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Residents gather at the spot where the man was killed |
Zimbabwe National Parks and Wildlife Management Authority
(Zimparks) spokesperson Mr Tinashe Farawo attributed the attack on humans by
wildlife to the escalating human-wildlife conflict caused by drought.
He said 55 elephants have died in Hwange National Park
alone in the past two months because of drought and animals were now invading
human settlements in search of food and water.
“We confirm that we received a report about a man who was
killed by elephants in Lukosi area of Hwange and that becomes the 22nd incident
of people killed by wildlife since January. Elephants account for 40 percent of
these deaths,” said Mr Farawo.
He said Zimparks desperately needs investment into water
sources to prevent death of wildlife and ultimately protect humans from
animals, especially elephants that invade communities in search of water, food
and habitat.
“We’re mourning as
an authority that unfortunately another life has been lost. If you look at the
bigger picture you see that we need to invest into conservation so we have more
water sources and security among other things.
“Since two months ago 55 elephants, excluding other
species, have died in Hwange National Park alone due to starvation as there is
no water and food. Animals are travelling long distances looking for water and
are dying within 50 metres of water sources. Initially we suspected that it was
anthrax or poisoning but investigations showed that they are dying because of
drought,” said Mr Farawo.
He said the carcasses were found with their tusks and
trophies intact as poaching has gone down due to measures put in place by
Government to curb illegal hunting.
There are fears that more animals will die before the rainy
season due to excessive heat and drought, added Mr Farawo.
“The biggest threat is loss of habitat because of the huge
destruction caused by wildlife. We are trying our best to de-silt some of the
water sources but the challenge is that these are the hottest months before the
onset of the rains.
“Our appeal goes to those who always make a lot of noise
claiming to love wildlife more than we do, to have a look at the crisis we are
facing because of lack of water. Animals migrate to human settlements where
they kill people as they compete for food and water,” said Mr Farawo.
Last month a 70-year-old villager from Jambezi in the same
district was also killed by elephants while herding cattle.
Robert Chindomote’s fractured body was found following a
search in the bush by rangers, police and villagers. Communities living near
national parks have appealed for measures to control movement of wildlife to
save lives and property. Chronicle
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