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Contamination water at Lake Chivero kills several wildlife
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Lake Chivero, a crucial water source and recreational site, has become the latest victim of severe pollution, leading to the tragic deaths of multiple wildlife and domestic animals. The contamination, primarily attributed to sewage effluent, industrial waste, and runoff from nearby farms, has caused a significant environmental crisis.
According to the Zimbabwe Parks and Wildlife Management Authority (ZPWMA), four rhinos, along with other wildlife, have succumbed to cyanobacteria contamination in the water. The rhinos' deaths mark a grave loss, as these animals are critically endangered and symbolize strength and resilience in the natural world.
Tinashe Farawo, spokesperson for ZPWMA, confirmed the fatalities, stating that the contamination has extended beyond the rhino population. "Despite the interventions by veterinarians from the University of Zimbabwe and our Vet Department, the contamination has also impacted other wildlife in the area, resulting in the loss of three zebras, four wildebeests, four fish eagles, as well as goats and cattle from nearby farms," he said.
In an effort to mitigate the risk, ZPWMA implemented various measures to prevent animals from drinking the polluted water, including the placement of salt blocks, game nuts, and water drops around the park. However, these efforts proved insufficient, as the animals continued to drink from the contaminated lake.
Farawo highlighted the urgent need for collective action to address the environmental threats facing the country's wildlife. He called for greater responsibility in preserving the habitats of these animals, emphasizing the importance of sustainable management of species like the rhino.
"Rhinos symbolise strength and resilience, but they face unprecedented threats that require immediate and sustained action," Farawo said. "As a country, we are committed to sustainably managing the species. Zimbabwe boasts the fourth-largest black rhino population globally, after South Africa, Namibia, and Kenya."
This devastating loss underscores the growing environmental challenges faced by Zimbabwe and the urgent need for effective measures to protect natural resources and wildlife from pollution and habitat degradation.
According to the Zimbabwe Parks and Wildlife Management Authority (ZPWMA), four rhinos, along with other wildlife, have succumbed to cyanobacteria contamination in the water. The rhinos' deaths mark a grave loss, as these animals are critically endangered and symbolize strength and resilience in the natural world.
Tinashe Farawo, spokesperson for ZPWMA, confirmed the fatalities, stating that the contamination has extended beyond the rhino population. "Despite the interventions by veterinarians from the University of Zimbabwe and our Vet Department, the contamination has also impacted other wildlife in the area, resulting in the loss of three zebras, four wildebeests, four fish eagles, as well as goats and cattle from nearby farms," he said.
In an effort to mitigate the risk, ZPWMA implemented various measures to prevent animals from drinking the polluted water, including the placement of salt blocks, game nuts, and water drops around the park. However, these efforts proved insufficient, as the animals continued to drink from the contaminated lake.
Farawo highlighted the urgent need for collective action to address the environmental threats facing the country's wildlife. He called for greater responsibility in preserving the habitats of these animals, emphasizing the importance of sustainable management of species like the rhino.
"Rhinos symbolise strength and resilience, but they face unprecedented threats that require immediate and sustained action," Farawo said. "As a country, we are committed to sustainably managing the species. Zimbabwe boasts the fourth-largest black rhino population globally, after South Africa, Namibia, and Kenya."
This devastating loss underscores the growing environmental challenges faced by Zimbabwe and the urgent need for effective measures to protect natural resources and wildlife from pollution and habitat degradation.
Source - hmetro
