Southern Africa Culls Elephants Amid Severe Drought Crisis

October 8, 2024

Southern Africa is experiencing its worst drought in over a century, causing serious food shortages. Countries like Zimbabwe and Namibia have started wildlife-culling programs to address the growing food insecurity caused by this environmental crisis.

What is Causing the Drought?

The drought in southern Africa is mainly due to the El Niño weather pattern, which has caused much less rain than usual in the region. Climate change is making this problem worse by making droughts like this more frequent and severe.

Government Responses

In response to the hunger caused by the drought, Zimbabwe has decided to cull (or kill) 200 elephants. The meat from these animals will be given to poor communities. Similarly, Namibia has allowed the culling of 723 animals, including elephants, hippos, and zebras, from its national parks. This is meant to help provide food during the crisis.

Conflict Between Wildlife and Humans

As the drought worsens, both humans and animals are struggling to find food and water. This has led to more conflicts between people and wildlife. In Zimbabwe, at least 31 people have died this year due to such conflicts. Animals are moving into areas where people live, searching for food and water, especially in dry regions like Hwange National Park.

Implementation of Culling

Zimbabwe’s Environment Minister has explained that the culling program is necessary to manage the growing elephant population, which the environment can no longer support. Hunting permits will be given to communities that are suffering the most from food shortages, focusing on areas where the number of elephants is too high for the local ecosystem.

The decision to cull elephants and other animals is controversial, but it is seen as a practical solution to the hunger crisis caused by the drought in southern Africa. These countries are facing the difficult task of balancing the needs of people with the health of the environment during this severe drought.

What is El Niño?

El Niño is a weather pattern that happens when the ocean in the central and eastern Pacific becomes warmer than usual. It occurs every 2-7 years and affects weather around the world. For example, it often brings droughts to Australia and heavy rains to the Americas. The name “El Niño” means “the Christ child” in Spanish because it usually shows up around Christmas. Besides affecting weather, it also changes marine life by shifting fish populations. El Niño can have a big impact on economies worldwide, and scientists watch it by tracking ocean temperatures and wind patterns.

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