Botswana’s president Mokgweetsi Masisi recently expressed his desire to send 20,000 elephants to Germany. Well, it sounds like a generous gift from Botswana, but it isn’t. In fact, this is more of a threat to them. Confused? Let’s break it down for you.
What is Botswana’s elephant dilemma?
Botswana is said to have the world’s largest elephant population. Conservation efforts have been successful, but it has also led to the “overpopulation” of the elephants in the country. Now, Germany being the major importer of elephant hunting trophies in the EU, is proposing stricter limits on these imports due to concerns over poaching.
Botswana argues that hunting is a way to manage the elephant population and generate revenue for conservation efforts. They also point out the challenges of living alongside so many elephants, including damage to crops and property, and even danger to people.
In a dramatic response, Masisi, speaking to the German daily Bild, suggested the idea of practicing what you preach. He said the Germans themselves should live alongside elephants the way they are suggesting the people of Botswana do. He further added that it is a serious matter, especially considering Botswana‘s elephant population, which has grown to approximately 130,000.
Masisi expressed the desire to gift elephants to Germany, stating firmly that he wouldn’t take no for an answer. To curb this overpopulation of elephants, Botswana has reportedly offered 8,000 elephants to Angola and an additional 500 to Mozambique.