Senator calls for attention to deadly human-wildlife conflict in Hwange

MOUNT HAMPDEN – Legislators have raised concerns about the devastating impact of human-wildlife conflict, particularly involving elephants in the Hwange National Park.

Speaking in Parliament last week, Masvingo Senator Sam Chapfudza (Tshabangu CCC), highlighted the ballooning elephant population, which has surpassed the park’s carrying capacity by a significant margin.

According to Chapfudza, the elephant population in Hwange has exploded from 15,000, the designated limit, to a staggering 65,000.

This overpopulation has resulted in elephants venturing outside the park’s boundaries, destroying crops and endangering villagers. He lamented the tragic loss of life caused by these encounters, leaving children orphaned and families shattered.

The Senator emphasised the urgency of addressing this crisis. He questioned the government’s policy regarding compensation for the villagers who suffer losses due to wildlife conflict.

He pointed out the helplessness of the communities, who face legal repercussions if they retaliate against the destructive animals.

Responding to the Senator’s concerns, the Minister of Justice, Legal and Parliamentary Affairs, Ziyambi Ziyambi, acknowledged the widespread issue of human-wildlife conflict.

He clarified that the current laws prioritise wildlife protection and prohibits hunting within national parks.

While acknowledging the hardships faced by villagers, the Minister explained that a compensation policy can not be implemented for situations where animals stray from the park.

He emphasised the role of the National Parks department in controlling animal movement and minimising human-wildlife encounters. He highlighted their prompt response in relocating stray animals and resorting to culling if necessary.

The Minister maintained that a policy allowing villagers to retaliate against straying animals can not be established. He stressed the importance of robust enforcement mechanisms to keep humans and wildlife separated.

“Mr. President, we cannot create a policy on the basis that the villagers are not allowed to pursue them if they stray into the villages in retaliation.

“We should ensure enforcement mechanisms and that as much as possible they are separated and by so doing, we minimise the occurrence of human-wildlife conflict,” Ziyambi said.

This exchange in Parliament underscores the complex challenges posed by human-wildlife conflict in Zimbabwe. With an ever-growing elephant population straining the ecosystem, finding a sustainable solution that protects both wildlife and communities remains a critical priority.