Zimbabwe Parks and Wildlife Authority (ZimParks) has attributed the deaths of 19 hippos in the mid Zambezi region to hunger.
In a press statement released recently ZimParks say preliminary investigations have shown that there were no gross abnormalities and no traces of anthrax in tested samples.
“… 50% of the hippo population were in very poor body condition, with pelvic bones and spine showing prominently which is a sign of malnutrition or lack of adequate food,” read the statement.
According to ZimParks, the majority of mortality cases are directly linked to severe nutritional deficits as the hippos are said to have been moving over 10km from their habitat in search of food.
This report comes after speculations on the probable cause of death following the recent deaths of white rhinos, zebras, wildebeests, fish eagles, and thousands of fish at Lake Chivero in Harare after drinking water contaminated with Cyanobacteria.
Meanwhile The Centre for Natural Resource Governance (CNRG) shared its concern on the deaths of the 19 hippos urging for more efforts to protect wildlife to prevent further loss.
”The sudden and significant loss of these hippos highlights potential underlying environmental issues, such as habitat degradation, water pollution, or the detrimental effects of human activities in the area. This incident underscores the urgent need for stronger wildlife conservation efforts and stricter enforcement of environmental regulations to safeguard Zimbabwe’s rich biodiversity.” – CNRG