123 elephants die in Hwange since August

At least 123 elephants have died from starvation in Zimbabwe's Hwange National Park due to a severe drought that has gripped the region since August, with the highest number of fatalities recorded in November during the peak of the dry season.

The deaths underscore the devastating effects of prolonged drought and climate change on Zimbabwe's wildlife, particularly vulnerable elephant populations.

Tinashe Farawo, spokesperson for the Zimbabwe Parks and Wildlife Management Authority (ZimParks), confirmed the toll to Southern Eye on Sunday.

"We have lost about 123 elephants in Hwange National Park since August to date," Farawo said. "But the numbers increased significantly during the month of November because that's where we were now in the peak of the dry season."

The ongoing drought has had a particularly severe impact on the most vulnerable elephants, including calves and the elderly, who struggle to find enough water and food to survive.

"Most of the elephants which are affected are vulnerable - the young and the old, those that cannot keep pace, that cannot afford to move long distances in search of water and food," Farawo explained.

The drought has also fueled increased human-wildlife conflict, as elephants and other wildlife are forced to venture into human settlements in search of dwindling resources, intensifying risks to both animals and people.

Farawo highlighted the broader conservation challenges Zimbabwe faces, including habitat destruction and biodiversity loss. He pointed out that the animals' desperate search for resources is contributing to the destruction of their habitats.

"The animals are becoming a danger unto themselves because they are destroying their own interests, they are destroying their own habitat, which is forcing animals to move long distances," he said.

In response to the crisis, the government announced plans to cull 200 baby elephants to ease the pressure on the park's shrinking resources. However, Farawo clarified that no culling has yet been carried out, as preparations are still being finalized.

"I think the issue of culling is not something that has been implemented because we are putting modalities in place," Farawo said.

ZimParks continues to address distress calls from communities experiencing conflict with hungry wild animals, often involving elephants. Farawo explained that when human lives are threatened, ZimParks takes immediate action, either eliminating or scaring off the animals.

"When we receive distress calls from communities, we move in, we restore order. Either we eliminate the animals or we scare them away. Normally, when human life is under threat, that's what we do," he said, emphasizing that elephants are often central to these incidents.

Farawo also stressed the importance of collaboration with law enforcement and judicial bodies in addressing wildlife-related threats.

"We have been working closely with the Zimbabwe Republic Police through their operation in Nhakayedu, which is bearing fruit," Farawo added. "We also work closely with the Judicial Service Commission in terms of sentencing."

The dry conditions in Hwange have been particularly harsh for its wildlife, worsened by the El Niño-induced drought, which has pushed the park's large elephant population to the brink of survival. While recent rains have provided some relief, the long-term challenges remain.

ZimParks reports that Zimbabwe's elephant population has surged to over 90,000, more than double the park's sustainable capacity of 45,000. This overpopulation has led to recurring human-animal conflicts and further stresses the already limited resources.

With the crisis unfolding, authorities continue to search for long-term solutions to protect both the wildlife and the communities living alongside them.