hwange National Park, Tsholotsho, and even across the border in Botswana, have been roaming through villages such as Mafa and Khandamhlophe in Madlambudzi ward, leaving a trail of destruction as they search for food and water.
Local farmers, who are still drying their harvests in open fields, have found themselves in a desperate clash for survival with the large animals. The elephants, which appear to have become familiar with village crop fields as reliable food sources, have intensified tensions in the area.
In an effort to contain the situation, the Bulilima Rural District Council, working with Zimbabwe Parks and Wildlife Management Authority (ZimParks) and a local safari operator, on Thursday shot and killed three elephants that were reportedly leading the destructive herd.
"These particular elephants had become a menace," said Bulilima Rural District Council Chief Executive Officer, Mr. Biliati Mulauzi. "In collaboration with the Safari Operator and ZimParks, we managed to drive the herd away, but unfortunately three had to be put down yesterday (Thursday)."
A visit by this news crew on Wednesday afternoon revealed the scale of the issue, as a herd was spotted between Mafa and Khandamhlophe villages, making its way toward the Thekwane River after passing through villagers' fields.
Water shortages are believed to be a key driver of the elephants' movements. Maitengwe Dam, once a critical water source in the area, had its walls damaged during the recent rainy season and is no longer holding water. The dam, which requires an estimated US$500,000 for rehabilitation, also plays a vital role in supporting the Communal Areas Management Programme for Indigenous Resources (CAMPFIRE) by drawing in sport-hunting tourists.
Without it, the drying landscape has forced wildlife into human settlements, sparking frequent and dangerous encounters.
"This is not a new conflict, but it's worsening with climate change and deteriorating infrastructure," Mr. Mulauzi added.
As efforts to repair Maitengwe Dam remain stalled due to funding gaps, local communities fear the situation could become even more perilous if no long-term solution is implemented to manage the increasing human-wildlife tension.
The elephants, reportedly coming from Hwange National Park, Tsholotsho, and even across the border in Botswana, have been roaming through villages such as Mafa and Khandamhlophe in Madlambudzi ward, leaving a trail of destruction as they search for food and water.
Local farmers, who are still drying their harvests in open fields, have found themselves in a desperate clash for survival with the large animals. The elephants, which appear to have become familiar with village crop fields as reliable food sources, have intensified tensions in the area.
In an effort to contain the situation, the Bulilima Rural District Council, working with Zimbabwe Parks and Wildlife Management Authority (ZimParks) and a local safari operator, on Thursday shot and killed three elephants that were reportedly leading the destructive herd.
"These particular elephants had become a menace," said Bulilima Rural District Council Chief Executive Officer, Mr. Biliati Mulauzi. "In collaboration with the Safari Operator and ZimParks, we managed to drive the herd away, but unfortunately three had to be put down yesterday (Thursday)."
A visit by this news crew on Wednesday afternoon revealed the scale of the issue, as a herd was spotted between Mafa and Khandamhlophe villages, making its way toward the Thekwane River after passing through villagers' fields.
Water shortages are believed to be a key driver of the elephants' movements. Maitengwe Dam, once a critical water source in the area, had its walls damaged during the recent rainy season and is no longer holding water. The dam, which requires an estimated US$500,000 for rehabilitation, also plays a vital role in supporting the Communal Areas Management Programme for Indigenous Resources (CAMPFIRE) by drawing in sport-hunting tourists.
Without it, the drying landscape has forced wildlife into human settlements, sparking frequent and dangerous encounters.
"This is not a new conflict, but it's worsening with climate change and deteriorating infrastructure," Mr. Mulauzi added.
As efforts to repair Maitengwe Dam remain stalled due to funding gaps, local communities fear the situation could become even more perilous if no long-term solution is implemented to manage the increasing human-wildlife tension.
Source - The Chronicle
