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Namibia’s Ministry of Environment, Forestry, and Tourism August 26, 2024 announced a plan to cull 723 wild animals to provide food for citizens affected by the country’s most severe drought in a century. The animals to be culled include 30 hippos, 60 buffalos, 50 impalas, 100 blue wildebeests, 300 zebras, 83 elephants, and 100 elands.
The ministry stated that the wildlife will be sourced from national parks and communal areas where populations are sustainable. The decision to reduce animal numbers aims to lessen the negative impact of the drought on wildlife conservation, particularly by decreasing grazing pressure and ensuring water availability.
“This exercise is necessary and aligns with our constitutional mandate to use natural resources for the benefit of Namibian citizens,” the statement read. It further highlighted that the move demonstrates how wildlife conservation efforts can directly benefit the population, especially during critical periods. “We are happy to assist the country in this very difficult time, when it’s absolutely needed,” the ministry added.
In line with its policies, the ministry has supplied meat for national, regional, and traditional events in the past. The latest action comes after Namibia declared a state of emergency in May due to worsening drought conditions.
Between April and June 2024, an estimated 1.2 million Namibians were reported to be suffering from acute food insecurity, requiring immediate measures to address food shortages and protect livelihoods. Southern Africa is currently enduring its worst drought in decades, with the United Nations recently announcing that Namibia had exhausted 84 percent of its food reserves last month.
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