Namibia and Zimbabwe has been known to be home to thousands of elephants, a species that was illegal to even harm for years. That was until the month of September, when southern Africa suffered a drought causing food shortages across the lands. 69 million people suffering from said drought, many are finding that they may need to resort to drastic measures. Zimbabwe got the go ahead to bull 200 wild elephants to feed the severe hunger that continues to grow. With little to no access of water, the crops in Zimbabwe have began to wilt and the citizens are now calling for desperate measures. Namibia is already began culling 83 elephants and 30 hippos. Many say that this has been the worst drought that has happened in the last four decades, whilst experts are saying the less than average rainfall has been due to the climate pattern by El Nino. So this leaves the question, what are the chances of worser droughts in the future? As you read this, Zimbabwe are being issued permits in order to cull and kill wild animals in order to fight hunger.
I have always loved animals, no matter the circumstances. I had also done a lot of research on the ivory trade that is now banned, which was also the biggest reason why people wanted to hunt elephants. Which makes me wonder, culling elephants surely means someone will surely sell the ivory. Is this a possible revival of the ivory trade? Or will each skeleton be buried with a loving tomb. The article does state that in some areas elephants are over populated, there are more than the land can accommodate for. But as an animal lover it is hard for me to hear about the slaughter of any animal, but I understand and if it is for survival then they should go through with it.
So what does this mean for the future of Zimbabwe? This was the worst drought they have seen in four decades, so will it be another four decades before another awful drought? Or will the next one be closer then we think? Again, I think this could potentially revive the ivory trade. Which may be illegal, but ivory is a material that will make you that pretty penny. Or could this cause a chain reaction, to where people will come for elephants again. No doubt the elephant laws will stay in place, but what does this mean for the species itself?
Another story that doesn’t relate much to what we talk about in class, mainly because we have been talking more about governments and major current conflicts and relations. Where this is a southern Africa problems and this is how Zimbabwe and Namibia plan on solving this issue. But I found it really interesting, and like I said, I really like animals and elephants. What enticed me about it was why, which I didn’t expect it to be El Nino. Another Topic I would like to research further into.