Zimbabwe to Reduce Elephant Population in Save Valley Conservancy Amid Ecological Concerns
Save Valley, Zimbabwe — The Zimbabwe Parks and Wildlife Management Authority (ZimParks) has approved the targeted killing of approximately 50 elephants in the Save Valley Conservancy, southeast Zimbabwe, as part of a controversial population control effort. Authorities say the measure aims to curb environmental degradation and restore ecological balance in the region.
In a statement released Tuesday, ZimParks confirmed it had issued permits for what it terms an “elephant management exercise” in response to the growing elephant population, which has surpassed the conservancy’s ecological carrying capacity.
“According to the 2024 aerial survey, there are 2,550 elephants in Save Valley Conservancy—far above the ecological carrying capacity of 800,” ZimParks noted.
Meat for Communities, Ivory for the State
The agency further clarified that meat from the culled elephants would be distributed to local communities, while the ivory harvested from the carcasses will be retained as state property under the custodianship of ZimParks.
ZimParks spokesperson Tinashe Farawo emphasized that this initiative should not be labeled as a culling operation, explaining:
“This is not culling, which involves wiping out entire herds. This is a targeted population management exercise.”
Translocation Efforts Have Fallen Short
Over the past five years, the Save Valley Conservancy has translocated nearly 200 elephants to other regions in Zimbabwe. However, with suitable habitats now scarce, authorities believe lethal measures may be necessary to prevent further ecological damage.
A spokesperson for Save Valley Conservancy told Prime Africa News that the initial phase this year will help assess the practical challenges of such operations, including ecological impact, logistics, and financial viability.
“Our first choice is (of course) to try and find alternative homes for the elephants. However, there now seems to be no areas of suitable habitat that are empty of elephants and within a feasible distance,” the spokesperson said. “The operation will focus on small numbers—approximately 50 elephants—and will be conducted in a respectful and non-wasteful manner.”
Global Ivory Trade Ban Complicates Conservation Economics
Zimbabwe holds one of the largest ivory stockpiles in Africa, but a global ban on ivory trade has blocked the country from legally selling it on international markets—a move officials argue could otherwise fund conservation efforts.
Zimbabwe has the world’s second-largest elephant population after Botswana, making such management practices increasingly urgent in densely populated reserves.
A Precedent for Future Wildlife Management?
With elephant numbers continuing to rise across protected areas in southern Africa, the outcome of this management exercise could shape future conservation policies in the region.
About The Author
