Southern Africa Culls Elephants Amid Severe Drought Crisis

Southern Africa is experiencing its worst drought in over a century, causing serious food shortages. Countries like Zimbabwe and Namibia have started wildlife-culling programs to address the growing food insecurity caused by this environmental crisis.

What is Causing the Drought?

The drought in southern Africa is mainly due to the El Niño weather pattern, which has caused much less rain than usual in the region. Climate change is making this problem worse by making droughts like this more frequent and severe.

Government Responses

In response to the hunger caused by the drought, Zimbabwe has decided to cull (or kill) 200 elephants. The meat from these animals will be given to poor communities. Similarly, Namibia has allowed the culling of 723 animals, including elephants, hippos, and zebras, from its national parks. This is meant to help provide food during the crisis.

Conflict Between Wildlife and Humans

As the drought worsens, both humans and animals are struggling to find food and water. This has led to more conflicts between people and wildlife. In Zimbabwe, at least 31 people have died this year due to such conflicts. Animals are moving into areas where people live, searching for food and water, especially in dry regions like Hwange National Park.

Implementation of Culling

Zimbabwe’s Environment Minister has explained that the culling program is necessary to manage the growing elephant population, which the environment can no longer support. Hunting permits will be given to communities that are suffering the most from food shortages, focusing on areas where the number of elephants is too high for the local ecosystem.

Website: worldtopscientists.com

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