Living with wildlife and associated conflicts in northern Gonarezhou National Park, southeast Zimbabwe

Human-wildlife conflicts (HWC) are a common phenomenon world-wide, particularly in areas where humans and wild animal’s requirements overlap. In this study we focused on the nature of HWC in an area occurring within the northern Gonarezhou National Park (GNP), Zimbabwe. We collected data using focus group discussions, key informant interviews and field observations in January–February 2011. Our results show that elephant, lion and spotted hyena were identified as the main problem animals. Setting fires around fields at night, burning chilli pepper mixed with elephant dung, scaring animals by beating drums and shooting in the air, linearization of huts in order to block elephants from accessing the fields, herding and kraaling livestock were the common methods employed to minimise HWC. It is suggested that a combination of HWC control strategies and establishing a temporary barrier would help to minimise HWC in northern GNP.