Wildlife conservationists are sounding the alarm over a rise in road accidents involving endangered animals in and around Hwange National Park.
They blame reckless driving, poor road design, and weak law enforcement for putting years of conservation work at risk.
Animals like painted dogs, bat-eared foxes, and elephants are being hit and killed by speeding vehicles, especially along the Bulawayo–Victoria Falls Highway and the Mpofu–Mabale road, which pass through key wildlife corridors.
David Kuvawoga, Operations Director at Painted Dog Conservation (PDC), said there has been an increase in roadkill cases, including endangered species such as painted dogs.
He warned that without action, this could undo years of work to protect wildlife in the area. Said Kuvawoga:
These are genuine concerns. The speeding observed on roads in wildlife areas is unacceptable and poses a serious threat to both people and animals.
There have been a considerable number of species hit by vehicles on the Bulawayo–Victoria Falls Highway, particularly between Fatima and Cross Dete.
Elephants have been struck, and sadly, human lives have also been lost. We’re seeing an increase in roadkill incidents, including endangered species such as painted dogs.
If the alpha female of a pack is killed, it can wipe out an entire generation, these animals only breed once a year, so every loss is significant.
Biodiversity depends on the presence of both large and small animals, but we often only take action when elephants or lions are involved.
As a result, conservationists are urging a coordinated and long-term response. They are calling for stricter traffic enforcement in protected areas, road infrastructure improvements such as speed humps, wildlife crossings, and clearer signage.
Proposed solutions also include community education campaigns focused on road safety and wildlife protection, as well as better habitat management to reduce animal movement across roads and minimise human-wildlife conflict.
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