MZUZU-(MaraviPost)-In a tragic incident at Vwaza Wildlife Reserve in Rumphi, Malawi, game rangers shot and killed an elephant that had strayed outside the reserve’s fence.
The elephant was deemed a threat to villagers living nearby, particularly after it charged at a woman while rangers were attempting to drive it back into the reserve.
According to Brighton Kumchedwa, Director of the Department of National Parks and Wildlife, the elephant’s aggressive behavior left the rangers with no choice but to put it down.
The incident highlights the ongoing human-wildlife conflict in the area, with resident Gwamba Bota attributing frequent elephant incursions to the large herd sizes.
This is not the first time an incident like this has occurred in the area.
In mid-August, a man named Beston Mkwanda lost his life after being attacked by an elephant that had strayed from the game reserve.
The authorities have announced plans to sell the elephant’s meat, with proceeds going into government coffers.
Vwaza Marsh Wildlife Reserve is known for its diverse wildlife, including over 1,000 buffalo and hundreds of elephants.
The reserve’s unique blend of forests, grasslands and marshy plains attracts nearly 300 bird species, making it a popular destination for wildlife enthusiasts.