Rutendo Nyeve, [email protected]
THE Zimbabwe Parks and Wildlife Management Authority (ZimParks) has intensified preparations for the anticipated El Niño-induced drought, ensuring that pumped underground water points are fully operational and closely monitoring vulnerable wildlife species ahead of the 2027 dry season.
ZimParks said it had so far recorded no wildlife deaths linked to drought, but warned that conditions could deteriorate next year if water and forage resources become scarce.
ZimParks spokesperson Mr Luckmore Safuli said parks in the Kalahari region, which lack seasonal or perennial rivers, were likely to face the greatest pressure.
These include Hwange and Kazuma Pan national parks, which rely heavily on pumped underground water, as well as Chizarira National Park, whose hilly terrain and lack of perennial rivers present additional water supply challenges.
Mr Safuli said the authority had ensured that water points dependent on pumped groundwater were operating at full capacity, with hybrid systems installed at some solar-powered boreholes to allow pumping throughout the night.
ZimParks is also maintaining and servicing solar-powered boreholes, pipelines and water troughs while ensuring backup power is available to sustain water supplies for wildlife after dark.
“Current projections are that the impact of the drought will likely be seen in the 2027 dry season. This is because we have had fairly good seasons in the past two years, with most parks having adequate water and forage resources,” he said.
“The early rains so far received have helped improve forage and surface water in most dry areas; therefore, we do not anticipate any negative impact on wildlife in the last quarter of 2026.”
Mr Safuli said increasing the number of water points was not always the best solution, as new installations could cause habitat damage and modification that might take years to reverse.
“Therefore, such a decision has to be approached with caution. The groundwater recharge monitoring in bigger parks such as Hwange National Park indicates adequate underground water recharge,” he said.
“We are confident, therefore, that we have enough underground water reserves to support the drinking needs of the wildlife.”
However, ZimParks is concerned that wildlife movements from drier parts of neighbouring Botswana could increase pressure on existing water sources in Hwange National Park and surrounding areas.
Mr Safuli said elephants were a priority species because of their substantial water requirements, particularly during the peak dry season, when an adult elephant may consume between 100 and 300 litres a day.
He said they are monitoring water-dependent species such as elephants and buffalo, which often move in large herds, to assess their movements and use of available water sources.
Strategies include tracking collared animals to establish herd movements and water-point utilisation, monitoring wildlife activity at waterholes and conducting annual dry-season waterhole counts in major parks such as Hwange and Mana Pools, with the participation of citizens.
ZimParks is also monitoring hippopotamus, crocodiles and fish, particularly in inland aquatic habitats that could dry up. Emergency interventions, including capturing animals for relocation, will be considered where necessary.
Endangered bird species that depend on wetlands are also under surveillance, with key monitoring areas including the Driefontein Grasslands in Gutu, Chirumanzu and Chikomba districts, as well as Hwange, Nkayi and Lupane districts.
Mr Safuli said drought conditions could heighten human-wildlife conflict as people, livestock and wild animals compete for water and grazing.
“Our main task has always been to educate and make people aware of how to co-exist with wildlife. We have a dedicated community liaison unit that works with communities every day to raise awareness for people to be safe around wildlife,” he said.
In areas such as Gonarezhou National Park, fences have been erected to restrict the movement of elephants into communities, helping to reduce human-elephant conflict.
“Farmers are also encouraged to use a combination of traditional and modern methods to deter problem animals, including guarding fields, using chilli and beehives, and playing recordings of distressed wildlife,” said Mr Safuli.
ZimParks has supported communities living near protected areas with alternative water sources, including boreholes and small earth dams, while encouraging the protection of wetlands.
Mr Safuli said they were also working with conservation partners and communities to mitigate the potential effects of drought, with game-water management plans and policies guiding interventions in areas such as Hwange National Park.
“We have already included in our work plans and budget additional measures to safeguard water provisioning in areas like Hwange National Park. While translocation is an option, it is, however, a costly exercise,” he said.
Veterinary and capture teams across the country are on standby to carry out emergency captures and translocations, while supplementary feeding using natural grass or fodder may be undertaken where necessary.
ZimParks is appealing for additional financial resources to keep existing solar-powered boreholes operational and mobilise support for game-water provision and fire management ahead of the 2027 fire season.
The authority is also coordinating efforts to prevent poaching around water sources and curb illegal mining, which can degrade habitats and damage surface-water resources.
