Zimbabwe blames disgruntled rangers and villagers for elephant poisonings

Environment minister says improved working conditions will help stop poaching in Hwange national park

• Journalists arrested for linking police with elephant poisonings

Zimbabwe's environment minister has blamed the poisoning of at least 71 elephants in recent months on disgruntled game rangers and local communities who do not benefit from wildlife revenues.

"It was noted that a number of issues such as low staff morale, lack of community benefits and hunting quota anomalies are fuelling poaching in Zimbabwe," Oppah Muchinguri told a meeting of conservationists, government and security officials on Thursday.