By MAIMBO MWEEMBA
Department of National Parks and Wildlife Senior Warden for the Southern Region, Wilfred Moonga, has revealed that 12 people died last year in Livingstone due to humanwildlife conflicts.
Speaking at the launch of the human-wildlife conflict campaign in Livingstone and Kazungula, Mr. Moonga said that this is the highest number of lives lost to human-wildlife conflict in the past four years.
Mr Moonga attributed the increase to various factors, including the encroachment on animals’ natural habitats.
He noted that the department has initiated joint patrols with the Zambia Police to prevent residents from moving around at night as one of the measures to lessen the conflict.
Mr Moonga refuted allegations that the department values animal life more than human life, stating that the measures in place are designed to protect humans from elephant attacks while promoting coexistence.
Mr Moonga has further emphasized that with the growing populations of both elephants and humans, human-wildlife conflict remains a challenge.
He has called for concerted efforts between the department and stakeholders to identify and preserve areas where wildlife can live safely.
“This is the highest number of humanbeings killed by elephants in attacks in last four 12 died this year in human-wildlife conflict years which is unfortunate that is why we have highentened sensitization and patrols in communities,” he said.
Muchima said the government, through the Ministry of Health, will provide support and enhance operations of the flying doctor service.
