Patricia Makubaro
ZVISHAVANE – Packs of marauding hyenas and jackals are causing sleepless nights to villagers in Mabasa under Chief Masunda in ward 8 with the vermin now roaming the area in broad daylight, posing a constant threat to people and livestock, it has been learnt.
Villagers who spoke to this publication expressed outrage that the parks and wildlife authorities had failed to act in the interests of villagers despite being notified of the problem on several occasions.
“We have lost livestock and the situation is now getting worse as those wild animals are becoming more daring. They roam our areas even during the day and they devour anything they come across.
“We are now being forced to cage our goats and chickens and constantly monitoring our cattle; our most valuable source of livelihood here,” said Ester Chikara, a villager in the area.
Other people also said they feared for their children as they are an easy target for hyenas which are known for being efficient at identifying easy prey.
In the cover of darkness, hyenas can also attack even adult people while jackals are known for preying on smaller domestic animals like goats and sheep.
“I am not happy with wildlife and parks department because they are not doing anything to solve our problems here. I lost two of my goats but we are told the law forbids the killing these hyenas.
“I wonder what is special about them. A goat means a lot for poor villagers who do not have any other source of income. Now the new school term has just begun and we are worried about the safety of our children,” said Beula Gavara.
The National Parks and Wildlife Management Authority could not be reached for comment but is notorious for poor responses and inept management of human/wildlife conflict.news
