Namibia to Kill over 700 Wild Animals Including Elephants to Feed Citizens as Drought Bites

 

A group of Hippos
 

The Namibia government has announced plans to kill several wild animals to feed citizens who have been affected by the country's worst drought. In a statement, the Ministry of Environment, Forestry, and Tourism said the country will kill 723 wild animals as one way of dealinwith hunger.  The ministry said the animals would include 30 Hippos, 60 buffaloes, 50 impalas, 100 blue Wildebeests, 300 Zebras, 83 elephants, and 100 elands. The environment ministry says the exercise will take place in parks and communal areas where officials believe animal numbers exceed available grazing land and water supplies. The ministry says the drought has seen an increase in human-wildlife conflict, and the culling will take place in areas with high levels of friction, particularly with elephants The animals will be sourced from the national parks and communal areas with sustainable game numbers. "This exercise in necessary and is in line with our constitutional mandate where our natural resources are used for the benefit of Namibian citizens. "This is also a prime example that conservation of game is really beneficial. We are happy that we can assist the country in this very difficult time and when it's absolutely needed, " the statement read in part. According to the Ministry, reducing wildlife numbers will help reduce the negative impact of drought on the conservation of wild animals in the nation by taming grazing pressure and water availability. 

by  Amos Khaemba