In the community

Mabale villagers lose livestock to marauding lions

Published

2 years ago

January 10, 2023

VicFallsLive

BY LWANDLE MTHUNZI

A pride of lions reportedly attacked and killed two cows near Chief Dingane’s homestead in Mabale on Sunday.

More than two dozen cattle have been killed in the area in recent weeks according to villagers, as cases of human-wildlife conflict continue on the increase in communities that are bordering the national parks such as Hwange Districts.

On Sunday, Chief Dingane said, his community woke up to another goring sight of two carcasses of cows killed by the marauding big cats.

“The cows belonged to my neighbour and they are usually herded together with my herd,” the Chief told VicFallsLive.

“They were in the bush when news filtered that there was a pride nearby and so the boys rounded up the cattle.

“Ours came home and my neighbour’s went home as well. Later on we heard that his two cows had been killed,” said Chief Dingane.

Villagers immediately informed Hwange Rural District Council Campfire and officers attended the scene.

The Chief said he also lost four cattle recently.

“I lost four that were eaten in the bush recently and there are other villagers as well whose cows have been killed.

“I think about 30 cattle have been killed in the least week by lions which is a cause for concern.” he said.

There are two prides of lions, including cubs, which are reportedly literally camped in Mabale and have been terrorizing villagers.

Some of them are collared, according to villagers.

“We have told HRDC to contact those who collared the lions to come and drive them away.

“They should surely be monitoring them and seeing that they are causing havoc here. ” he said.

Government recently said victims of human-wildlife conflict will be compensated.

Villagers in Hwange and Binga mostly, have complained about losing livestock, crops and in some instances lives of their loved ones due
to conflict with wild animals.

Zimparks has in the past been under fire for saying people should not go or drive their livestock into protected areas.

In Victoria Falls, residents have proposed the need for a perimeter fence between human settlements and game parks.

In the community

Human-wildlife conflict claims 18 lives in Zimbabwe’s first quarter

Published

6 days ago

April 16, 2025

VicFallsLive

BY NOKUTHABA DLAMINI

The Zimbabwe Parks and Wildlife Management Authority (ZimParks) has reported a disturbing trend of human-wildlife conflict in the country’s first quarter of 2025. According to the authority, 18 people have lost their lives, and 32 others have been injured in encounters with wildlife.

ZimParks spokesperson Tinashe Farawo revealed that the authority received 579 cases of human-wildlife conflict, which they managed to respond to promptly. The incidents have also resulted in significant livestock losses, with at least 53 cattle and 85 goats killed by wildlife.

The districts most affected by these incidents include Binga, Hwange, Kariba, Chiredzi, Hurungwe, Nyaminyami, and Mbire. ZimParks has been working tirelessly to raise awareness about wildlife behaviors and effective preventive measures in these areas.

In response to the crisis, ZimParks has translocated 129 animals back into protected areas and eliminated 158 animals deemed problematic.

“We encourage communities to continue reporting incidents to ZimParks Problem Animal Control numbers and local leadership, such as Councillors, Traditional Leaders, and Rural District Council Authorities, to ensure that we preserve lives,” Farawo urged.

The significant increase in livestock losses, with cattle deaths rising from 18 to 53 and goat deaths from 21 to 85 compared to the same period in 2024, highlights the growing challenge of human-wildlife conflict in Zimbabwe.

ZimParks’ efforts to mitigate the conflict include community initiatives to educate people on managing wildlife encounters effectively.

In the community

Crocodile attacks claim 9 lives, injure 11

Published

1 month ago

March 13, 2025

VicFallsLive

BY NOKUTHABA DLAMINI

A surge in crocodile attacks has left a trail of death and destruction in Zimbabwe, with 9 fatalities and 11 injuries reported in the last two months.

According to a statement released by the Zimbabwe Parks and Wildlife Management Authority (ZimParks), 49 human-crocodile conflict cases were recorded during the same period, resulting in the loss of 44 cattle and 60 goats.

The Mid-Zambezi region, which includes Lake Kariba, Angwa River, and Hunyani River, was the hardest hit, with 19 cases reported. The Central region recorded 14 cases, while 16 cases were reported in other areas, including Matopo, Harare, North-West Matabeleland, and South-East Low-veld.

ZimParks has urged communities to exercise extreme caution, especially around water bodies, during the current rain season. The authority has advised communities to ensure that livestock and children are not left unattended near rivers or lakes, and to take precautions when engaging in water activities such as fishing, swimming, and domestic chores.

To mitigate the situation, ZimParks is working closely with local authorities and conservation partners to raise public awareness and promote safety practices. The authority has emphasized its commitment to finding a balance between ensuring public safety and conserving wildlife.

As the situation continues to unfold, ZimParks has appealed to the public to remain vigilant and to report any crocodile sightings or attacks to the authorities.