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Herald Reporter
The Zimbabwe Parks and Wildlife Management Authority (Zimparks) has dismissed claims in a local weekly that Zimbabwe’s hippopotamus population is in sharp decline.
The article was purportedly based on a recent scientific study conducted by ecologists from Zimbabwe and Zambia, but the authority says the journalist and the Africa Wildlife Foundation (AWF) misinterpreted the study’s findings.
According to the authority, the study aimed to establish a joint hippo baseline population, identify factors affecting hippo distribution, and provide management recommendations.
Zimparks said the study used a boat survey method, which had its limitations and the results could not be compared to previous surveys that used different methods.
In a statement, Zimparks spokesperson Mr Tinashe Farawo said the article sensationalised the findings and contained inaccuracies, including a headline that claimed the hippo population was in sharp decline.
“The incident began when a journalist from The Standard published an article based on a newly released scientific study titled “Zambia–Zimbabwe 2022 hippopotamus (Hippopotamus amphibius) and other species population distribution along Zambezi River.
“The original study, conducted by a team of ecologists from Zimbabwe and Zambia, provided a detailed analysis of the boat hippo survey.
“The journalist tried to do a commentary and interpretation of a scientific study and this resulted in misinterpretation of a study. The article, however, sensationalised the findings and contained several inaccuracies,” said Zimparks.
The headline, according to the authority was not supported by the study, which discussed specific hippo populations along different segments of the Zambezi River.
“The article claimed that previous surveys showed a population range between 5 763 and 6 320. These results were obtained by using different methods and the areas which were covered were not the same.
“The survey which we did was mainly a boat survey which has its weaknesses. A point to note, the ecologists were very aware of the weakness, and one week after the boat survey, an aerial survey was conducted to also help validate the study.
“In this regard, scientists are working to devise a better scientific method to survey hippos as a result results from one method can not be compared with another method. The differences in the results of methods cause an unnecessary alarm from a study.
The authority said the article failed to provide context regarding the study’s methodology, limitations, and the specific scenarios under which the predictions were made.
“This led to an overly pessimistic portrayal of the findings. In addition, the article quoted certain areas of discussion which leaves readers failing to understand the origin of the story.
“This was worsened by the press which did not attach the link with the publication of the study for other readers to verify the original publication.
“Quotes attributed to the lead scientist were taken out of context, further skewing the message of the research. The quotes implied that the hippo decline would affect tourism and in reality, the findings did not find any potential effect to that. The variations when tested for significance, there were no significant variations to cause any alarm.
“The misinterpretation sparked widespread alarm and misinformation. Environmental groups, policymakers, and the general public reacted strongly, with some taking drastic measures based on erroneous information.”
As a way forward, the authority said, a separate statement should be issued to the public following the wrong information shared.
Online Reporter