After a five year moratorium, Botswana has ended its ban on trophy hunting of elephants. Botswana is considered the last haven in Africa for elephants with a population of estimated at 126,114. The decision to allow hunting to cull herds flies in the face of a consensus of conservations organizations that have raised the alarm regarding a significant and pervasive increase in poaching targeted on breeding age males. The decision to remove protections for elephants appears to be heavily driven by political considerations - does that remind you the decisions being made in the US?The narrative that Botswana’s elephant population is exploding and has exceeded the country’s carrying capacity is repeatedly used to rationalise trophy hunting and the ivory trade. Mokaila claimed, for instance, that Botswana’s elephant population was at 160 000, nearly three times the “carrying capacity” of 54 000.
But a scientific aerial survey of northern Botswana – where the country’s elephants are concentrated – conducted in 2018 disputes this. The survey estimated a national population of 126 114, indicating stability since 2014. It also revealed a sharp increase in poaching. (Credit CAT)
No comments:
Post a Comment