A controversial wildlife cull is underway in Namibia as the country grapples with its worst drought in decades.
The government has initiated a program to eliminate over 700 animals, including hippos, buffalos, elephants, and zebras, to alleviate pressure on scarce resources and provide food for drought-stricken communities.
The cull, which began last week, is being carried out by professional hunters.
According to the environment ministry, the goal is to kill 30 hippos, 60 buffalos, 50 impalas, 83 elephants, 100 blue wildebeest, 100 elands, and 300 zebras.
The majority of these animals reside within the country’s protected national parks.
The government has defended the cull as a necessary measure to address the humanitarian crisis caused by the drought.
With nearly half of the population facing acute food insecurity, the cull aims to provide meat for those in need.
However, the decision has faced criticism from animal rights groups, who argue that it is cruel, ineffective, and could disrupt delicate ecosystems.
The cull has already resulted in the deaths of at least 157 animals, and the government expects the process to take several weeks to complete.
The tusks from the culled elephants will be stored in government warehouses in compliance with international regulations on ivory trade.