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Read moreIFAW Response – Editorial comment on HWC conflict in Kasungu NP
Several articles have been published highlighting conflicts between humans and elephants in Kasungu National Park in Malawi, linking them to the translocation of 263 elephants to the park in 2022.
IFAW has supported the Government of Malawi since 2015 with the rehabilitation of Kasungu NP. This includes ecological and infrastructural rehabilitation.
Kasungu NP is managed by DNPW (Department of National Parks and Wildlife) of the Government of Malawi. Beginning in the 1970’s rampant poaching decimated Kasungu’s animal populations, to the extent that by 2015, only 50 elephants remained out of a population of over 1,000 in 1990.
To re-establish a viable elephant population in Kasungu NP, the Malawian government decided to translocate elephants and other species from Liwonde National Park to Kasungu NP. Liwonde NP is Malawi’s second smallest national park with a thriving elephant population of 700 elephants. Given its size and ecological suitability, Kasungu NP which is 2,100 square kms was considered a suitable new habitat for the elephants. In mid-2022, DNPW, IFAW and African Parks translocated 263 elephants from Liwonde NP to Kasungu NP. African Parks are DNPW’s supporting partner at Liwonde NP.
Several human wildlife conflict (HWC) events affecting communities living close to Kasungu have occurred since 2022, leading to the deaths of several individuals, causing trauma, and negatively affecting bereaved families.
Contrary to the articles published, the Malawi Government reports that human-wildlife reports human wildlife conflict events close to Kasungu NP have significantly decreased due to interventions supported by IFAW.
While official figures do not show an increase in conflicts, this does not change the fact the elephants have negatively affected some communities around the park
IFAW supports Malawi DNPW Rapid Response Units to react swiftly to mitigate human wildlife conflict using non-lethal chili bombs and firecrackers to chase off elephants and to safeguard communities and prevent damage to property. The teams are strategically located in the park and deploy at short notice when required.
Human-wildlife conflicts are widespread in areas where people and animals live together and represent one of the greatest challenges for nature conservation today. One of IFAW's main objectives is to facilitate better coexistence for humans and animals and to seek solutions that work for all.
IFAW supports many communities near the parks in improving their livelihoods through employment, climate-smart agriculture practices, and income-generating activities such as beekeeping
IFAW is aware of how communities close to protected areas experience the difficulties of living close to wildlife. We work with governments, communities, and other stakeholders to reduce the risk to people living in these areas while ensuring the sustainable conservation of landscapes.
Ends
Note: this statement was amended on April 15 to reflect other articles published on the same issue.
Refer any further questions to:
Christina Pretorius
Director, Communications Africa
m: +27 82 330 2558
e: cpretorius@ifaw.org
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