culling of elephants

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Nelspruit - Unless the number of elephants is not drastically reduced, very

little will be left of the Kruger National Park in five years time.

Therefore culling seems almost inevitable in order to stop extensive habitat

destruction, David Mabunda and Josias Chabani, the park's most senior

officials said on Tuesday.

Mabunda, the director of the park, said: " The growing elephant population

concerns me more than anything else. We have tried contraception and

relocation, but these are only temporary solutions. "

At present there are an estimated 11 000 elephants in the park, while the

capacity allows only 7 000. The elephant population grows by between 7% and

10% a year.

" Even if people don't see a single elephant while visiting the park, they

cannot fail to see the destruction they cause. This is a perfect example of

what happens when one ignores scientific research, " Chabani said.

As a result of pressure by animal rights groups, no elephants have been

culled in the park since 1994.

However, the park's management plan makes provision for the culling of

elephants in certain areas, while unbridled increase is allowed elsewhere.

Mabunda said all interest groups supported the plan, which should have given

the green light for culling. But as a result of politicking (by rights

activists) it has so far not been implemented.

Relocation

The relocation of elephants to Mozambique's Limpopo reserve is at present

one of the most important ways of reducing numbers in Kruger. But the

reserve can accommodate only a limited number of elephants.

Also, relocation is expensive and only small groups of elephants can be

moved at a time.

Mabunda said he respected the debate around the removal of the Kruger head

from the park, but the elephant issue deserved greater public awareness

because of the immediate threat it holds for the park.

" Most people should be aware of the problem, but they choose to ignore it. If

they understood the magnitude of the challenge, they would have been more

sympathetic towards culling, " Mabunda said.