By Rutendo Mapfumo
Mashala, Hwange District — A surge in lion attacks on livestock has left residents of Mashala grappling with devastating losses, intensifying the human-wildlife conflict in Hwange District. Local farmers report significant casualties among their cattle and goats, raising urgent concerns about their livelihoods and safety.
According to a recent report from the Hwange Rural District Council, lions were responsible for 120 livestock deaths in 2024 alone, making them the most economically damaging predators in the area. The frequency of these attacks has notably increased during drought periods, as livestock are driven closer to protected areas in search of grazing, inadvertently crossing paths with roaming lions.
“We wake up to find our cattle dead or missing. It’s heart-breaking—these animals are our only source of income,” lamented Luke Ncube, a villager from Mashala. “Every family here has lost something to the lions this year.”
Villagers describe a troubling trend: lions have become bolder, sometimes breaking into traditional kraals (livestock enclosures) at night. These enclosures, often constructed from thorn bushes or simple wooden fences, leave livestock vulnerable. In response, some communities are turning to predator-proof bomas—fortified enclosures built with strong materials and opaque walls. Reports indicate that where these structures have been implemented, attacks have significantly decreased.
The emotional and financial toll on the community is immense. Many households rely on livestock for food and income, and the loss of even a single cow can set a family back month, if not years. This frustration has led to retaliatory killings of lions, further straining conservation efforts and threatening the region’s iconic wildlife.
“We understand the importance of lions for tourism and the ecosystem, but our children are going hungry,” stated Nokuthula Sibanda, another resident. “We need real solutions, not just talk.”
Authorities and conservation groups are working to address the crisis through initiatives that include community education on livestock protection, compensation schemes for losses, and the construction of additional predator-proof bomas. However, villagers insist that more support is urgently needed, especially as ongoing drought and habitat encroachment continue to push wildlife and people into closer contact.
As the conflict escalates, the villagers of Mashala find themselves caught in a challenging predicament, striving to protect their livelihoods while also recognizing the importance of conserving Hwange’s famed lion population. This delicate balance grows more urgent with each passing season.
