BY NHAU MANGIRAZI A Hurungwe farmer lost 15 goats and five sheep to hyenas on Monday night amid calls by Zimbabwe National Park of Wildlife and Management (Zimparks) to curb human and wildlife conflict.
The farmer Edmore Garutsa of Musakanene village in Kabidza Ward 8, Hurungwe rural district council under Chief Chundu said his livestock was attacked the night when it was.
“We were surprised to see the killed goats thrown out of the pen the following morning. I lost 15 goats and five sheep,” Garutsa said.
Chief Chundu born Abel Mbasera who alerted local Problems Animals Committee members warned villagers to be on the lookout of wild animals killing livestock.
“We must work closely together to get rid of these wild animals killing our livestock. It’s our duty as communities to help each other and inform authorities on time,” Chief Chundu said.
Zimparks spokesperson Tinashe Farawo confirmed the incident saying they have engaged communities to curb human and wildlife conflict.
“I can confirm receiving reports on livestock killed in Hurungwe on Monday night. As Zimparks we are recording these human and wildlife conflict issues daily not only in Hurungwe but from different parts of the country. We are battling overpopulation of wildlife in our areas of operation hence moving closer to communities. As an authority we are now soliciting ideas from communities for better ways of curbing human and wildlife conflict. We have lost several lives of people attacked by the animals and livestock has not been spared either. We are appealing for holistic approach on problem of human and wildlife conflict,” Farawo said.
