Targeted elephants in Botswana – African Daily Voice

Johannesburg, South Africa (ADV) – Botswana has recently called for the establishment of a legal framework that will create a favorable environment for the safari hunting sector, as well as for the management of the population. elephants in its historical range.

This was highlighted following the recommendations made to President Mokgweetsi Masisi by a Cabinet Committee led by the Minister of the Environment, Conservation of Natural Resources and Tourism, Francs van der Westhuizen, two days ago .

The Committee also proposed the regular but limited killing of elephants "… and the establishment of canned elephant meat, including the production of pet food and processing into other products. ".

In January 2014, Botswana banned elephant culling during President Ian Khama's tenure with the government, saying it was a necessary step to protect the wildlife population.

In June, Masisi appointed a committee to review the ban, promising to consider the recommendations.

Communities adjacent to parks and sanctuaries have recently complained of wildlife invading their villages.

"If necessary, we will give Parliament the opportunity to question it as well and give it the opportunity to intervene before making a final decision," Masisi said Thursday after the report.

Botswana will likely be criticized by animal rights activists and conservationists for lifting the ban on big game hunting.

Elephants Without Borders (EWB) says the elephant population in Africa is declining and the lifting of the ban could harm Botswana's tourism.

According to the census of elephants, the country has the largest number of elephants in the world, with more than 130 000 elephants pachyderms.

Last year, the Masisi administration came under heavy fire after the media reported that nearly 100 elephants had been killed for ivory following the decision to disarm the rangers.

But the government refuted the news and organized a press tour in the affected areas.

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