Story by Tichaona Kurewa
The Zimbabwe Parks and Wildlife Management Authority (Zimparks) is optimistic that completing the Gwayi-Shangani Dam will alleviate water shortages in Hwange National Park.
The Kavango-Zambezi Transfrontier Conservation Area (KAZA) which spans five countries in southern Africa including Zimbabwe, has been grappling with severe water scarcity due to prolonged drought and climate change.
This has resulted in a significant decline in water sources, forcing animals to migrate long distances.
Wildlife Management authorities are banking on the completion of the Gwayi-Shangani Dam to improve the situation.
“I think it is going to help in a big way, it will relieve the pressure that we have in Hwange National Park. Elephants can smell water from a distance of ten kilometres and they will spend most of their time around that route,” said Zimparks spokesperson, Tinashe Farawo.
Experts are working on various strategies to mitigate the impact of climate change on biodiversity and wildlife.
“We have a high density of animals with Hwange and Chobe National Parks, so allowing these animals to move within and across the boundaries connecting these clusters assists in dispersing these animals so that they can access water at different points and even the food itself,” said International Fund for Animal Welfare country director, Ms Alleta Nyahuye.
Zimparks notes over 123 elephants succumbed to drought between August and November this year.
