Botswana Lifts Ban On Elephant Hunting To 'Manage Population'

Botswana has the biggest elephant population in the entire world, which is pretty impressive and might be a result of the elephant hunting ban that has been in place for the last five years.

But now that's all under threat - the ban has been scrapped because of what has previously been called a 'growing conflict' between humans and wildlife.

The ban was put into place in 2014, with critics claiming that the restriction was causing issues for people who benefited from hunting, such as farmers.

According to the BBC, the Botswana Environment Ministry say that the government will make sure the 'reinstatement of hunting is done in an orderly and ethical manner', in accordance with the law and regulations.

Outlining their reasoning, the government stated that the 'number and high levels of human-elephant conflict and the consequent impact on livelihoods was increasing' as well as predators 'causing a lot of damage as they kill livestock in large numbers'.

In February, the director of the Department of Wildlife and National Parks, Otisitwe Tiroyamodimo, told the BBC: "The number of the elephants has increased - at the same time the human population also increased, and there has been demand for more land."

People hit back at the ban on social media, with one saying: "Tragic, short sighted and unfortunate. The impact of this decision on Botswana's global reputation is already being felt. We can do better than turning our majestic wildlife into subjects for a millionaire's blood sport."

Another added: "My husband and I were planning a trip to Botswana to visit national parks and see the wildlife. We will no longer be going to Botswana. This decision is horrendous."

PA

Another wrote: "A sad, sad day for elephants, for Botswana, and for us all. #SafariLIVE."

On the other side of the argument, some people were in agreement with the ban, with one saying: "All these people talking about Botswana's elephants need to stop speaking about things they know nothing about.

"Unless you're in Botswana witnessing the state of human-animal conflict, take several seats. If you're that pressed take several elephants."

Topics: World News, News, Animals

Rebecca Shepherd

I'm Becky - a journalist at LADbible. I graduated with a First Class BA in Journalism before going on to cover criminal court cases, medical tribunals and breaking news for the national media - which inevitably and eventually became as glum as it sounds. Can often be found rocking a bag for life - which I made a 'thing' way before Rihanna. You can contact me at [email protected]

@RJShepherd94