Late rains arriving six weeks behind schedule and continuously high temperatures of 40 degrees Celsius have led to the death of hundreds of elephants in Zimbabwe’s largest wildlife reserve.
Storm clouds have finally formed over Hwange National Park, but it was too late as over 110 elephants perished during the prolonged drought.
A decaying elephant carcass in Hwange National Park, northern Zimbabwe, on December 16. (Photo: AFP)
Simba Marozva and other rangers in Hwange National Park are focused on cutting tusks from the rotting elephant carcasses before poachers arrive.
This 14,600 square kilometer park is home to over 45,000 elephants. While the number of dead elephants is not vast, the sight remains heartbreaking for witnesses.
According to Tinashe Farawo, spokesperson for the Zimbabwe Parks and Wildlife Authority, older elephants, calves, and sick elephants have been the hardest hit during this recent drought. Some spent their final moments in the shade of trees.
Intact tusks are a sign that the elephants died of natural causes.
More than 200 elephants died in the 2019 drought, but local rangers report that this year’s situation may be worse. (Photo: AFP)
Mr. Tinashe Farawo shared that climate change has increased the frequency of droughts. He stated that not only elephants but many other animals are also affected by these harsh conditions. (Photo: AFP)
Drought has affected several countries in Southern Africa, and this year the situation is even more severe due to the El Niño phenomenon. (Photo: AFP)
The search for water has led elephants to dangerous areas near human settlements close to Hwange. (Photo: AFP).
Dry waterholes have forced elephants and many other animals to move further to find food and water. Some have crossed borders into Botswana and neighboring countries. (Photo: AFP)
On average, each elephant drinks about 200 liters of water and consumes 140 kg of food per day. (Photo: AFP).
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