BY STAFF REPORTER
The Zimbabwean government’s plan to cull elephants to feed starving communities has been met with fierce opposition from conservationists.
Farai Maguwu, director of the Centre for Natural Resources Governance, has spoken out against the move, calling it a “lame excuse” to justify the killing of elephants.
“This is not a solution to the drought problem,” Maguwu said. “There are many other avenues the government can explore to address food insecurity without resorting to killing elephants.”
Maguwu argued that the government’s reasoning – that Zimbabwe’s elephant population has exceeded the recommended eco-system balance – is a flawed argument. “This is not a new issue,” he said. “The government has always wanted to cull elephants since the 1990s, and now they are using the drought as an excuse.”
He also raised concerns about the international implications of such a move. “Elephants are protected by international conventions like CITES (Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora),” he said. “You can’t just wake up and decide to slaughter them.”
Maguwu accused the government of prioritizing profits over conservation. “Once they start legitimizing the killing of animals, it will be a slippery slope,” he said. “Soon we won’t have any elephants left. And let’s not forget, minerals are being plundered in Zimbabwe, and once they start selling elephant ivory, it will be like blood diamonds all over again. The tourism industry will also suffer greatly.”
“The government is not thinking about the long-term consequences of their actions,” Maguwu said. “They are only thinking about short-term gains. Let the elephants live. They are more profitable to Zimbabwe alive than dead.”
The government’s plan has sparked debate, with some arguing that it is a necessary measure to address food insecurity, while others, like Maguwu, see it as a threat to conservation efforts.
As the government moves forward with the culling process, many are watching with bated breath to see the impact it will have on Zimbabwe’s elephant population and the communities affected by the drought.