A devastating incident occurred on Monday night in Namibia’s Zambezi Region, where over 100 buffaloes lost their lives while attempting to cross the Chobe River. The buffaloes, being chased by lions, stampeded and plunged into the river, where the strong currents and steep banks proved fatal.
According to Ndeshipanda Hamunyela, spokesperson for Namibia’s Ministry of Environment, Forestry and Tourism, the incident was triggered by a stampede as the buffaloes tried to escape the predators. The animals fell from a cliff into the river, and some were trampled by others in the chaos.
The Chobe River is a crucial migratory route for wildlife, especially during the dry season. While buffalo drownings are not uncommon in the area, incidents of this scale are rare. Similar incidents occurred in 2018 and 2023, resulting in significant losses.
Following the incident, local residents gathered at Kabulabula to collect meat from the carcasses, as per a long-standing tradition. However, officials warned of potential health risks and conflicts with scavenging predators. Environmental experts also raised concerns about the ecological impact of such mass deaths, including river contamination and attracting predators to human settlements.
Authorities have assured the public that measures are being taken to manage the situation and mitigate further risks. The ministry and law enforcement officials are on site to maintain order and ensure public safety.
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