Deadly drought in Zimbabwe - 100 elephants dead

Climate change - Deadly drought in Zimbabwe - 100 elephants dead

In a national park in Zimbabwe, around 100 elephants have died from lack of water in the past three months due to persistent drought. According to the International Fund for Animal Welfare (IFAW), the cause is the lack of summer rainfall in the country in southern Africa. The situation of the animals is "dramatic". In Hwange National Park, the country's largest nature reserve, numerous waterholes that mammals need to survive have dried up.

"Elephants and other wildlife species are facing a catastrophe if rain does not fall soon," warned IFAW's Program Director for Habitat Conservation, Phillip Kuvawoga. More than 200 elephants had already died in 2019 due to a severe drought in Zimbabwe. "Once again, we are seeing the devastating effects of climate change on wildlife," says Kuvawoga. Conversely, maintaining healthy ecosystems is important for climate protection.

Four years ago, Zimbabwe's park authorities, in cooperation with nature and environmental organizations, relocated around 600 elephants weakened by hunger and thirst to less affected areas. Around 2000 impala springboks, 50 buffaloes, 40 giraffes and dozens of lions were also moved to other regions.

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1. The ongoing climate change in Africa is exacerbating the water shortage, leading to deadly droughts in regions like Zimbabwe, affecting the survival of animals like elephants in its National Parks.
2. The arid conditions caused by the climate change have resulted in a severe drought in Zimbabwe, causing the death of over 300 elephants in the last two years.
3. Scientists and nature conservation organizations are warning that the stark climate change impact on Zimbabwe will continue affecting elephants and other wildlife species, potentially leading to a catastrophic decline if rain does not fall soon.
4. In a bid to counteract the effects of climate change and help conserve wildlife, park authorities in Zimbabwe relocated around 600 weakened elephants and thousands of other animals to less affected areas four years ago.
5. Climate change is not only causing drastic changes in weather patterns but also altering the habitats of animals in their natural habitats like Hwange National Park in Harare, Zimbabwe, leading to dire consequences for their survival.
6. The effects of climate change on wildlife conservation and animal populations are evident across the globe, with African countries like Zimbabwe experiencing high mortality rates in elephants due to water shortage and drought, highlighting the urgent need for science-based climate solutions.
7. As the continent continues to face challenges due to climate change, initiatives such as nature conservation and habitat restoration will play a significant role in preserving the diverse wildlife species like elephants, ensuring their survival and protecting Africa's natural heritage.

Source: www.stern.de