Banda warns against settlements in wildlife preserves

Tourism and Arts Minister Charles Banda has warned against people settling in wildlife preserves if the country is to address the scourge of human animal conflicts.

Mr. Banda has told Q news that government is committed to addressing the challenge of human animal conflicts in wildlife preserves across the country.

The Minister says this however will only be achieved if people follow the rules of not settling in territories meant for animals.

Mr. Banda says his ministry is since training more wildlife police officers who will sensitize people on the dangers of settling in wildlife preserves and also ensure that there are no settlements in areas meant for animals.

The minister has also noted that poaching is also a contributor of human animal conflicts and the animals tend to flee to human settlements to avoid being killed.

Mr. Banda has also discouraged the practice of agriculture in wildlife preserves.