South Africa to allow elephant culling

The decision by the South African government to end the moratorium on elephant culling has received a great deal of coverage around the world.

A report in the New Zealand Herald said the decision to lift the decade-old ban has angered conservation groups, which say killing the beasts should only be used as a last resort.

But after a lengthy consultation on the issue, the government believes possible relocation or expansion of areas for elephants, will only delay the inevitable.

Targets on the number of elephants to be culled have yet to be finalised, but the government has outlined strict conditions.

The elephants will be killed quickly by experienced marksmen and entire families would be culled together to reduce trauma.

As for the trade in ivory, negotiations are still ongoing and until a decision has been made tusks will be stockpiled.

From the source:

South African government's media announcement


Other media:

CNN

Associated Press (AP)

Washington Post

ABC News

Scotsman

New York Times

The Australian

The Independent

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