Statement on the article 'Humans versus animals', published in the German weekly newspaper 'Die Zeit' on 11 April 2024

In its issue of 11 April 2024, the weekly newspaper "Die Zeit" published a cover story on conflicts between humans and elephants in Kasungu National Park in Malawi linking them to the translocation of 263 elephants in 2022. IFAW supported the Malawian government by providing financial and technical assistance (knowhow and capacity).

Since 2015, IFAW has been involved in the revitalization of Kasungu National Park in Malawi, where animal populations had been mostly decimated by poaching. In 2015, only 50 elephants remained out of a former population of over 1,000. Kasungu National Park is managed by DNPW (Department of National Parks and Wildlife) of the Government of Malawi.

To re-establish a viable elephant population in Kasungu, the Malawian government decided to relocate elephants and other wild animals from Liwonde National Park to Kasungu NP. Liwonde NP is Malawi's second smallest national park with a thriving elephant population and Kasungu NP at 2,100 kilometers square, the country's second largest. Kasungu was and is considered a suitable home for the elephants from Liwonde given its large habitat.

There have been several tragic clashes between humans and elephants around Kasungu NP - some resulting in death. These terrible situations often leave traumatized and destitute relatives behind. Contrary to the Die Zeit article, according to the Malawian government, there has been no significant increase in such cases since the relocation in 2022. Rather, the figures indicate that the measures introduced and significantly supported and implemented by IFAW to prevent conflicts between humans and elephants have led to fewer incidents occurring.

While the figures do not show an increase in conflicts, this does not change the fact that people are tragically affected. IFAW and the government are in regular contact with community representatives in Zambia and Malawi, who form a trustworthy interface between the local people and the rangers. IFAW has supported DNPW to set up rapid response ranger teams and works with community ranger scouts. The rapid response teams are based at strategic locations in the park and can be deployed at short notice in the event of human-wildlife conflicts or poaching.

Human-wildlife conflicts are widespread in areas where people and animals live together and represent one of the greatest challenges for nature conservation today. One of IFAW's main objectives is to facilitate better coexistence for humans and animals and to seek solutions that work for all. IFAW supports many communities in the proximity of the parks for improved livelihoods through employment, climate smart agriculture practices, bee keeping initiatives and water access. There are many different interests to consider, and we continuously work with governments, communities, and other stakeholders to reduce the risk to people living in these areas, create new income opportunities and gain sustainable habitats for all.

Ends

Refer any further questions to:

Christina Pretorius
Director, Communications Africa
m: +27 82 330 2558
e: [email protected]

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