Zimbabwe is set to cull 200 elephants in response to a severe drought that has caused food shortages and an overpopulation of the animals, according to the country’s wildlife authority. The environment minister stated that Zimbabwe had an excess of elephants and instructed the Zimbabwe Parks and Wildlife Authority (ZimParks) to begin the culling process. The director general of ZimParks, Fulton Mangwanya, explained that the targeted areas for hunting would be those where elephants have come into conflict with humans, including Hwange, which is home to Zimbabwe’s largest natural reserve.
The plan is for the culled elephants to be used as a source of protein for communities in need. Zimbabwe’s environment minister mentioned Namibia as an example, where a similar approach has been taken. However, this move has faced criticism from some who argue that alternative methods should be explored in order to address drought without impacting tourism.
Zimbabwe is home to approximately 100,000 elephants, making it the second-largest elephant population globally after Botswana. Hwange alone houses around 65,000 elephants – more than four times its capacity according to ZimParks. The last time Zimbabwe culled elephants was in 1988.
Neighboring Namibia also recently announced plans for a cull due to its worst drought in decades. More than 160 wildlife animals are expected to be killed there as part of their conservation efforts.
Both Zimbabwe and Namibia have declared states of emergency due to widespread drought conditions affecting several countries in southern Africa. Approximately 42% of Zimbabweans live below the poverty line according to UN estimates, with around six million people requiring food assistance during lean seasons when food scarcity is most pronounced.
While some argue against culling on ethical grounds and highlight tourism concerns since live elephants attract visitors, others emphasize the negative impact excessive elephant populations can have on habitats and ecosystems. Conservationists stress that maintaining balance within ecosystems benefits all species involved.
Namibia’s decision has drawn condemnation from conservationists and animal rights groups such as Peta who view it as cruel and ineffective; however, government officials defend it by stating that only a small fraction of their estimated 20,000 elephants will be culled in order alleviate pressure on grazing lands and water supplies.
