Hawange, Zimbabwe (AP) – Kaponsibanda takes quick action when a GPS-triggered alert indicates a herd of elephants is approaching a village near Zimbabwe’s Fanji National Park. He shares a warning in a WhatsApp group before hurrying on his bike to alert local residents without bike or network access.
The tracking system for elephants fitted with GPS collars was introduced last year by the Zimbabwe Parks and Wildlife Management Authority in collaboration with the International Animal Welfare Fund. Its purpose is to reduce dangerous encounters between humans and elephants. Climate change worsens competition for food and water, making encounters more frequent.
“In the beginning, it was much tougher, but it’s becoming incredible,” stated Shibanda, a local volunteer trained by community guardians.
Zimbabwe Park and Wildlife Control Rangers Carry Dart Guns for Elephants in Zimbabwe’s Hawange National Park on Tuesday, April 29, 2025 (AP Photo/Aaron Ufumeli)
Throughout the years, villagers have resorted to banging pots, shouting, and burning in efforts to frighten away elephants. However, due to worsening droughts and dwindling resources, these animals have increasingly invaded villages, damaging crops and infrastructure, and even causing injuries and fatalities.
Zimbabwe’s elephant population is estimated at around 100,000, nearly double what the land can sustain. The country hasn’t culled elephants for almost 40 years, largely due to pressure from wildlife conservationists and the high costs associated with culling, according to Parks spokesman Tinashe Farawo.
Conflicts between humans and wildlife—including elephants, lions, and hyenas—resulted in 18 fatalities in the country from January to April this year, and park authorities had to euthanize 158 “problem” animals during that timeframe.
“The drought is worsening. Elephants devour our meager harvests,” expressed Senzeni Shibanda, a local farmer and council member.
Zimbabwe’s joint initiatives might offer a solution. Sixteen elephants, primarily in Matoriyaki, have been fitted with GPS collars, allowing rangers to monitor their movements. However, Fange is home to about 45,000 elephants and has a capacity for just 15,000 people. Project officials acknowledge there’s a significant gap to address.
A recent collaborative effort involved a team of ecologists, veterinarians, trackers, and rangers identifying the herd. They darted the leader from a distance. After some pursuit using drones and trucks, the team successfully fitted the collar with a battery life of two to four years while collecting blood samples. Meanwhile, a ranger monitored with a rifle.
After securing the collar, an antidote was administered, causing it to perk up its ears.
“Every second counts,” remarked Kudzai Mapurisa, the park’s veterinarian.
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Source: apnews.com