Enough water supply in Hwange National Park

Leonard Ncube, Victoria Falls Reporter
THE Zimbabwe Parks and Wildlife Management Authority (ZimParks) says there is enough water supply in the Hwange National Park to sustain wildlife and prevent drought-related deaths during the upcoming dry season.

There are no natural rivers in Hwange National Park hence it is almost 100 percent borehole supplied especially in the dry season. About 80 percent of the boreholes are solar-powered. There are few natural watering holes which however, dry up during the hot months between September up to November.

Over the years dozens of wildlife species especially buffaloes and elephants have died due to drought as animals will be travelling long distances to drink from the few remaining watering holes.

Most water sources would be muddy due to invasion by elephants, whose population exceeds the park’s carrying capacity leaving other animals, including the jumbos, with less clean water. However, the heavy rains received during the 2020-2021 seasons left both natural and artificial water points with abundant water.

The park received around 800mm rainfall, which is double its average and some winter rains that were received in May refilled most water points which is a positive development.

A visit to Hwange Main Camp last week showed that forage is also plentiful. Parks officials said over the years animals would overgraze areas closer to watering holes where they will be concentrated in search for water.

A news crew also noticed that there are now catfish, crocodiles and hippos at some of the water points such as the Dome Pan and Nyamandlovu Pan, which confirms there is abundant water. Hippos had migrated from the park over the years.

Some of the crocodiles were problem animals that were captured and deposited at the watering holes and have migrated between water points because there is abundant water.

The Nyamandlovu Pan was recently rehabilitated with the help of International Fund for Animal Welfare (IFAW) which scooped mud to increase depth and holding capacity, giving a favourable sanctuary for crocodiles and hippos, and enough water for wildlife.

Water storage at many water holes had been reduced over the years because of mud and animal dung. ZimParks spokesperson Mr Tinashe Farawo said there is hope the upcoming hot season will not be fatal.

He said the park is literally yearning for tourists to visit and view a wide range of healthy animals.

“We had good rains this past season hence in terms of water supply we are doing well. One of our biggest water points, Nyamandlovu Pan was recently rehabilitated by our partner IFAW who scooped mud. There are now hippos and crocodiles and we are only waiting for people to visit the park and enjoy game view,” said Mr Farawo.

Friends of Hwange, another ZimParks partner, is maintaining boreholes to make sure pumping is continuous.

Some private camps also have watering holes dotted around the park. Covid-19 affected ZimParks as there are no clients visiting for game drives.

Mr Farawo, however, expressed concern about elephant population which he said is the reason for escalating human-wildlife conflict and well as destruction of habitat.

ZimParks installed solar powered boreholes with the help of conservation partners including tourism players.

In some instances solar panels were destroyed by elephants at watering holes.

Mr Farawo said measures had been put in place to prevent vandalism.

In neighbouring Botswana’s Okavango Delta, hundreds of jumbos died mysteriously while poaching and poisoning were ruled out because no ivory was taken.

Botswana has the world’s largest elephant population, at more than 130 000 and animals freely migrate between the two countries’ borders for food and water. — @ncubeleon.