Zimbabwe’s renowned Hwange National Park is witnessing a devastating crisis as dozens of elephants succumb to thirst amid a severe drought exacerbated by climate change and the El Niño global weather pattern. Conservationists fear the toll may rise further as watering holes dry up in the face of an ongoing six-month drought anticipated to last until March, according to scientists.
Heart-wrenching images portray the lifeless bodies of elephants strewn across the parched ground in Hwange National Park, highlighting the dire consequences of the water scarcity. Even in December, temperatures in Hwange can soar above 30 degrees Celsius.
The impact of the seasonal El Niño event, coupled with the broader effects of climate breakdown, has intensified the severity of the drought in Zimbabwe. Hwange National Park, home to around 45,000 elephants, lacks a major river, relying instead on solar-powered boreholes for water supply, according to Zimbabwe Parks and Wildlife Authorities (Zimparks) officials.
Daphine Madhlamoto, the principal ecologist at Hwange National Park, emphasized the reliance on artificial water sources due to the decline in surface water. With adult elephants requiring approximately 53 gallons (200 liters) of water daily, the diminishing water sources have left solar-powered pumps at the 104 boreholes unable to meet the demand.
“The park has been witnessing the impact of climate change. We have been receiving less rains,” stated Madhlamoto, underscoring the profound effects of changing climate patterns on the region’s ecosystems.
As conservationists grapple with the immediate crisis, concerns persist about the long-term implications of climate change on the delicate balance of ecosystems and the welfare of wildlife in Zimbabwe and beyond.
