Using technology to address human-wildlife conflict in Zimbabwe

Along the dry frontier near Zimbabwes largest wildlife reserve, local resident Takesure Moyo begins his mornings with a clear mission: helping his community live more safely alongside nearby elephants and predators. At 49 years old, Moyo is part of a group of villagers trained as community monitors through a joint program led by the International Fund for Animal Welfare (IFAW) and the Zimbabwe Parks and Wildlife Management Authority (Zimparks).

Using a mobile phone and a special application, Moyo records animal sightings, tracks, and conflict incidents. This information is sent directly to wildlife authorities, allowing for quick responses and the issuing of warnings when dangerous animals, including those wandering from Hwange National Park, approach local settlements.

Humanwildlife conflict has long been a challenge in Zimbabwe. In the past five years, wild animals have caused the deaths of roughly 300 people, while crops and livestock have also been heavily affected. Almost seventy percent of these incidents occur in communities situated near national parks, such as Hwange. Moyo personally experienced the impact when he lost six of his cattle to lions, a loss that motivated him to join the monitoring initiative.

Provided with a bicycle by IFAW, Moyo patrols the outskirts of his village daily. He shares regular reports with Zimparks, focusing especially on high-risk species like lions and elephants. His observations are combined with satellite data gathered from GPS collars placed on sixteen elephants in the region. All of this data feeds into a platform known as EarthRanger, which allows for real-time tracking and faster intervention.

Zimbabwe is home to close to 100,000 elephants, making it the second-largest population of savannah elephants in the world after neighboring Botswana, according to a 2022 aerial survey conducted within the Kavango-Zambezi Transfrontier Conservation Area.

During the dry season, elephants often travel to dams that supply water for local community gardens. In the farming season, they may move into fields and destroy crops. With the help of the EarthRanger system, communities receive early warnings and can take steps to protect their families, animals, and property.

The same technology is also used by conservation organizations such as Wild Is Life, which tracks elephants that have been rescued, rehabilitated, and released back into the wild. At a monitoring center, staff follow the movement of elephants like Samson, a seven-year-old that survived abandonment as a calf and has since returned to the bush.

Beyond tracking animal movements, the system also monitors ranger patrols and vehicles, improving response times in the event of poaching or other threats. Conservation experts state that this satellite-based monitoring provides valuable insight into migration routes, key habitats, and movement corridors.

Although differences remain between conservation groups and the government regarding elephant population management and tourism practices, both sides agree on the value of community-based conservation. By involving local people and relying on scientific data, the program reflects a shared understanding that long-term solutions must be inclusive, practical, and flexible.

For residents like Moyo, the impact of the initiative is clear. The goal is no longer only to protect wildlife, but also to safeguard the culture, livelihoods, and future of the communities living closest to these animals.

Commentary: Community-Based Conservation for Sustainable Coexistence

The story of Takesure Moyo illustrates the real-world impact of community-driven conservation efforts. In Zimbabwe, where human-wildlife conflict is an ongoing challenge, local communities are not only passive victims but active participants in finding solutions. Moyo’s role as a community monitor highlights a critical shift in conservation strategies—one that empowers those most affected by wildlife movement to take a proactive stance.

The use of mobile technology, satellite tracking, and platforms like EarthRanger to monitor animal movements is a key innovation. It enhances the ability of communities to respond rapidly to potential threats posed by wildlife, reducing fatalities, crop destruction, and livestock loss. As demonstrated in Moyo’s case, such initiatives also foster deeper engagement with conservation goals, making people more invested in protecting both their livelihoods and the animals they share their environment with.

While the collaboration between the International Fund for Animal Welfare (IFAW) and Zimbabwe Parks and Wildlife Management Authority (Zimparks) is commendable, challenges remain in reconciling differing views on elephant population management and tourism. However, the shared emphasis on community involvement and scientific data offers a promising path forward for balancing the needs of wildlife and human populations.

The impact on both local communities and conservation efforts shows the importance of adaptive, data-driven strategies. For Moyo and his fellow monitors, the goal is clear: it’s not just about protecting wildlife, but ensuring a sustainable future for their communities in a rapidly changing environment.

Sources:

• Tech tracking to tackle human-wildlife conflict in Zimbabwe