Zimbabwe’s wildlife authorities have announced plans to cull around 200 elephants as the country grapples with severe drought and rising food insecurity. The decision comes in response to the devastation of crops across southern Africa, largely attributed to the El Niño weather phenomenon, which has caused widespread drought.
According to the World Food Programme, approximately 7.6 million Zimbabweans are expected to face food shortages between January and April of next year. In an effort to address the mounting hunger crisis, the culling of elephants is seen by officials as a way to provide food to residents in need.
The plan, however, has drawn criticism from conservationists. Many argue that there are more sustainable ways to alleviate the food crisis without resorting to the killing of elephants, a species that not only plays a crucial role in the ecosystem but also attracts tourism to the region. Critics highlight that elephants are a major draw for visitors, and any large-scale culling could negatively impact the tourism industry.
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Zimbabwe’s parks and wildlife authority, however, defends the decision, citing the need to reduce the country’s elephant population, which currently stands at over 84,000—far exceeding the land’s capacity. A spokesperson explained that the culling will help ease congestion in the country’s parks, where overpopulation has placed additional strain on the environment and resources.
The announcement follows a similar move by Namibia earlier this month, where officials culled dozens of animals, including 83 elephants, due to drought conditions. Namibia has indicated that further culling may be necessary as it faces its worst drought in decades.
While the decision to cull elephants remains controversial, Zimbabwean authorities maintain that it is a necessary response to both the environmental pressures of overpopulation and the immediate humanitarian need for food. The debate over how best to balance conservation efforts with the pressing needs of the population is likely to continue as the region struggles with the ongoing impacts of climate change.