Zimbabwe has announced plans for culling and contraception to slow down rampant elephant population growth. The announcement comes close to
a recent incident in which a rogue elephant trampled to death a British woman and her daughter in the Hwange national park in northwest
Zimbabwe.
The country's elephant population is growing at a rate of more than 6 per cent per year, disrupting the biodiversity of
national parks, said environment minister Marthinus van Schalkwyk. The plan, however, faces opposition from conservation groups which dispute
official figures and argue that the government has not conducted a wildlife audit for seven years. The proposal remains open for comments until May
4, 2007.
In another incident, Zimbabwe's wildlife management authority is killing elephants near Lake Kariba to feed crocodiles at park-owned crocodile farms.
About 100 elephants a year have been allocated to sustain the business.
We are a voice to you; you have been a support to us. Together we build journalism that is independent, credible and fearless. You can further help us by making a donation. This will mean a lot for our ability to bring you news, perspectives and analysis from the ground so that we can make change together.
.png)
Comments are moderated and will be published only after the site moderator’s approval. Please use a genuine email ID and provide your name. Selected comments may also be used in the ‘Letters’ section of the Down To Earth print edition.