Botswana faces criticism over elephant hunt for independence celebrations
Botswana has faced criticism after authorities approved the hunting of 23 elephants as part of the country’s 60th independence anniversary celebrations.
The southern African country marked 60 years of independence from the United Kingdom on Wednesday with events across the country.
According to the BBC, Botswana’s Ministry of Environment and Tourism issued a licence allowing 23 elephants to be hunted across eight districts. The meat was intended for use during celebration feasts.
However, the government has not confirmed how many elephants were actually killed.
Africanews reported the development, citing the BBC and reactions from conservation campaigners.
Botswana elephant hunt draws criticism
The decision prompted criticism from animal rights campaigners.
The Elephant Protection Society told the BBC that the move could harm conservation efforts and potentially encourage poaching.
The Botswana-based organisation also raised concerns about the possible effects of removing elephants from herds.
It argued that disrupting elephant groups could affect their behaviour and potentially increase risks for nearby communities.
These concerns were raised by the organisation and have not been presented by authorities as established consequences of the hunt.
Health concerns also raised
Some social media users raised separate concerns because Botswana is dealing with an outbreak of foot-and-mouth disease.
The BBC reported those concerns. However, the supplied reporting does not establish that the elephant hunt creates a risk of spreading the disease.
Botswana’s government has also not confirmed how many of the 23 elephants authorised for hunting were ultimately killed.
Botswana has world’s largest elephant population
Botswana is home to about 130,000 elephants, according to the report. This gives the country the world’s largest elephant population.
The government has previously supported regulated hunting as a way to manage elephant numbers.
The issue has generated debate between authorities who support controlled hunting and conservation groups concerned about its impact on wildlife.
The latest Botswana elephant hunt has brought that debate back into focus during the country’s independence celebrations.