Elizabeth O.
The move comes in response to proposed restrictions on the import of hunting trophies in Germany.
President Masisi, in a statement made on April 3, criticized the German government’s position and suggested that Germans should experience living among elephants themselves. He argued that the increasing elephant population in Botswana has become a “plague” and emphasized the need to control their numbers.
Germany, being one of the largest importers of hunting trophies in the European Union, had raised concerns about poaching and considered tightening restrictions on trophy imports.
President Masisi, in an interview with Germany’s Bild, stated that banning the import of hunting trophies would have negative consequences for the people of Botswana.
He maintained that conservation efforts have led to a significant increase in the elephant population and that hunting serves as an important method of population control.
While Botswana had implemented a ban on trophy hunting in 2014, it was lifted in 2019 due to pressure from local communities. The country now issues annual hunting quotas.
President Masisi highlighted the damage caused by elephant herds to property, crops, and residents.
He expressed frustration with the opinions voiced from Berlin, suggesting that those who hold such opinions should live alongside the animals themselves.
He further mentioned that Botswana has already offered 8,000 elephants to Angola and an additional 500 to Mozambique in an effort to address what he perceives as an “overpopulation” issue. Botswana is home to the world’s largest elephant population, estimated at around 130,000 individuals.
