Namibia has announced plans to kill 723 wild animals to feed residents devastated by the country’s worst drought in 100 years.
According to an August 26 announcement from the Ministry of Environment, Forestry, and Tourism, the animals will comprise 30 hippos, 60 buffaloes, 50 impalas, 100 blue wildebeest, 300 zebras, 83 elephants, and 100 elands.
The animals will be sourced from national parks and community regions where game populations are sustainable, stated the ministry.
Reducing wildlife numbers, according to the Ministry, will help to mitigate the detrimental impact of drought on wild animal conservation in the country by reducing grazing pressure and water availability.
“This exercise in necessary and is in line with our constitutional mandate where our natural resources are used for the benefit of Namibian citizens,” read part of the statement.
“This is also a prime example that conservation of game is really beneficial. We are happy that we can assist the country in this very difficult time and when it’s absolutely needed.”
The Ministry also stated that it had provided meat for national, regional, and traditional celebrations in accordance with its policies and laws.
Namibia declared a state of emergency in May as drought conditions worsened.
Between April and June 2024, an estimated 1.2 million individuals were reported to be facing high levels of acute food insecurity and require immediate action to eliminate food gaps and protect livelihoods.
Southern Africa is facing its worst drought in decades as the United Nations announced that Namibia had exhausted 84 percent of its food reserves last month.
