- Drought in Zimbabwe’s Hwange Park causes elephant deaths.
- Climate change and seasonal El Nino dried up the water sources.
Drought in Hwange Park caused numerous elephant deaths. Climate change and seasonal El Nino dried up water sources. Zimbabwe’s lack of major rivers forces animals to depend on artificial water, leaving them to rely on solar-powered boreholes. This shortage led to more deaths, especially among water-dependent species like elephants. With 45,000 elephants in the park, providing 200 litres of water daily poses a challenge.
The 104 boreholes struggle due to diminishing water. Madhlamoto, Hwange Park’s principal ecologist, noticed reduced rainfall, indicating a prolonged drought until 2024. Animals, including elephants, roam further for resources. Conservation groups clear watering holes and boost water from solar wells. With nearly 100,000 elephants, the park strains resources, urging immediate interventions to prevent more wildlife loss due to water scarcity.