Source: ZimParks dismisses Chegutu lion sightings – herald
Remember Deketeke
Herald Correspondent
THERE are no lions in Chegutu although there are hyenas, the Zimbabwe Parks and Wildlife Management Authority (ZimParks) has said.
It identified spoors found in the area as belonging to hyenas, not lions.
There was growing panic among Chegutu residents, with some villagers claiming to have seen lions and heard roars at night but ZimParks only found signs of hyenas in the area.
In an interview with The Herald yesterday, ZimParks spokesperson Mr Tinashe Farawo said those who were reporting lions were mistaken. Experts had thoroughly tracked and analysed the animal prints discovered in the area.
“We have done the necessary investigations following the reports and I can confidently say the spoor found does not belong to a lion,” he said. “It is hyenas that are moving around the area, not lions.”
Mr Farawo urged the public to refrain from spreading unverified information, warning that false alarms cause unnecessary panic and divert resources from real conservation efforts.
“Most of the time when we are called into an area that is said to have lions, it turns out to be dogs or other animals. People must report sightings responsibly and allow experts to verify the facts,” he said.
To help the public distinguish between the two predators, he said lion spoor is generally larger and rounder, with four toes and no visible claw marks, as lions have retractable claws.
In contrast, hyena tracks are smaller and more oval, with visible claw marks due to their non-retractable claws.
Mr Farawo said ZimParks continued to monitor wildlife movements across the country, particularly in areas close to protected estates.
“We are a conservation authority and our duty is to ensure both human safety and wildlife protection. Communities should work closely with our officers and only share information that is accurate and verified,” he said.
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