On October 9, the Zimbabwe Parks and Wildlife Management Authority made the controversial decision to cull a problem elephant in Hwange that had been posing a significant threat to local communities by frequently invading homes and destroying mango crops.
Ingagula councillor Brian Chikumbo highlighted the escalating human-wildlife conflict in the area, noting that multiple elephant herds had been entering communities every evening, creating a dangerous situation that could soon result in human fatalities.
With residents living in constant fear, Chikumbo called for a sustainable solution to the growing problem, emphasizing the urgent need to address safety concerns as elephant populations increase.
Meanwhile, Farai Maguwu, the founding Director of the Centre for Natural Resource Governance (CNRG), condemned the k!lling as a “senseless” act that undermines genuine conservation efforts in the country.
Maguwu pointed out the hypocrisy of the government, arguing that if it genuinely cared about biodiversity, it would focus on addressing the rampant destructive mining practices diluting natural resources, rather than resorting to lethal measures against elephants.
He further questioned why the authorities are not taking action against crocodiles, which reportedly pose a greater threat to human lives than elephants.
The issue of human-wildlife conflict is a pressing one in Zimbabwe, especially in regions bordering national parks like Hwange, where elephants can wreak havoc on local crops and property.
