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Botswana's Growing Elephant Population Creates Conflict with Humans

Mqondisi Dube

   GABORONE, BOTSWANA - The small town of Gobojango, 500 kilometers (310
   miles) northeast of the capital, Gaborone, is fighting an increasing
   elephant problem.

   Residents say they support President Mokgweetsi Masisi's decision to
   lift the ban on elephant hunting, as more than 250 of the large mammals
   have moved into human settlements.

   Masilo Matsapa says the elephants drive people away and threaten the
   cattle.

   "They disturb our lives because we are now forced to collect our
   livestock early as we are afraid of the elephants," he said. "In the
   cattle posts, people have deserted, it's only empty homes. By 4 p.m.,
   we have rounded off the animals and they are already in the corral, so
   that by the time the elephants come, they do not find anyone. We wake
   up in the morning only to find their tracks. The elephants are too
   many. They should be reduced."

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