Zimbabwe Plans to Cull 200 Elephants Due to Drought

In response to severe drought conditions exacerbated by El Niño, Zimbabwe has announced a plan to cull 200 elephants to provide meat for communities facing food shortages. With an elephant population of over 84,000, nearly double the sustainable capacity of its parks, officials state this measure aims to reduce human-wildlife conflict and protect lives, as conflicts have already resulted in at least 31 deaths this year. Wildlife authorities indicate that this will be the first culling since 1988, with the meat distributed to affected areas, particularly in Hwange, Mbire, Tsholotsho, and Chiredzi districts. Critics, including conservationists, argue that such a culling threatens wildlife sustainability and is ill-conceived, while supporters assert it is necessary given the dire food situation. Namibia has also initiated a similar culling program, allowing for the killing of over 700 wild animals, including elephants, for drought relief. The government defends its actions by highlighting the urgent need to manage elephant populations in the face of dwindling resources and increasing human-wildlife competition.