Human-wildlife conflict claims 18 lives in first quarter of 2025

THE Zimbabwe Parks and Wildlife Management Authority (ZimParks), has reported a surge in human–wildlife conflict, with 18 fatalities and 32 injuries recorded since the beginning of the year.

In a statement released this week, ZimParks revealed that a total of 579 cases of human–wildlife conflict were documented in the first quarter of 2025, marking a significant increase compared to the same period last year. The most affected districts include Binga, Hwange, Kariba, Chiredzi, Hurungwe, Nyaminyami and Mbire, where both human and livestock losses have been widespread.

“ZimParks received 579 cases of human–wildlife conflict and managed to respond to all of them. Communities across the country have lost at least 53 cattle and 85 goats, showing a notable rise from 18 and 21, respectively, during the same period in 2024,” the statement read.

To mitigate the crisis, ZimParks reported that it had translocated 129 wild animals back into protected areas and eliminated 158 problem animals. The organisation has also intensified community engagement and awareness programmes to promote safer co-existence between people and wildlife.

“ZimParks remains dedicated to fostering a harmonious co-existence between humans and wildlife, and our teams are tirelessly working to raise awareness about wildlife behaviour and effective preventative measures,” the statement said.

Zimbabwe, particularly in areas bordering major conservation zones such as Hwange, Mana Pools, and Gonarezhou National Parks, is facing a growing human–wildlife conflict crisis, with climate change identified as a key driver of the escalating problem. Elephants, lions, crocodiles and hyenas are frequently involved in fatal encounters and livestock predation. This worsening situation poses a serious threat to both wildlife and forest ecosystems, which are vital to tourism and the country’s environmental well-being.

Over the past five years, nearly 300 people have lost their lives, while hundreds more have been injured in attacks by wild animals.

The crisis has also resulted in significant livestock losses, crippling rural communities already grappling with the effects of climate change.

The rise in cases has been partly attributed to climate-induced habitat shifts, with wild animals straying into villages, in search of food and water. Rapid population growth and the expansion of human settlements into traditional wildlife ranges have further aggravated the problem.

ZimParks, which falls under the Ministry of Environment, Climate and Wildlife, is tasked with managing the country’s national parks and safeguarding its rich biodiversity. However, limited funding, poaching and pressure from human encroachment continue to strain its operations.

In response, the Government has in recent years implemented community-based conservation initiatives, including the Campfire Programme (Communal Areas Management Programme for Indigenous Resources), which seeks to give rural communities a stake in wildlife conservation by enabling them to benefit economically from tourism and regulated hunting.

ZimParks reiterated its commitment to protecting both the people of Zimbabwe and the country’s wildlife heritage, emphasising that a collaborative, community-centred approach is essential for sustainable co-existence.

In a significant step towards addressing the worsening human–wildlife conflict exacerbated by climate change, the Parks and Wildlife Management Amendment Bill was recently tabled before Parliament for debate.

The Bill proposes the creation of a compensation fund for victims of human–wildlife conflict, greater involvement of local communities in managing natural resources, and the professionalisation of wildlife experts.

One of the key provisions of the Bill is the establishment of a fund to compensate individuals who are killed, injured, or suffer property loss as a result of human–wildlife conflict.

Funding for the compensation will be drawn from proceeds of the national hunting quota, a 0.5 percent human–wildlife relief levy on revenue generated by both consumptive and non-consumptive tourism, as well as allocations made by Parliament.