The southern African nation of Zimbabwe has authorized the culling of at least 50 elephants within the Save Valley Conservancy, officials announced tuesday. The move comes as the reserve’s elephant population has swelled to approximately three times its estimated carrying capacity.

According to a press release from the Zimbabwe parks and fauna management authority, the Save Valley Conservancy is currently home to around 2,550 elephants. Though, the reserve’s “capacity” is estimated to be only 800 elephants.

In an effort to manage the burgeoning elephant population, the Save Valley Conservancy has relocated 200 elephants to other reserves over the past five years.

Authorities plan to distribute the meat from the culled elephants to local communities.The ivory harvested from the animals will be turned over to the national parks authorities.

Human-Wildlife Conflict Intensifies

zimbabwe is home to one of the world’s largest elephant populations. As climate change exacerbates environmental pressures, conflicts between humans and wildlife have become increasingly common, with elephants venturing into populated areas in search of food and water.

“capacity” is estimated at 800 elephants

this recent authorization follows a similar decision last year, when Zimbabwe approved the culling of approximately 200 elephants – the first such measure since 1988. At that time, officials stated that the meat from the culled animals would be distributed to communities grappling with a severe regional drought, mirroring a similar action taken by Namibia.

Understanding Elephant Overpopulation