Mat North Correspondent
Hwange – Conservationists are sounding the alarm over a sharp rise in wildlife roadkill incidents in and around Hwange National Park, with reckless driving, poor road design, and weak law enforcement threatening years of conservation efforts.
Endangered species, including painted dogs, elephants, and bat-eared foxes, are being struck and killed at an alarming rate along key routes like the Bulawayo–Victoria Falls Highway and the Mpofu–Mabale stretch—roads that cut through critical wildlife corridors.
“Every Loss is Significant” – Conservationists Raise Alarm
David Kuvawoga, Operations Director at Painted Dog Conservation (PDC), said speeding has reached dangerous levels.
“There have been a considerable number of species hit by vehicles, particularly between Fatima and Cross Dete,” Kuvawoga said.
“Elephants have been struck, and sadly, human lives have also been lost. If the alpha female of a painted dog pack is killed, it can wipe out an entire generation. These animals only breed once a year, so every loss is devastating.”
In 2023, the Main Camp–Mabale section was identified as a blackspot for painted dog fatalities, prompting PDC and the Ministry of Roads to install warning signs and rumble strips. However, conservationists say more must be done—especially on busier highways.
Smaller Animals Forgotten, Biodiversity at Risk
Kuvawoga warned that while high-profile species like elephants and lions grab attention, smaller mammals are dying in large numbers, threatening the park’s ecological balance.
“Biodiversity depends on both large and small animals, but we often only act when elephants or lions are involved,” he said.
“Even a lizard deserves its life.”
Road Projects Raise New Concerns
The ongoing Lake Gwayi–Tshangani road construction and resurfacing projects have intensified fears. Without wildlife-friendly designs—such as underpasses, speed humps, and better signage—collisions will keep rising, Kuvawoga said.
“We’ve advocated for these changes. Some progress has been made, but it’s not enough. People are also dying. This is a threat to both wildlife and human life.”
Community Steps Up as Enforcement Lags
With official action slow, locals have taken matters into their own hands. Conservationist Linda Bennett led a community effort to clear overgrown vegetation along the Mabale–Main Camp road, improving visibility for drivers and safety for animals.
Shamah Mawoko, Coordinator of the Association for Tourism Hwange (ATH), confirmed the issue was raised at a recent stakeholder meeting, where speed humps and stricter penalties for speeding were proposed.
“Motorists must understand they are entering sensitive wildlife areas and act accordingly,” Mawoko said.
Tourism at Risk, Calls for Systemic Solutions
The rising toll on wildlife—and the danger to tourists—has sparked calls for urgent action, including:
- Stricter traffic enforcement in protected areas
- Wildlife-friendly road upgrades (crossings, humps, signage)
- Community education on road safety and conservation
Efforts to get comment from Zimbabwe Parks and Wildlife Management Authority (ZimParks) spokesperson Tinashe Farawo were unsuccessful at the time of publication.
For now, conservationists and locals continue their fight—one speed sign and awareness campaign at a time. But without systemic change, they warn, the cost to wildlife, human lives, and Zimbabwe’s tourism reputation could be irreversible.
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