A choice that is probably aimed at safeguarding these animals but depriving them of their habitat, to make room for man
He is about to end up run over, his mother saves himSold as if they were merchandise. The decision of the government of Namibia which has decided to auction ben is being discussed 170 elephants due to “drought and the increase in the number of elephants, together with the incidence of human-elephant conflicts”.
The alternative would have been to kill them, which is why the sale seems almost the lesser evil but is still arousing worldwide indignation. In recent days, Namibia has made it known that it wants to sell 170 live elephants to curb the increase in population in a period of severe drought, the worst of the last century, and also due to the territorial conflict with humans.
The announcement was initially made public by the state newspaper New Era. According to official estimates, the semi-arid country of southern Africa is home to around 28.000 elephants. The population had shrunk to around 5.000 animals in 1990, but has increased dramatically thanks to a globally lauded conservation program.
Namibia had become an example for everyone but apparently it is having quite a few problems. Also thanks to the drought that for years has brought the territory to its knees.
Environment Minister Pohamba Shifeta told AFP that the government supported the live animal sales policy after being criticized for shooting elephants to control overpopulation.
“We decided to sell them instead,” he said.
The ministry of environment, forestry and tourism said it will auction the animals to anyone in Namibia or abroad who can meet the stringent criteria, which include adequate facilities. Like many other African nations, the country is trying to find a balance between protecting high-value species such as elephants and rhinos, while managing the "danger" they represent when they invade areas of human settlement.
Namibia is auctioning 170 wild elephants amid drought and rising population https://t.co/h1PV1RzFc4 pic.twitter.com/ThjUDZk0tK
— Citizen TV Kenya (@citizentvkenya) December 4, 2020
According to what the authorities of the country predict, the pachyderms will be sold in packs in order to preserve the important social structure in elephant communities: babies or young people will not be left behind.
For export purposes, buyers must ensure that CITES requirements are met by both exporting states and importers in order for trade to be authorized.
It is not the first time that Namibia has put its animals up for sale. In October it had already happened with 100 wild buffaloes while last year the government offered around 1.000 animals including 600 buffaloes, 60 giraffes and 28 elephants.
However, Namibian elephants are an endangered species due to poaching, illegal wildlife trade, and ecological factors.
A choice that is probably aimed at safeguarding these animals but depriving them of their habitat, to make room for man.
Sources of reference: AFP, CNN,
READ also:
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