Namibia plans to cull more than 700 wild animals, including 83 elephants, due to severe drought conditions. The cull, which will include hippos, buffalo, impalas, blue wildebeest, zebras, and eland, is intended to manage overpopulation in parks and communal areas where the demand for grazing land and water exceeds supply.
The Namibian Ministry of Environment and Tourism announced that the meat from the culled animals will be distributed to individuals facing food shortages. The drought has exacerbated human-wildlife conflicts, particularly involving elephants, prompting the need for this measure.
Southern Africa is grappling with one of its worst droughts in decades. The United Nations reported last month that Namibia had depleted 84% of its food reserves, with nearly half of the population expected to face severe food insecurity in the coming months.
Animal rights advocates have expressed concerns about the culling, arguing that it has not been preceded by a thorough assessment of its economic or environmental impact. Some critics suggest the cull, occurring in an election year, may have political motivations. A petition has been launched calling for the suspension of the culling program.
