The Botswana Predicament: From Conservation To Carnage?
Saevus|December 2019 - February 2020
An already difficult place to access, Botswana may take a further hit to its tourism industry if the country goes back to being a killing ground for its elephants.
Ashok Mahindra
The Botswana Predicament: From Conservation To Carnage?

Botswana is a flat, sparsely populated, land-bound country in southern Africa — sustained by diamond mining, beef exports and high-end tourism. Since it gained independence from Britain in 1966, it has been the continent’s leader in matters of conservation.

When I visited Botswana in April and in August 2019, I arrived in the middle of a huge controversial debate about restarting the hunting of elephants, banned in 2014 by the previous President Ian Khama. This ban had helped Botswana emerge as a “conservation success story” and home to more than 1,30,000 elephants.

Where ever I visited, I heard arguments for and against hunting.

The owner of a private lodge at Chobe National Park explained to me that it was not an issue of conflict but an issue of money. Prior to 2014, a portion of the funds collected from hunting went to the villages, while after the ban all this dried up without any compensation. The Government should have made alternate sources of income available for villages impacted by the ban. “This is a political move and not in the best interests of conservation in Botswana”, he concluded. Alternately, a level-3 guide at one of the camps explained that Chobe was surrounded by villages and conflicts had started with elephants as their population had expanded to over 1,00,000 elephants -- well beyond the carrying capacity of the park. Many environmentalists fear that the lifted ban will simply be a precursor to renewed efforts aimed at legalizing the ivory trade. If this were to happen, many expect a catastrophic effect on elephants across Africa.

Esta historia es de la edición December 2019 - February 2020 de Saevus.

Comience su prueba gratuita de Magzter GOLD de 7 días para acceder a miles de historias premium seleccionadas y a más de 9,000 revistas y periódicos.

Esta historia es de la edición December 2019 - February 2020 de Saevus.

Comience su prueba gratuita de Magzter GOLD de 7 días para acceder a miles de historias premium seleccionadas y a más de 9,000 revistas y periódicos.

MÁS HISTORIAS DE SAEVUSVer todo
Staying ALIVE!
Saevus

Staying ALIVE!

The importance of getting to the root causes of conflict with wildlife, is essential. Its mitigation will guarantee the very survival of all species.

time-read
8 minutos  |
SAEVUS NOVEMBER 23 MARCH 24
Frames from the WILD
Saevus

Frames from the WILD

A few amazing shots from a horde of incredible ones!

time-read
3 minutos  |
SAEVUS NOVEMBER 23 MARCH 24
WAKE UP!
Saevus

WAKE UP!

A frightening thought a world without wildlife, mornings without birdsong, and all that we take for granted! We must realise the dangers threatening the beauteous green world and its inhabitants around us!

time-read
4 minutos  |
SAEVUS NOVEMBER 23 MARCH 24
Dolphin DILEMMA!
Saevus

Dolphin DILEMMA!

A crucial article to highlight the significance, and plight of Our riverine friends.

time-read
3 minutos  |
SAEVUS NOVEMBER 23 MARCH 24
Gecko Quest!
Saevus

Gecko Quest!

The authors take us on the trail of a gecko from West Bengal, through the hills of the Bankura district.

time-read
2 minutos  |
SAEVUS NOVEMBER 23 MARCH 24
Endangered EXOTICA!
Saevus

Endangered EXOTICA!

The author takes us on an exotic ride into the forests of Malaysia, allowing us glimpses of the beauties of its wildlife!

time-read
3 minutos  |
SAEVUS NOVEMBER 23 MARCH 24
Mellifluous Magpie!
Saevus

Mellifluous Magpie!

Immerse yourselves in the world of the musical and glorious Magpie Robin! The authors help acquaint us with this beautiful bird.

time-read
10+ minutos  |
SAEVUS NOVEMBER 23 MARCH 24
Think Different!
Saevus

Think Different!

The author brings to us the very real concern for the horses employed around pilgrimage sites in India.

time-read
4 minutos  |
SAEVUS NOVEMBER 23 MARCH 24
Take Heed!
Saevus

Take Heed!

The authors make a case for the conservation of the rare and lesser-known Sociable Lapwing.

time-read
6 minutos  |
SAEVUS NOVEMBER 23 MARCH 24
Close Encounters!
Saevus

Close Encounters!

The author introduces us to two amazing yet very different bird species, showing us the diversity of our ecosystems,

time-read
4 minutos  |
SAEVUS NOVEMBER 23 MARCH 24