Botswana’s hunting policy built on misleading, false data-scientists

Botswana’s Elephant Hunting Policy Under Scrutiny from Conservation Group

A recent report from the prominent conservation organization Elephants Without Borders (EWB) is challenging the very scientific foundations of Botswana’s acclaimed elephant hunting policy. The report suggests that the country’s current hunting framework, which allows for the controlled culling of these magnificent animals, relies on potentially misleading data and flawed population estimates.

Data Discrepancies Highlighted

EWB’s in-depth analysis specifically targets the Department of Wildlife and National Parks’ (DWNP) 2021 Non-Detriment Finding (NDF) for elephant hunting. The organization asserts that this crucial document, which informs conservation decisions, contains information that could be interpreted as “questionable, misleading, and in some cases false statements.” This serious accusation casts a shadow over the scientific rigor underpinning the policy.

Potential Long-Term Impacts Raised

Beyond the immediate data concerns, the EWB report raises significant worries about the potential for long-term ecological damage, particularly affecting older bull elephants. These mature males play a vital role in elephant societies and ecosystems. EWB suggests that the current policy might severely underestimate the true impact of hunting on these crucial segments of the elephant population, potentially leading to unforeseen consequences for generations of elephants to come.