Namibia to Cull 723 Wild Animals Amid Drought

Namibia has authorized the culling of 723 wild animals, including 83 elephants, to combat severe food insecurity caused by the worst drought the country has faced in a century. This effort, announced by the Ministry of Environment, Forestry and Tourism, aims to provide meat for nearly half of the population facing acute hunger. The culling will take place in national parks and communal areas where wildlife numbers exceed available grazing and water resources. Professional hunters and safari outfitters will carry out the culls. The government has already distributed over 56,800 kilograms of game meat from 157 animals previously culled. This measure is seen as necessary to manage human-wildlife conflicts and make sustainable use of natural resources.