By Kovedzayi Takawira
Harare – The Zimbabwe Parks and Wildlife Management Authority (ZimParks) has issued permits to the Save Valley Conservancy to conduct a targeted elephant management exercise, following concerns over overpopulation in the region.
The initiative will see an initial quota of 50 elephants culled to address ecological imbalances. The move comes after a 2024 aerial survey revealed that the Conservancy currently hosts approximately 2,550 elephants, more than three times its ecological carrying capacity of 800.
ZimParks said the measure is intended to safeguard biodiversity and protect the integrity of the habitat, which has come under strain due to the swelling elephant population.
“Over the past five years, we have translocated 200 elephants to Hurungwe and Sapi areas as part of our broader efforts to manage numbers sustainably,” said Zimparks in a statement.
“However, the population continues to exceed sustainable levels.”
Authorities confirmed that meat from the culled elephants will be distributed to local communities, while all ivory recovered will be handed over to ZimParks and held as state property.
“We remain committed to responsible, sustainable management of wildlife resources for the benefit of present and future generations,” ZimParks said.
The Save Valley Conservancy is one of Africa’s largest private wildlife sanctuaries and plays a key role in conservation efforts in southern Zimbabwe.
