The conservancy is currently home to more than 2 500 elephants, despite a habitat capacity estimated at just 800.

The announcement comes amid growing concern over the impact of large elephant populations on fragile ecosystems. Conservationists warn that the animals are destroying vegetation and crowding out other species. Zimbabwe is home to one of Africa’s largest elephant populations, second only to Botswana.

Speaking on Channel Africa, Journalist John Cassim described the overpopulation as “an ongoing and growing issue,” adding that habitat destruction is “becoming a danger to the elephants themselves and the environment.”

This move follows the controversial culling of 200 elephants last year, the first such operation since 1988. At the time, authorities pledged to distribute meat from the culled animals to drought-affected communities, a promise met with scepticism.

“There is little trust that meat from these culls will actually reach the communities,” Cassim explained. “In past incidents, we’ve seen people in rural areas scramble for meat after a cull, only for the majority to be blocked by police or local officials, with most of the meat reportedly going to elites and security forces.”

Concerns have also been raised about transparency surrounding the culling programme, particularly regarding the fate of ivory.

“There are no clear reports confirming whether the planned 200 elephants were indeed culled, or what happened to their ivory,” Cassim noted. “People are worried these recurring announcements are more talk than action.”

--ChannelAfrica--