Zimbabwe Considers First Elephant Cull in Almost Four Decades

Elephant population threatens livelihoods in Southern African nation

Elephant population has more than doubled over the last 40 years

Zimbabwe is considering its first elephant cull since 1987, in a bid to manage its rapidly growing elephant population that has caused widespread damage to crops and resulted in human deaths. The country has one of the largest elephant populations in Africa, estimated at around 84,000, and the government has come under increasing pressure from local communities to take action.

In recent years, elephants have destroyed crops, trampled fields, and killed people. In 2020, there were 60 human deaths caused by elephants, according to the Zimbabwe Parks and Wildlife Management Authority.

The government has tried to mitigate the conflict between elephants and humans by translocating elephants to other areas, but this has not been successful due to lack of suitable habitat and resources. The government has also tried to deter elephants from entering villages and farms by erecting fences and using chili peppers, but this has also been ineffective.

The elephant population in Zimbabwe has more than doubled over the last 40 years, putting a strain on the country's resources and habitat. The government estimates that the elephant population needs to be reduced by about half in order to ensure sustainable management of the species and to protect human lives and livelihoods.

A cull is a controversial tool for managing elephant populations, but the government says it is the only viable option left. The last cull in Zimbabwe was conducted in 1987, when around 4,000 elephants were killed.

The government has promised to ensure that the cull is carried out humanely and in a way that minimizes suffering to the elephants. It also says that it is committed to sustainable management of the elephant population and to ensuring that the species is conserved for future generations.