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Friday, Mar 14, 2025
Outside the box.
Botswana Threatens to Export 20,000 Elephants to Germany: Conservation Dispute
Botswana's President Mokgweetsi Masisi has threatened to send 20,000 elephants to Germany in response to Germany's suggested stricter limits on importing hunting trophies.
Masisi argues that hunting helps control elephant populations, which have grown significantly due to conservation efforts, and that the animals are causing damage to property and crops.
Botswana, which has the world's largest elephant population with over 130,000 animals, does not have enough space for them all.
Botswana, which has a large elephant population, has given thousands of elephants to neighboring countries Angola and Mozambique to reduce their numbers.
The Wildlife Minister of Botswana has suggested offering elephants to Germany and threatened to send 10,000 elephants to London's Hyde Park.
In March, UK MPs voted to ban the import of hunting trophies, but the legislation is still under scrutiny.
Botswana and other southern African countries earn significant revenue from wealthy hunters who pay to shoot and take home animal trophies.
Botswana allows hunting of African elephants despite conservation concerns and opposition from animal rights groups.
The country argues that hunting helps local communities and reduces poaching.
Botswana has more people living in areas with elephants than the animals, leading to conflicts and crop damage.
Germany is the EU's largest importer of African elephant trophies, and Botswana lifted its hunting ban in 2019 after pressure from local communities.
Botswana issues annual hunting quotas and claims that hunting is strictly controlled.
Germany has not raised concerns with Botswana on the matter.
Animal rights groups argue against the cruelty of hunting and Botswana's ban on hunting was lifted in 2014.
The text discusses the ongoing debate regarding the import of hunting trophies and the impact on biological diversity.
The Australian government recognizes the importance of ensuring sustainable and legal imports.
However, negotiations are ongoing with countries like Botswana, which wants to sell ivory stockpiles to earn money from their elephant populations.
Some countries, including Australia, France, and Belgium, have banned the trade in hunting trophies.
East African countries and animal rights groups oppose the sale of ivory, fearing it could encourage poaching.
Botswana, which has the world's largest elephant population with over 130,000 animals, does not have enough space for them all.
Botswana, which has a large elephant population, has given thousands of elephants to neighboring countries Angola and Mozambique to reduce their numbers.
The Wildlife Minister of Botswana has suggested offering elephants to Germany and threatened to send 10,000 elephants to London's Hyde Park.
In March, UK MPs voted to ban the import of hunting trophies, but the legislation is still under scrutiny.
Botswana and other southern African countries earn significant revenue from wealthy hunters who pay to shoot and take home animal trophies.
Botswana allows hunting of African elephants despite conservation concerns and opposition from animal rights groups.
The country argues that hunting helps local communities and reduces poaching.
Botswana has more people living in areas with elephants than the animals, leading to conflicts and crop damage.
Germany is the EU's largest importer of African elephant trophies, and Botswana lifted its hunting ban in 2019 after pressure from local communities.
Botswana issues annual hunting quotas and claims that hunting is strictly controlled.
Germany has not raised concerns with Botswana on the matter.
Animal rights groups argue against the cruelty of hunting and Botswana's ban on hunting was lifted in 2014.
The text discusses the ongoing debate regarding the import of hunting trophies and the impact on biological diversity.
The Australian government recognizes the importance of ensuring sustainable and legal imports.
However, negotiations are ongoing with countries like Botswana, which wants to sell ivory stockpiles to earn money from their elephant populations.
Some countries, including Australia, France, and Belgium, have banned the trade in hunting trophies.
East African countries and animal rights groups oppose the sale of ivory, fearing it could encourage poaching.
