IN A space of four days, four people have lost their lives in different parts of the country due to human-wildlife conflicts.
These incidents took place in Chipangali, Eastern Province, Itezhi-Tezhi, Central Province, and in Livingstone in Southern Province.
And according to the Ministry of Tourism, most of these incidents happened after the victims reportedly failed to take precautionary measures and came into conflict with elephants.
This is regrettable in that taking precautionary measures to avoid conflicts with wildlife is crucial for personal safety.
Wildlife encounters can be dangerous and sometimes fatal. For instance, elephants, hippos, and crocodiles are known to cause human fatalities.
By taking precautions, such as avoiding known wildlife paths and being vigilant near water bodies, people can significantly reduce the risk of dangerous encounters.
Human-wildlife conflicts often result in loss of crops, livestock and property. This can have a devastating impact on the livelihoods of local communities.
Implementing measures like building secure enclosures for livestock and using deterrents to keep wildlife away from crops can help protect these vital resources.
Many of the animals involved in human-wildlife conflicts are endangered or threatened species. By taking steps to avoid conflict, humans can help ensure the survival of these species.
This includes using non-lethal methods to deter wildlife and supporting conservation programmes that promote coexistence.
Further, educating communities about the importance of wildlife and how to coexist with them is essential.
Programmes that involve local communities in conservation efforts and provide them with the tools and knowledge to manage wildlife interactions can lead to more sustainable and peaceful coexistence.
Wildlife plays a crucial role in maintaining the ecological balance.
By avoiding conflicts and ensuring the survival of various species, we help preserve the natural environment, which benefits all forms of life, including humans.
Taking these measures not only protects human lives and livelihoods but also supports broader conservation goals and promotes a harmonious relationship between people and wildlife.
It is important to also note that human-wildlife conflicts have escalated because of the drought Zambia experienced last rainy season.
As water sources dry up and food becomes scarce, wildlife, particularly elephants, are increasingly venturing into human settlements in search of resources.
This has led to dangerous encounters, sometimes resulting in loss of human lives. The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) has launched the Antoomwe Campaign to address this issue.
UNDP is constructing and refurbishing water points within national parks to provide wildlife with safe access to water, reducing their need to enter human areas.
The UN agency is also supporting local communities with alternative income sources to ease the pressure on natural resources.
UNDP is further providing education and sensitisation by conducting awareness campaigns to foster coexistence between humans and wildlife.
These efforts aim to mitigate the conflict and promote a more harmonious relationship between communities and wildlife in Zambia.
To further minimise conflicts with wildlife, especially during times of intensified animal movements due to drought, people can take several precautionary measures.
They should avoid encroaching on wildlife habitats such as elephant corridors and taking pictures of these giant animals, especially when they are with calves.
Camera flashes normally incense elephants when they are moving along their corridors and they can react very violently.
People can also ensure that food and water are stored securely and out of reach of wildlife.
This reduces the likelihood of animals being attracted to human settlements. Erecting sturdy fences around homes and agricultural fields can help keep wildlife out.
Electric fences, in particular, can be effective in deterring larger animals like elephants.
By implementing these strategies, communities can better protect themselves and their resources while promoting peaceful coexistence with wildlife.
Let’s prevent human-wildlife conflict
IN A space of four days, four people have lost their lives in different parts of the country due to human-wildlife conflicts.
These incidents took place in Chipangali, Eastern Province, Itezhi-Tezhi, Central Province, and in Livingstone in Southern Province.
And according to the Ministry of Tourism, most of these incidents happened after the victims reportedly failed to take precautionary measures and came into conflict with elephants.
This is regrettable in that taking precautionary measures to avoid conflicts with wildlife is crucial for personal safety.
Wildlife encounters can be dangerous and sometimes fatal. For instance, elephants, hippos, and crocodiles are known to cause human fatalities.
By taking precautions, such as avoiding known wildlife paths and being vigilant near water bodies, people can significantly reduce the risk of dangerous encounters.
Human-wildlife conflicts often result in loss of crops, livestock and property. This can have a devastating impact on the livelihoods of local communities.
Implementing measures like building secure enclosures for livestock and using deterrents to keep wildlife away from crops can help protect these vital resources.
Many of the animals involved in human-wildlife conflicts are endangered or threatened species. By taking steps to avoid conflict, humans can help ensure the survival of these species.
This includes using non-lethal methods to deter wildlife and supporting conservation programmes that promote coexistence.
Further, educating communities about the importance of wildlife and how to coexist with them is essential.
Programmes that involve local communities in conservation efforts and provide them with the tools and knowledge to manage wildlife interactions can lead to more sustainable and peaceful coexistence.
Wildlife plays a crucial role in maintaining the ecological balance.
By avoiding conflicts and ensuring the survival of various species, we help preserve the natural environment, which benefits all forms of life, including humans.
Taking these measures not only protects human lives and livelihoods but also supports broader conservation goals and promotes a harmonious relationship between people and wildlife.
It is important to also note that human-wildlife conflicts have escalated because of the drought Zambia experienced last rainy season.
As water sources dry up and food becomes scarce, wildlife, particularly elephants, are increasingly venturing into human settlements in search of resources.
This has led to dangerous encounters, sometimes resulting in loss of human lives. The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) has launched the Antoomwe Campaign to address this issue.
UNDP is constructing and refurbishing water points within national parks to provide wildlife with safe access to water, reducing their need to enter human areas.
The UN agency is also supporting local communities with alternative income sources to ease the pressure on natural resources.
UNDP is further providing education and sensitisation by conducting awareness campaigns to foster coexistence between humans and wildlife.
These efforts aim to mitigate the conflict and promote a more harmonious relationship between communities and wildlife in Zambia.
To further minimise conflicts with wildlife, especially during times of intensified animal movements due to drought, people can take several precautionary measures.
They should avoid encroaching on wildlife habitats such as elephant corridors and taking pictures of these giant animals, especially when they are with calves.
Camera flashes normally incense elephants when they are moving along their corridors and they can react very violently.
People can also ensure that food and water are stored securely and out of reach of wildlife.
This reduces the likelihood of animals being attracted to human settlements. Erecting sturdy fences around homes and agricultural fields can help keep wildlife out.
Electric fences, in particular, can be effective in deterring larger animals like elephants.
By implementing these strategies, communities can better protect themselves and their resources while promoting peaceful coexistence with wildlife.