Zimbabwe Mourns Loss of Dedicated Wildlife Guardian in Human-Wildlife Conflict

The Post Reporter

Kariba-The sun had just begun to set over the Gache Gache area of Kariba, casting a golden glow over the landscape. But the tranquility of the moment was shattered by a tragic incident that would leave the community in shock. Josphat Mandishara, a 62-year-old Zimbabwe Parks and Wildlife Management Authority (ZimParks) ranger, had been trampled by an elephant during a routine patrol.

The incident, which occurred on a Thursday night, was a loud reminder of the dangers faced by rangers and communities living near wildlife areas. Mandishara, a veteran ranger with years of experience, had been accompanied by two fellow ZimParks rangers and a Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) detail when he met his untimely death.

As news of the incident spread, the community was filled with a sense of sadness and outrage. The death of Ranger Mandishara was not an isolated incident, but rather a symptom of a larger problem that had been plaguing Zimbabwe’s animal zones and game parks for years. Human-wildlife conflict had been on the rise, resulting in numerous lives lost between 2024 and 2025.

“The conflict is attributed to various factors, including rising temperatures, population growth, and lack of compensation for victims and their families. Climate change had led to rising temperatures, causing animals to leave their natural habitats in search of food and water, resulting in increased encounters with humans. The growing human population had led to the encroachment of human settlements into wildlife areas, increasing the likelihood of conflicts,” said Moses Tembo who resides at the Heights.

he further added that, “what is even more alarming is the lack of compensation for victims and their families. The National Parks and Wildlife organization had been criticized for neglecting the welfare and compensation of those affected by human-wildlife conflicts. This has left many families without a source of income, struggling to make ends meet,” said tembo.

As the situation continued to deteriorate, the government, conservation organizations, and local communities were called upon to work together to find sustainable solutions to the human-wildlife conflict. Environment, Climate, and Wildlife Minister Sithembiso Nyoni emphasized the need for secure fencing to protect communities from wildlife, while also calling for a holistic approach to mitigate the conflict, which seem to be a long walk due to climate change.

For the family of Ranger Mandishara, the pain of their loss would not be easily forgotten. His death was a reminder of the sacrifices made by rangers and conservationists who put their lives on the line every day to protect Zimbabwe’s wildlife. As the country mourn the loss of this dedicated ranger, it is clear that urgent action is needed to address the growing concern of human-wildlife conflict in Zimbabwe’s animal zones and game parks.

The incident also brought attention to the need for better working conditions and compensation for rangers and conservationists. According to the International Ranger Federation, at least 150 rangers die worldwide each year in the line of duty. The death of Ranger Mandishara is a reminder of the dangers faced by these dedicated individuals.

As the community come together to pay their respects to Ranger Mandishara, it is clear that his death would not be in vain. The incident sparked a renewed sense of urgency to address the human-wildlife conflict in Zimbabwe, and to ensure that the sacrifices made by rangers and conservationists would not be forgotten.

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