Wild animals wreak havoc in Tsholotsho

Villagers in Tsholotsho District have raised concern over increasing attacks by lions and other wild animals, saying the growing human-wildlife conflict is devastating livelihoods, threatening food security and putting lives at risk.

Residents living near wildlife conservation areas say incursions by lions, elephants, hyenas, zebras and wildebeests have become more frequent, resulting in livestock losses, crop destruction and heightened fear among communities.

The situation reflects a broader challenge facing communities bordering protected wildlife areas, where expanding animal populations, habitat pressures and recurring droughts are driving wildlife beyond conservation boundaries in search of food and water.

Ward 3 resident Matshobana Mpofu said villagers were living under constant threat from wild animals that regularly enter residential and farming areas.

"Lions, elephants, hyenas, zebras and wildebeests are frequently entering community spaces. This has created dangerous situations and is affecting our rural livelihoods," said Mpofu.

"The most affected villages include Ngamo, Sikwakweni, Nganyana, Siga and surrounding areas. These animals attack our livestock and expose them to diseases. The Big Five are giving us serious challenges. It is now as if we are living inside a game park."

Another villager, Thonisani Tshuma, said some households had lost entire cattle herds to predator attacks, with the losses having severe economic consequences for affected families.

"The situation is now beyond our control. We have reported the matter to relevant authorities, but our concerns have largely gone unanswered," he said.

"As we speak, some families have lost all their cattle. In some cases, at least three cattle are killed in a single day. These dangerous animals are now roaming around our communities outside Hwange National Park."

Tshuma acknowledged efforts by wildlife management programmes and safari operators to create buffer zones between communities and wildlife habitats, but argued that more intervention was needed to protect residents.

"We are not against development, but we are unhappy with the way wildlife is being managed. Our lives are now in danger and the safety of our children, especially those walking to school, can no longer be guaranteed," he said.

The impact of the conflict is also being felt in local livestock markets.

Sipho Ndlovu, another resident, said recurring attacks and disease risks associated with wildlife had negatively affected cattle trading.

"Livestock is our wealth, but we are now being denied opportunities to sell our cattle outside the area where we could get better prices. As a result, we are forced to accept very low offers," he said.

Tsholotsho North legislator Libion Sibanda said authorities were aware of the situation and were engaging stakeholders to find lasting solutions.

"I am aware of the matter and we are working with all stakeholders to address it. The animals have become a major threat and the situation is no longer normal," he said.

Sibanda noted that while elephant-related incidents had declined, lion attacks had emerged as a growing concern.

"This time we are dealing with lions, which have become difficult to control. They are now attacking livestock during the day," he said.

He added that although lions had historically posed challenges to communities near wildlife areas, the increasing frequency of daytime attacks represented a worrying development.

The legislator also expressed concern over the rising population of wildebeests and antelopes outside protected areas.

"The wildebeest and antelope population outside the park has increased significantly and the animals have permanently settled in some communities, making it difficult even for wildlife authorities to properly monitor them," Sibanda said.

According to residents and local leaders, the growing presence of wildlife outside conservation zones is not only threatening livestock and human safety but also increasing the risk of disease transmission between wild animals and domestic herds.

Communities are now calling for stronger wildlife management measures, improved fencing, enhanced monitoring and compensation mechanisms to mitigate losses while ensuring peaceful coexistence between people and wildlife.

The escalating conflict underscores the delicate balance between wildlife conservation and protecting the livelihoods of communities that share boundaries with some of Zimbabwe's most important conservation areas.