Zimbabwe to sell excess elephants

Zimbabwe will be selling off excess elephants to interested countries as it moves to protect biodiversity and minimise human-wildlife conflicts.

The country has excess elephants estimated at around 30 000 and selling the animals to other countries would significantly help the country reduce the numbers to manageable levels.

National Parks and Wildlife Authority Director General, Mr Edison Chidziya said they are facing conservation challenges due to the excess elephants, adding that it is increasingly becoming difficult to monitor and supply the large herd with sufficient water during the dry season.

"We have to remain with a manageable herd and we are facing challenges that cannot allow that at the moment," said Mr Chadziya.

Environment, Water and Climate Parliamentary Portfolio Committee Chairperson, Anastacia Ndhlovu said selling the live elephants will enable the wildlife authority to raise enough funds to protect the jumbos and other wildlife.

The country has excess elephants estimated at around 30 000 and selling the animals to other countries would significantly help the country reduce the numbers to manageable levels.

National Parks and Wildlife Authority Director General, Mr Edison Chidziya said they are facing conservation challenges due to the excess elephants, adding that it is increasingly becoming difficult to monitor and supply the large herd with sufficient water during the dry season.

"We have to remain with a manageable herd and we are facing challenges that cannot allow that at the moment," said Mr Chadziya.

Environment, Water and Climate Parliamentary Portfolio Committee Chairperson, Anastacia Ndhlovu said selling the live elephants will enable the wildlife authority to raise enough funds to protect the jumbos and other wildlife.

"The funds will capacitate the authority," she said.

Source: Zimbabwe to sell excess elephants (5/1/15)