(Posted 03rd April 2025)
Courtesy of African Elephant News and Arnold Mulenga, CAJ News Africa
Risks of renewed human-wildlife conflict is rife in Zambia as the El Niño-induced drought forces the migration of elephants from neighbouring Zimbabwe, earlier than usual.
A breeding herd of approximately 150 elephants, including calves, have arrived since early March.
These majestic animals traditionally migrate between Zimbabwe and Zambia from September to December.
The herd has migrated to the Mosi-oa-Tunya National Park in Livingstone, Zambia.
This development is attributed to the dry season and ecological conditions, leading elephants from the adjacent Victoria Falls and Zambezi National Parks in Zimbabwe to seek food and water resources in Zambia, up north.
The Zambezi-Mosi-oa-Tunya Wildlife Dispersal Area, where they have headed, is a key component of the Kavango-Zambezi Transfrontier Conservation Area (KAZA TFCA), hosting an estimated population of 9 500 elephants.
This early migration has raised safety concerns, particularly following incidents in 2024, where 13 people lost their lives and four were injured in elephant encounters.
“Therefore, we urge residents, road users and communities in and around Livingstone to exercise extreme caution,” said Nelly Banda, Principal Public Relations Officer in Zambia’s Ministry of Tourism.
Motorists have been advised to drive slowly and yield to elephants when crossing active corridors.
Pedestrians and cyclists are discouraged from crossing such corridors during dark hours and farmers are encouraged to employ traditional deterrents, including fires and noise, to protect crops.
“The Ministry of Tourism remains committed to safeguarding human lives and wildlife, ensuring peaceful coexistence while promoting Zambia’s unique natural heritage,” Banda said.
