Zimbabwe’s rural population is under threat. Farmers, who have turned to small grain in view of drought, are struggling against a plague of Quelea birds according to Nachrichten Afrika Deutschland (NAD) and quote one farmer determined to return to maize.
Another news item is most alarming. Zimbabwe has the capacity for 45 000 elephants, but houses some 90 000. The enraged animals, crazed by search for food and water, the lack of which has caused many to perish are endangering and killing humans. Sixty Zimbabweans have been killed this year, fifty were injured. Newsday reported the Minister as stating the animals are dying in the Hwange National Park due to restricted habitat.
African countries are campaigning for the international lifting of the ban on ivory trading and culling of elephants. This month Zimbabwe will hold a conference on the issue.
Africa’s fauna is a great tourist and hunting attraction, so the subject of man against animals is acute. A complex and serious issue! One has to remember that Europe has all but eliminated its large animal wildlife, for space, meat and sport.