VILLAGERS in Nesigwe, Nkayi, have called on the Zimbabwe National Parks and Wildlife Management Authority (ZimParks) to hunt down hyenas that have invaded the area killing their livestock.
In a report by a civic organisation, Habakkuk Trust, the villagers revealed that they are losing their livestock to the wild animals.
“According to villagers, the hyenas are moving in cackles of up to 10 preying on livestock which include cattle, donkeys, goats and sheep,” part of the report read.
Habakkuk Trust community advocacy action team convener Thembani Ncube, said households had lost livestock to the hyenas.
“In the month of August, an estimated 20 households lost cattle, donkeys and goats to hyenas,” Ncube said.
According to the report, the measures taken by villagers include fortifying pens and encouraging livestock farmers to ensure that their animals are penned before nightfall.
“Livestock losses resulting from the raids are threatening to plunge villagers into deep vulnerability as they rely on livestock for draught power and other economic needs. Hyenas are a major source of human-wildlife conflict in most parts of Matabeleland North and South provinces. In November 2022, the government approved the establishment of the human-wildlife conflict relief fund for victims due to the increased number of conflicts and fight for limited resources between humans and wildlife,” read part of the report.
Contacted for comment, ZimParks spokesperson Tinashe Farawo yesterday said he was yet to receive the report of hyenas that are terrorising villagers.
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