The Environment Ministry of Namibia has announced a controversial plan to cull 723 wild animals in response to the severe drought affecting Southern Africa. With the country struggling to provide for its population, the government has determined that it can no longer sustain the wildlife that competes for limited resources.
The planned culling includes 83 elephants, 30 hippos, 300 zebras, 60 buffalos, 50 impalas, and 100 blue wildebeests. These animals will be killed in parks and public spaces where authorities believe that the number of animals surpasses the available grazing land and water supplies. This decision was outlined in a statement released on Monday.
The United Nations recently reported that Namibia had exhausted 84% of its food supplies by the end of last month. The coming months are expected to bring heightened food insecurity to more than half of Namibia’s population.
The Environment Ministry warned that without government intervention, conflicts between people and wildlife could intensify during the ongoing drought. The ministry has already identified conflict areas where 83 elephants will be culled, with the meat being distributed as part of the drought relief program.
To date, over 56,800 kilograms of meat have been harvested from 117 animals hunted by government-hired outfits and professional hunters. The Environment Ministry defended the culling, stating that it is a necessary measure aligned with their constitutional mandate to use natural resources for the benefit of Namibian citizens.
