Hyenas terrorize Nemananga villagers
Victor Sibanda
Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe – Human-wildlife conflict has become a significant challenge in Jambezi, with encounters between humans and wildlife leading to serious consequences.
Earlier this year, hyenas were reported to have developed a habit of preying on dogs in Musani Village. Now, they are terrorizing livestock in other communities such as Chidobe Ward and Indlovu Kachecheti Ward.
In the Nemananga community of Jambezi, under Chief Shana’s jurisdiction near Victoria Falls, marauding hyenas have been wreaking havoc. The predators have been preying on livestock, leaving villagers struggling to protect their herds which are already weakened by drought and wildlife attacks.
Residents of Silibinda 5, like Marko Shoko, have reported the hyenas’ brazen behavior of extracting small livestock and pigs from pens. Shoko has called upon the responsible authorities to intervene, expressing frustration at the ongoing losses.
“We are already facing the challenges of drought, which is claiming our livestock,” he said, adding that “Now, the hyenas are adding to our misery. We need help from the wildlife authorities to address this urgent situation.”
Angela Sibanda, a leading farmer in Nemananga Ward has lost numerous goats to the hyenas. She expressed deep concern about the impact on her livelihood, especially during a time of drought.
“I’m worried about how I’ll be able to restock my herd,” she said. “The hyenas are preying on our animals at night, and we don’t know who to turn to for compensation.”
Felix Dube, a retired parks official, emphasized the nocturnal nature of hyenas and advised the community to build stronger pens to deter the predators. He also urged residents to report sightings to wildlife authorities instead of resorting to harmful measures.
“Jambezi is on the fringes of the Hwange and Victoria Falls National Parks,” Dube noted, further highlighting that “residents should be prepared for encounters with more predators.”
Village head Godfrey Ndlovu echoed the concerns of the community, describing the situation as dire and requiring concerted efforts to protect their livestock.
Khayelihle Ndlovu, the CAMPFIRE Officer in Nemananga, assured residents that measures are being taken to address the issue.
“We are working with the Hwange Rural Council to remove the hyenas from the community,” he said. “We urge residents to refrain from ensnaring them, as it is illegal. We are committed to resolving this human-wildlife conflict.”
Villagers are desperately seeking intervention to protect their livestock, especially as the El Niño-induced drought worsens the situation.
