News / National
Surge in wildlife road deaths alarms conservationists near Hwange Park
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Wildlife conservationists have sounded the alarm over a sharp rise in road accidents involving endangered animals in and around Hwange National Park, warning that reckless driving, poor road design, and weak law enforcement are threatening decades of conservation gains.
Painted dogs, elephants, bat-eared foxes, and numerous smaller species have been killed by speeding vehicles, particularly along the Bulawayo–Victoria Falls Highway and the Mpofu–Mabale route - both of which slice through vital wildlife corridors.
David Kuvawoga, Operations Director at Painted Dog Conservation (PDC), said the crisis is worsening. "The speeding observed on roads in wildlife areas is unacceptable. There have been many species struck by vehicles on the Bulawayo–Victoria Falls Highway, especially between Fatima and Cross Dete. We're losing endangered species like painted dogs, and elephants - and even human lives have been claimed."
Conservationists fear the death of critical animals like the alpha female in a painted dog pack could decimate entire generations due to the species' low reproduction rate. "They only breed once a year, so each death is a serious blow," Kuvawoga said.
In 2023, the Main Camp–Mabale section was flagged as a hotspot for painted dog deaths. As a result, PDC partnered with the Ministry of Roads to install warning signs and rumble strips to slow traffic. However, conservationists say more needs to be done - especially on the busy Bulawayo–Victoria Falls Highway.
Beyond large mammals, a wide range of smaller animals are falling victim to roadkill, undermining biodiversity in the park. "We often act only when elephants or lions are killed, but every creature plays a role," said Kuvawoga, quoting local Chief Nelukoba's poignant remark: "Even a lizard deserves its life."
The construction of the Lake Gwayi–Tshangani and road resurfacing projects has raised fears of increased wildlife collisions unless infrastructure is made wildlife-friendly. Kuvawoga stressed the need for speed humps, underpasses, and more visible signage.
He also called for greater accountability among motorists. "We all know the rules of the road. If people ignore them, then the law must step in. Reckless driving in wildlife areas should carry serious consequences."
The Association for Tourism Hwange (ATH) has also joined calls for stricter enforcement and infrastructure improvements. "Motorists must understand that they are entering sensitive wildlife areas and act accordingly," said ATH coordinator Shamah Mawoko. She confirmed the issue was raised at a recent stakeholders' meeting, which recommended the erection of speed humps and the imposition of penalties for speeding.
The rise in roadkill incidents is also troubling tourism operators, particularly around Hwange Main Camp and the Victoria Falls–Kazungula route, which are now emerging as high-risk zones.
In a grassroots effort to tackle the issue, local conservationist Linda Bennett recently mobilised community stakeholders to clear overgrown vegetation along the Mabale–Main Camp road. Following this year's rains, which ended the El Niño-induced drought, thick vegetation had drastically reduced visibility for drivers and increased the danger for wildlife attempting to cross.
Bennett's initiative saw residents, tourism operators, and volunteers contribute tractors, chainsaws, fuel, and manpower to clear the dangerous stretch, restoring safer visibility for motorists and wildlife.
Despite the community efforts, conservationists warn that only systemic change - including road redesign, consistent law enforcement, and expanded public education - will prevent future tragedies.
Efforts to obtain comment from the Zimbabwe Parks and Wildlife Management Authority (Zimparks) were unsuccessful at the time of publication.
Without urgent intervention, experts warn the ongoing losses could not only decimate key animal populations but also damage Zimbabwe's reputation as a prime destination for nature and safari tourism.
Painted dogs, elephants, bat-eared foxes, and numerous smaller species have been killed by speeding vehicles, particularly along the Bulawayo–Victoria Falls Highway and the Mpofu–Mabale route - both of which slice through vital wildlife corridors.
David Kuvawoga, Operations Director at Painted Dog Conservation (PDC), said the crisis is worsening. "The speeding observed on roads in wildlife areas is unacceptable. There have been many species struck by vehicles on the Bulawayo–Victoria Falls Highway, especially between Fatima and Cross Dete. We're losing endangered species like painted dogs, and elephants - and even human lives have been claimed."
Conservationists fear the death of critical animals like the alpha female in a painted dog pack could decimate entire generations due to the species' low reproduction rate. "They only breed once a year, so each death is a serious blow," Kuvawoga said.
In 2023, the Main Camp–Mabale section was flagged as a hotspot for painted dog deaths. As a result, PDC partnered with the Ministry of Roads to install warning signs and rumble strips to slow traffic. However, conservationists say more needs to be done - especially on the busy Bulawayo–Victoria Falls Highway.
Beyond large mammals, a wide range of smaller animals are falling victim to roadkill, undermining biodiversity in the park. "We often act only when elephants or lions are killed, but every creature plays a role," said Kuvawoga, quoting local Chief Nelukoba's poignant remark: "Even a lizard deserves its life."
The construction of the Lake Gwayi–Tshangani and road resurfacing projects has raised fears of increased wildlife collisions unless infrastructure is made wildlife-friendly. Kuvawoga stressed the need for speed humps, underpasses, and more visible signage.
He also called for greater accountability among motorists. "We all know the rules of the road. If people ignore them, then the law must step in. Reckless driving in wildlife areas should carry serious consequences."
The Association for Tourism Hwange (ATH) has also joined calls for stricter enforcement and infrastructure improvements. "Motorists must understand that they are entering sensitive wildlife areas and act accordingly," said ATH coordinator Shamah Mawoko. She confirmed the issue was raised at a recent stakeholders' meeting, which recommended the erection of speed humps and the imposition of penalties for speeding.
The rise in roadkill incidents is also troubling tourism operators, particularly around Hwange Main Camp and the Victoria Falls–Kazungula route, which are now emerging as high-risk zones.
In a grassroots effort to tackle the issue, local conservationist Linda Bennett recently mobilised community stakeholders to clear overgrown vegetation along the Mabale–Main Camp road. Following this year's rains, which ended the El Niño-induced drought, thick vegetation had drastically reduced visibility for drivers and increased the danger for wildlife attempting to cross.
Bennett's initiative saw residents, tourism operators, and volunteers contribute tractors, chainsaws, fuel, and manpower to clear the dangerous stretch, restoring safer visibility for motorists and wildlife.
Despite the community efforts, conservationists warn that only systemic change - including road redesign, consistent law enforcement, and expanded public education - will prevent future tragedies.
Efforts to obtain comment from the Zimbabwe Parks and Wildlife Management Authority (Zimparks) were unsuccessful at the time of publication.
Without urgent intervention, experts warn the ongoing losses could not only decimate key animal populations but also damage Zimbabwe's reputation as a prime destination for nature and safari tourism.
Source - The Chronicle
