Calay News
In Zimbabwe’s largest national park, a worrying lack of water has led to a mass migration of elephants to neighboring Botswana, marking one of the largest migrations of wild animals in the region in recent years.
Hwange Park, which spans approximately 14,600 km² in the western region, is home to around 50,000 elephants. However, most natural water points have dried up due to a lack of rain, a phenomenon usually expected later in the year.
Tinashe Farawo, spokesperson for the Zimbabwe Parks and Wildlife Management Authority, reported that “many animals are leaving Hwange National Park for neighboring Botswana.” The migration began in August and has involved elephants, buffaloes, and various species that depend on these water resources.
Increased animal migration poses the risk of conflicts with local communities, as animals will seek water and food in areas close to human populations. It is feared that these clashes are inevitable and that people will compete with animals for access to water.
In the last year, several clashes have been reported between elephants or buffaloes and residents of the areas near Hwange Park. Government statistics indicate that at least 60 people were killed last year by elephants, whose population continues to grow.
Zimbabwe is estimated to be home to around 100,000 elephants, almost double the capacity of its parks, which has sparked concern among environmental advocates. In contrast, Botswana is home to the largest elephant population in the world, with approximately 130,000 individuals. This mass migration highlights the urgent need to address elephant population management and habitat conservation in the region.
