The endangered African Savanna elephant in the Sebungwe region of Zimbabwe have declined significantly in the past 13 years and continue to do so. ALERT's research project is focused on conserving this iconic species that is subject to illegal poaching for ivory and retaliatory killing. We use satellite/VHF collars to monitor elephant behaviour and movement to develop strategies to mitigate human-wildlife conflict in collaboration with local communities around Chizarira National Park, Zimbabwe.
Human-wildlife conflict (HWC) is an all too frequent problem in communities living alongside wildlife. It's crucial to develop effective strategies to mitigate HWC, allowing for the conservation of threatened species whilst ensuring safer quality of life for surrounding communities. Near Chizarira National Park, elephant populations raid crops, destroy infrastructure and cause injury or death to communities. Our research focuses on how we can act to solve this problem for local communities.
Data we collect feeds directly into mitigation strategies for human-elephant conflict, in collaboration with communities around Chizarira NP. Chilli and honeybees are natural elephant deterrents and effective conflict mitigation strategies. Our project monitors elephant movement using collars to identify wildlife corridors and use natural deterrents as 'guiding barriers' for their safe passage across Protected Areas, whilst mitigating conflict to provide safer living for the local communities.
Our research will allow us to continue monitoring populations to effectively implement mitigation strategies for human-elephant conflict in the Sebungwe region of Zimbabwe. This project provides critical information to understudied areas in Chizarira NP and surrounds, informing decision-making for ranger patrols, parks management, and universities. Our research makes direct long-term impact on elephants and local communities living alongside them, making it a safer coexistence for both.
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