Hwange’s Acacia Trees Face Extinction Threat Amidst Elephant Overpopulation

Concerns are escalating that the distinctive acacia tree could soon disappear from Hwange National Park, as the existing trees have been severely depleted by the park’s elephant population.

An ecological crisis appears imminent, given that acacia trees are a vital food source for the elephants within the park. Hwange, originally designed to sustain approximately 15,000 elephants, is now home to over 45,000, which is three times its intended capacity. This significant overpopulation is exerting immense pressure on the park’s delicate ecosystem and overall biodiversity.

Zimbabwe Parks and Wildlife Management Authority (ZimParks) spokesperson Tinashe Farawo has voiced serious concerns about the deteriorating situation. Farawo stated, “We have continued to say that our national park is overpopulated. This is creating problems with elephants almost eating up all the acacia trees. If you look around, there are no new trees shooting up, and the consequence could be even bigger soon.”

Environmentalists have issued warnings that without natural regeneration, Hwange National Park’s ecological balance could collapse. This could lead to widespread food shortages for wildlife and a sharp increase in human-wildlife conflict.

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As food resources within protected areas become scarce, elephants are increasingly venturing into nearby human settlements. These incursions result in crop damage, destruction of infrastructure, and, in some tragic instances, fatal encounters.

Just last month, ZimParks was compelled to cull three elephants after a herd entered villages in Bulilima District, Matabeleland South Province, causing damage to drying crops and threatening local livelihoods. The elephants, which ZimParks rangers shot on Thursday, June 26, 2025, in Madlambudzi Ward, were identified as the leading individuals of the herd and had become persistent offenders in the area.