Human-Wildlife Conflict Management
Human-wildlife conflict occurs when encounters between humans and wildlife lead to negative impacts, such as wildlife raiding crops, attacking livestock, injuring people, or damaging property. It is one of the most pressing issues facing biodiversity conservation and sustainable development. ¹
Human-wildlife conflict (HWC) along the boundary of Mana Pools National Park has intensified as human populations increase and compete with wildlife for space and resources. Lions, leopards, hyenas, and elephants are invading villages. The problem is compounded by illegal logging, gold panning, and uncontrolled veld fires within wildlife habitats.
Bushlife works with Zimparks to educate villagers on securing livestock to protect them from predators and deterring elephants to mitigate crop raiding. We also capture and transport lions and leopards into remote areas as far from villages as possible. We continue to work toward the peaceful coexistence of humans and biodiversity.
Big Cats Relocation
As dry and wet seasons come and go in the region, lions and leopards can be found wandering into villages in search of food and water. Working with Zimparks, Bushlife has successfully translocated a total of 6 big cats from villages into the far reaches of the park. During 2023, we captured 4 lions that had taken up residency in the Chundu villages. Darted and carefully placed in cages, then loaded onto trucks, the lions were transported back to their protected land by Zimparks rangers, the Bushlife team led by Manager Freedom Hlongwane, and Zimparks Chief Veterinarian Dr. Columbus Chaitezvi. Leopards were successfully translocated on two previous occasions. Tracking collars were placed on these animals, allowing us to follow their movements and ensure they don’t return to the villages.
Elephant Raids
Approximately 70 percent of Zimbabwe’s population relies on subsistence and rain-fed agriculture. Elephants are yet another burden to these villagers as they already struggle with food insecurity and vulnerability to climate and seasonal stressors. Elephants enter the villages and trample or raid crops. We are having some success using a strong nonlethal deterrent made from the smoke of burning chili powder mixed with used engine oil and cow dung.
Wildlife Committees
Working with Zimparks and the Rural District Council, Bushlife established Wildlife Committees in three wards (separately administered populations within districts). Committee members live in the wards and recognize the significance of including the voices of villagers who fall victim to the impact of wildlife. Wildlife Committee members learn natural resources management laws, assist with human-wildlife conflict mitigation, and coordinate channels for information-sharing among community members, Zimparks, and Bushlife. We also conducted large community meetings with the Zimparks Chief Community Liaison and the Hurungwe Rural District Council. Headmen from the surrounding villages attended these meetings and spoke on behalf of residents. This is incredibly important because communication and inclusion are necessary for creating a safe environment for people and animals alike.
