HARARE, Zimbabwe (AP) - The devastating impact of climate change and the El Nino weather phenomenon has led to the death of at least 100 elephants in Zimbabwe's Hwange National Park in recent weeks. Wildlife authorities and conservation groups are calling it a crisis for the elephants and other animals in the region.

The Zimbabwe National Parks and Wildlife Management Authority has raised concerns that more elephants could perish as the country faces forecasts of a scarcity of rains and rising heat, exacerbated by the El Nino. This natural weather phenomenon, which warms parts of the Pacific and affects weather patterns worldwide, is expected to cause below-average rainfall across southern Africa.

The consequences of the prolonged drought and extreme weather patterns are already being felt in Zimbabwe. The rainy season began weeks later than usual, and although some rain has finally fallen, forecasts suggest a dry and hot summer lies ahead.

Experts warn that climate change may be intensifying the effects of El Ninos, resulting in more severe consequences for wildlife and ecosystems. This dire situation is not new to Hwange National Park, as in 2019, over 200 elephants died due to a severe drought.

The most vulnerable elephants affected are the young, elderly, and sick, who are unable to travel long distances in search of water. An average-sized elephant requires a daily water intake of approximately 200 liters (52 gallons).

To mitigate the impact on the elephant population, park rangers have been removing tusks from deceased elephants to deter poachers and ensure their safekeeping. Hwange National Park, spanning 14,500 square kilometers (5,600 square miles), is home to around 45,000 elephants, in addition to over 100 other mammal species and 400 bird species.

Zimbabwe's rainy season, which used to reliably begin in October and last until March, has become increasingly erratic in recent years, resulting in longer and more severe dry spells. Conservationists have been noticing the adverse effects on wildlife and are concerned that the dry spell could return soon due to the upcoming El Nino.

The Bhejane Trust, a conservation group working in partnership with Zimbabwe's parks agency, has been making efforts to support the elephants by pumping 1.5 million liters of water daily into Hwange's waterholes from over 50 boreholes it manages. The park, lacking a major river, relies on its 100 solar-powered boreholes to ensure the availability of water for the animals.

Conservationists emphasize that the preservation of elephants is not only crucial for the well-being of these magnificent creatures but also for combating climate change. Elephants play a significant role in reforestation by dispersing vegetation over long distances through their dung, which contains plant seeds. This process enables forests to spread, regenerate, and effectively absorb planet-warming carbon dioxide from the atmosphere.

Trevor Lane, the director of The Bhejane Trust, affirms the importance of protecting elephants as they contribute significantly to the reforestation process, stating, "They perform a far bigger role than humans in reforestation. That is one of the reasons we fight to keep elephants alive."

As Zimbabwe grapples with the devastating consequences of the ongoing drought and El Nino, urgent measures are required to safeguard the elephant population in Hwange National Park and combat the broader impact of climate change on wildlife and ecosystems.