Among the orange trunks of the acacia trees in Chad’s savannah, a group of elephants moves through Zah Soo National Park, under the vigilant gaze of one of the few humans allowed to witness the scene.
Established to safeguard the country’s biodiversity from poaching and the impacts of agriculture, the park faces growing criticism from local farmers who claim it has affected their livelihoods.
Observing the elephants with a Kalashnikov slung over his shoulder, Belfort Assia Blanga, a member of the Forest and Wildlife Guard (GFF), noted that the herd now consists of as many juveniles as adults.
“The fact that they are reproducing indicates that they now feel secure,” the ranger said — a source of pride for the park’s caretakers after the loss of 113 elephants between 2013 and 2019.
Located along the border with Cameroon, the park now houses 125 elephants — the country’s third-largest population.
Since the arrival of the GFF rangers, no elephants have been poached despite limitations in resources, ammunition, and “worn-out weapons,” Assia Blanga added.
However, other species in the park remain at risk from illegal hunting.
Lambert Worgue Yemye, deputy director of the protected area, stated that villagers and farmers primarily target antelope.
– Biodiversity protection –
The 815-square-kilometer (315-square-mile) park was established through a 15-year collaboration between the Chadian government and the French biodiversity conservation organization Noe.
In addition to combating poaching, the park’s rangers must address herders who unlawfully allow their herds to graze in Zah Soo.
Cattle farming is the primary economic activity in the Mayo-Kebbi West region where the park is situated.
The seasonal movement of livestock from Cameroon, Niger, and Nigeria has a detrimental impact on biodiversity in Zah Soo, according to Noe.
“The cattle graze indiscriminately, destroying flora by trampling on it,” said Worgue Yemye.
To mitigate this, the park has been impounding stray livestock herds found within its boundaries.
Over the past year, more than 2,600 cattle have been relocated to eight enclosures in the neighboring prefectures.
Through awareness campaigns and enforcement efforts, the number of animals has decreased from 23,500 in September 2022 to 9,005 a year later, according to Noe.
Nevertheless, these measures have sparked discontent among local farmers.
“We were informed of the park’s advantages but not its disadvantages before its creation,” said Saidou Alyoum, a representative of the region’s livestock farmers.
“We recommend that Noe and the government reduce the park’s size,” Alyoum added.
In the absence of a compromise, herders have threatened to move to Cameroon.
Noe insisted that reducing the park’s size is not a viable solution.
“Some village chiefs who initially supported the park have since backtracked on their decision,” a local official revealed.
They accused the chiefs of inciting criticism against the park because some receive taxes from foreign herders to cross their territory — a practice prohibited within the park.
– Compensation –
Farmer and local leader Mamadou Houssein noted that conflicts between herders and farmers have escalated due to the loss of grazing land.
These disputes often result in violence and casualties.
Houssein also mentioned that the protected elephant herds have damaged his crops.
“The government should compensate us, but they have not taken action,” Houssein expressed.
“We trust Noe more than the Chadian government to provide compensation for the pasture loss.”
Noe plans to offer fodder and construct drinking ponds for the cattle to mitigate the impact on pasture.
The organization is also implementing projects to enhance living conditions for the local communities, such as repairing infrastructure.
However, security concerns in the region cast doubt on Noe’s efforts to promote tourism in the area.
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