Our Ambitions

Community Empowerment

Understanding and Reducing Human-Wildlife Conflict.

Human-wildlife conflict (HWC) is a significant concern across many conservation areas in Africa, and climate change is expected to exacerbate this issue. Changing ecosystems and rising temperatures are affecting vegetation, food sources, water access and much more. As a result, people encroach more and more on and into Wildlife areas, both people and wildlife are forced to roam further in search of food, water, and resources, which increases the risk of conflict.

The Southeast Lowveld of Zimbabwe, where Sango is located, is no exception. In this region, unpredictable rainfall and poor agricultural conditions contribute to economic hardship. Communities that rely on subsistence farming and livestock are particularly vulnerable when wildlife crosses boundaries into their land, threatening crops, domestic animals, and sometimes lives.

Sango, as part of the broader Save Valley Conservancy (SVC), shares borders with both the Bikita (West) and Chipinge (East) districts. While the Save River acts as a partial natural barrier, large animals such as elephants and buffalo regularly cross it. Electrified fencing exists along the western and eastern boundaries, but wildlife movement also occurs through the northern and southern ends, where fencing quality can be inconsistent due to age or terrain.

The most common HWC cases involve elephants during the cropping season, with buffalo and hippopotamus also causing damage. Predators like lions and hyenas pose ongoing threats to livestock.

In response, Sango is developing and formalising a human-wildlife conflict mitigation strategy in close collaboration with communities and the Zimbabwe Parks and Wildlife Management Authority (ZPWMA). The aim is to reduce conflict, improve safety, and build trust through timely, transparent, and efficient action. This strategy encompasses several key actions:

1) Data Collection and Analysis: All HWC incidents are meticulously recorded in registers and the Earthranger system – a software solution that aids protected area managers, ecologists, and wildlife biologists in making more informed operational decisions for wildlife conservation. This data is shared with the ecological management team to identify high-risk areas and species, facilitating targeted mitigation efforts

2) Responsive Problem Animal Control: In instances of conflict, Sango conducts assessments to determine the level of threat. If human life is at risk, the problematic animal may be removed in coordination with ZPWMA. Non-lethal measures, such as driving animals back into the conservancy using drones, are employed when possible. Special attention is given to species like rhinos and wild dogs found outside Sango boundaries, warranting veterinary intervention.

3) Research into Alternative Mitigation Methods: SWC actively researches and collaborates on mitigation techniques. Fence improvements, notably electrified, raised enclosures, beehive fences, “lion lights”, raised goat paddocks, and chili sprays, are being explored and implemented where appropriate. Their effectiveness in reducing HWC is also assessed.

Ultimately, Sango’s approach is about prevention and adaptation. Through stronger systems and better data the conservancy is working toward a future where wildlife and people can coexist with fewer risks and greater mutual benefit.