https://www.reuters.com/business/environment/southern-african-countries-fear-losing-more-elephants-drought-2024-05-30/
It is devastating to note that Zimbabwe has lost 160 elephants in just a year in its premier Hwange National Park as reported by the country's wildlife authority.
This is as a result of draught in the Southern African countries that is now a threat to the endangered species in this region who host the largest elephant population in the world.
The region experienced an extended hot, dry spell during its 2023/24 rainy season, attributed to El Nino, a weather phenomenon marked by the warming of the waters in the eastern Pacific, leading to hotter weather across the world. El Nino has worsened the impact of climate change, scientists say.
Apart from Zimbabwe, other regions affected includes ; Zambia, Botswana, Angola and Namibia who makes up the Kavango-Zambezi (KAZA) conservation area, a home to 227,000 elephants.
In Botswana for example they lost 300 elephants to drought last year, according to its environment ministry. This calls for an urgent response to save this endangered species.
"The drought has had an adverse effect and you would notice that most of the watering holes in parks around KAZA are drying up," Sikumba told Reuters.
"In the absence of water and food, you will see carcasses dotted around the parks."
What worries me is that the efforts by Zimbabwe authority seems not enough to solve this issue. The Zimbabwe Parks and Wildlife Authority (Zimparks) said it had received $3 million from the country's disaster fund to boost water supply in national parks, but its director general Fulton Mangwanya said this was not enough to save wildlife.
"We have over 150 solar powered boreholes. However, it will not stop the elephants from dying when the drought hits hard. We are ready for the drought, but some situations cannot be avoided," Mangwanya said.
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10 w
The loss in just one year is a deeply concerning event that highlights the severe challenges faced by wildlife and conservation efforts, particularly for species like elephants.
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35 w
Very heartbreaking, 160 is huge number, necessary measures should be put in place to protect them to avoid Extinction
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10 w
@elizbeth_gathigia It's essential that immediate, coordinated efforts are made to protect them from further harm
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36 w
The loss of 160 elephants in just a year due to drought is heartbreaking. Climate change poses a significant threat to endangered species like elephants, and urgent action is needed to protect them and their habitats.
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36 w
This is sad,, urgent conservation measures need to be deployed to stop this high rate of Elephant deaths.
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36 w
@gorffly_mokua Absolutely, urgent conservation measures are crucial to halt the alarming rate of elephant deaths.
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10 w
@gorffly_mokua The current rate of elephant mortality demands immediate action across multiple fronts.
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36 w
Deeply concerning..urgent need for stronger conservation measures and climate resilience strategies.
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36 w
@ann_nyambura_542 Indeed, deeply concerning. Stronger conservation measures and climate resilience strategies are urgently needed.
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36 w
this is devastating, 160 elephants lost is such a huge number, something must be done
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36 w
@annett_michuki Absolutely devastating. Losing 160 elephants is tragic; immediate action is imperative.
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36 w
We can't afford to lose these irreplaceable animals.
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36 w
@george_kariuki Indeed, these animals are irreplaceable treasures of our planet.
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36 w
So heartbreaking news!! The should do something. Either investigate the cause of this problem.
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36 w
@walter_lungayi Heartbreaking indeed! Investigation into the cause is crucial for effective action.
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36 w
So sad to hear
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36 w
@Johannes_Luiga It truly is. Let's hope for swift action to protect these magnificent creatures.