The Zimbabwe government’s decision to cull 200 elephants due to severe drought over the last four decades highlights how human survival can trump environmentalism in extreme circumstances. Africa is struggling with food shortages. In this case, the culling of elephants aims to address concerns about providing food for communities affected by the drought. However, culling is not a simple or uncontested matter. It raises ethical concerns about the killing of animals that are integral to the ecosystem.
Zimbabwe, despite being lauded for its conservation work, is forced to take such drastic action, reflecting the severity of the drought and the complexities of managing wildlife in a changing climate. As climate change exacerbates droughts and extreme weather conditions are likely to occur more frequently, this puts further pressure on conservation efforts. Governments need to develop comprehensive strategies for improving water infrastructure and developing drought-resistant crops. While culling elephants may alleviate food insecurity, it presents difficult choices that must be made in a fragile world.
Shafi Ahmed Khowaja
Hyderabad
