Drought Response Measures
plans to cull 200 elephants to distribute meat among drought-affected communities, marking its first cull since 1988. has commenced the culling of over 700 animals, including 83 elephants, as part of its drought relief efforts.
The severe drought, exacerbated by the weather phenomenon, has led to significant food shortages across , impacting 68 million people and causing conflicts between humans and wildlife over scarce resources.
Conservation and Human Conflict
Both countries face unsustainable elephant populations, with Zimbabwe's parks unable to sustain more than 55,000 elephants out of over 84,000. The culling aims to reduce human-wildlife conflicts as elephants encroach on populated areas searching for food and water.
Critics and conservationists express concerns over the culling's impact on wildlife conservation efforts. However, local authorities argue it's a necessary measure to balance human needs and wildlife management amid severe drought conditions.