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| Namibia to Cull 700 Wild Animals Due to Severe Drought |
As drought conditions intensify in Namibia, the government has decided to cull 700 wild animals to address food shortages and manage dwindling resources. This drastic measure aims to alleviate the strain on the environment and local wildlife, ensuring that remaining resources can sustain the population and wildlife through the harsh conditions.
Elephants, hippos, and zebras meet to be distributed among Namibians struggling with food insecurity
Namibia intends to murder over 700 wild animals as the country grapples with the worst drought in 100 years.
According to CNN, Namibian officials have announced that the meat of slain animals will be donated to individuals facing severe food crisis.
According to a press statement from the Ministry of Environment, Forestry, and Tourism, the animals that will be killed include 300 zebras, 100 blue wildebeests, 83 elephants, 60 buffalo, 50 impalas, and 30 hippos.
According to the ministry, the animals would be sourced from national parks and community areas before being slaughtered by trained specialists.
The goal of this programme is to alleviate the suffering caused by the drought in the south-west African country.
The ministry said: "This exercise (is) necessary and is in line with our constitutional mandate where our natural resources are used for the benefit of Namibian citizens."
It continued: "With the severe drought situation in the country, conflicts are expected to increase if no interventions are made."
Furthermore, one of the motivations for slaughtering elephants is to lessen the danger of human-wildlife conflict, which rises during droughts as animals seek food and water.
The ministry stated: "To this effect, 83 elephants from identified conflict areas will be culled, and meat will be allocated to the drought relief programme."
