Experts meet to discuss the future of South Africa's elephants

Ten of the world’s leading elephant scientists are meeting in Cape Town on Wednesday to debate the future of South Africa’s elephants. Environmental Affairs and Tourism has indicated that the Kruger National Park’s elephant population is roughly doubling every ten years. Scientists have recommended that the populations be reduced by translocation, contraception, range expansion and culling. BuaNews reports that today’s debate will hopefully determine whether elephants are really damaging biodiversity, if action is needed to reduce populations and which management options are most appropriate. Animal rights groups are pleading for the elimination of culling as a possible option in the management process.