Namibia to auction elephants and giraffes in response to crippling drought

Namibia, struck by drought, will auction at least 1,000 animals from its national parks – including elephants and giraffes – to make up for the lack of pastures as the country faces the deadliest drought in its country. history.

The auction is advertised in the local newspapers and the targeted buyers are game breeders who have facilities to care for the animals, including 600 disease-free buffaloes, 150 Springbok, 65 Oryx, 60 Giraffes, 35 Eland, 28 Elephants , 20 Impala and 16 kudus. – all national parks.

The Namibian government declared a national disaster last month, while the country's meteorological services say some parts of the country have been hit by the deadliest drought in 90 years.

In April, a report from the Ministry of Agriculture indicated that 63,700 animals would have died in 2018 due to deteriorating grazing conditions brought on by drought.

"Given the fact that this year is a year of drought, the ministry wants to sell various types of game species from different protected areas to protect pastures while generating the funds needed to manage the parks and wildlife. wildlife, "said the spokesman of the Ministry of the Environment. Romeo Muyunda told the French press service AFP.

"The grazing conditions in most of our parks are extremely bad and if we do not reduce the number of animals, this will result in a loss of animals due to famine," said Muyunda.

The Namibian Professional Hunting Association (NAPHA) is pleased with this decision, stating that it was the most responsible and sustainable approach in these times. very difficult.

McPhoto / ullstein bild via Getty Images)

"Difficult times call for appropriate management practices to ensure that the main breeding herds have a chance to survive; Sustainable management includes reducing herd size, "said Tanja Dahl, Chief Executive Officer of NAPHA," Our Ministry of Wildlife and Tourism (MET), guardian of parks and wildlife, plans to sell selected animals to generate income and reduce habitat pressure for the remaining wildlife species. . "

It is estimated that the sale of animals would raise $ 1.1 million, which would go to a state fund for game products for wildlife conservation and park management.

"Our thinking needs to focus on best practices based on drought conditions, which would also include examining the viability of livestock as opposed to game management," Dahl said. "The protection of the habitat should be the main concern, because nothing can flourish without proper habitat."