Zimpapers Logo

Minister Muchinguri-Kashiri

From Tawanda Mangoma in CHIREDZI
Private operators in the Save Valley Conservancy are seeking Government permission to cull over 100 elephants as they struggle to handle the animals.

Zimbabwe is struggling with the rising number of elephants, which are reportedly more than 40 000 countrywide.

Environment, Water and Climate Minister Oppah Muchinguri-Kashiri yesterday professed ignorance over the request which was reportedly made in May this year.

However, authoritative sources from the conservancy said Government was aware of the proposed slaughter of 100 elephants, with the meat being distributed to surrounding communities.

The sources further revealed that the programme will start this month.

They said the programme will also involve officials from the Zimbabwe Parks and Wildlife Management Authority.

“The elephant population is now a problem in and around the Save Valley Conservancy. The population continues to grow against a fall in clientele which participate in sport hunting,” he said.

“As a team of stakeholders in conservation within Save Valley we applied for permission from the ministry to undertake a culling of about 100 elephants. We are set to kick start the process mid-September,” the sources said.

Minister Muchinguri-Kashiri also confirmed Government concern over the rising elephant population in Zimbabwe.

“I am not aware of the request which you say was made by private operators in Save Valley Conservancy to kill such a huge number of elephants.

“This, I tell you, cannot happen without my full knowledge and that of the President and an approval of Cabinet.

“Remember all international eyes are looking at us as to how we manage animals such elephants. It would trigger a very long debate if such issues are not handled carefully,” she said.

Minister Muchinguri-Kashiri also admitted that Zimbabwe is facing serious challenges from elephants whose population continues to grow daily while creating serious competition for limited resources such as water and food.

“The problem we are facing as a country is we cannot speak with one voice in matters such as these. If we try to sell live elephants, others will complain; if we try to donate them to other countries or even kill them for meat complains will come.

“But in all these complaints the elephant population continues to grow putting pressure on the environment, which is also being competed for by humans for resettling,” she said.

In 2009 and 2010, 89 elephants were culled from the conservancy and 41 tonnes of meat was distributed to surrounding communities.

In an interview, Chief Gudo, revealed that communities have already been consulted over the anticipated killing of elephants.

“We are just waiting for the meat. They asked us if we are prepared to take meat from elephants they will kill because of their large numbers and we said we want the meat,” he said.

Zimbabwe has an estimated elephant population of more than 83 000 and Save Valley Conservancy currently holds about 5 500 elephants against a carrying capacity 3 000 of the large mammals.