Expanding Populations and Human-Elephant Conflict

The elephant overpopulation problem in Hwange National Park, Zimbabwe, has resulted in herds moving out into surrounding communal areas. In previous years, the elephants would leave the Park during the dry season in search of water and return with the start of the rains.

The elephants now stay out during the rains, extending their range further and further south. The people in these areas are not used to living with these animals resulting in human-wildlife conflict.