Zimbabwe gives nod to massive wildlife translocation

The Zimbabwe Parks and Wildlife Management Authority (ZimParks) has given a nod for the translocation of 600 elephants from Save Valley Conservancy to three national parks in the country. 

Permits were also issued for the migration of 2 000 impalas, 50 buffaloes, 40 giraffes, a pack of wild dogs and two prides of lions. 

ZimParks issued 100 permits last year for the translocation of 100 elephants from Save Valley Conservancy to Rifa in Hurungwe.

A state-controlled daily the migration will decongest the conservancy as its wildlife population has exceeded its sustainability levels.

However, about 200 elephants together with several buffalo and antelope recently died at two other parks due to drought induced starvation. 

“The elephants and other animals are set to be translocated to Chizarira National Park (in Gokwe), Sapi National Park (a private game park in Mashonaland West near Mana Pools) and Mavuradonha Wilderness Safari Area (a private game park in Mashonaland Central),” ZimParks spokesman Tinashe Farawo was quoted as saying. 

“The animals have exceeded their ecological carrying capacity in Save Valley Conservancy and the authority is working with private players in the industry to translocate the animals.

“It is important to note that the growing number of animals in most parts of the country is a result of good management practices by the authority under Mr (Fulton) Mangwanya and his good work ethic, which has resulted in many stakeholders wanting to work with the wildlife management authority.” 

Zimbabwe has an elephant population of 84,000 against its carrying capacity of 56,000.

The southern African country, which is said to have a 70 tonne ivory stockpile estimated to be worth $35 million, wants permission to sell the ivory, but the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species (CITES) was standing on its way and that of neighbouring countries.