Man killed by elephant in Malawi

IFAW is deeply saddened by an incident in the early morning of 23 August 2023 in Chikukula Village, near the Kasungu National Park, Malawi involving the incursion of elephants onto communal land resulting in the death of 32-year-old Jack Banda.

A group of four elephants strayed out of Kasungu National Park overnight, skirting the perimeter fence at Dwangwa River, straying onto communal land. Unfortunately, villagers intrigued by the presence of elephants followed an elephant while it was returning to the park, taking photos, and making a noise. The melee riled the elephant who attacked and killed Mr Banda who had stepped too close while taking photos.

The incident was reported to police and District Commissioner. An additional team of wildlife rangers was deployed to provide technical support in managing the remaining three elephants to ensure they return to the park.

IFAW is committed to finding solutions to ending conflict between people living in the communal areas bordering Kasungu NP and wildlife, including elephants. This includes building a perimeter fence to protect the densely populated eastern border. To date, 70 kilometres of the fence have been completed. Construction continues and will extend the fence by 20 kilometres before year-end.

We have deployed increased numbers of rangers to protect people and property close to the park, including sensitisation for communities on elephant behaviour and providing them with early warning systems and devices to protect themselves.

Incidents like the one above focus on the biggest challenge of our time: the successful coexistence of people and wildlife. Human-Wildlife Conflict (HWC) has become inevitable, especially where communities live within and bordering conservation areas. This is mainly due to shrinking wildlife natural habitats and competition for scarce resources like food and water. IFAW recognises that people and wildlife have spent centuries living together and sharing landscapes, and while our conservation initiatives aim to create natural room to roam across landscapes to ensure species survival, we have a responsibility to safeguard and protect the people in these landscapes.

To prioritise human life and livelihoods, IFAW works proactively with experts and communities to reduce and mitigate incidents that could lead to the loss of life and damage to property. IFAW engages with those living closest to the animals and habitats we strive to protect to ensure positive and sustained change. We are committed to working respectfully and collaboratively with communities to find lasting solutions that work for wildlife, people, and the animals under their stewardship.