[BertieB]

These big fat ones are on CITES, thus their numbers cannot be managed by regulated culling.
I watched a programme over the weekend where the concerns about the sharp increase in elephant numbers were raised and the destruction of large trees noted.
Scientists estimated that the carrying capacity of the Kruger NP is about 8000 elephants and the latest counts estimates about 40 000 in the park.
I guess it is all about balance and with no natural enemies the elephant numbers are increasing out of control.

You can only see EXIF info for this image if you are logged in.

 

[Rassie]

Neat image, Bertie. And let me say at the outset: I love elephants and wish them no harm.
As for culling, this is an issue that keeps cropping up in Africa with elephants. After a moratorium of hunting and culling (and ivory ban) back in the early 80's, I remember seeing the devastation of the trees in Chobe, Botswana during a safari there in 1981. The elephant numbers then were out of control as well. They eventually had to relent and resorted to culling to get them under control again.

Einstein is reported to have defined insanity as doing the same thing over and over again and expecting different results.
It seems we keep going in circles. I don't have the answer for the problem, but there are folks who get paid to come up with solutions. Methinks they need to get off their backsides and find lasting solutions.

 

[Callie]

Bertie, nice image, bad boys!. Over the last 20 + years, since the Feb 2000 flood, Kruger has never been the same. And the ellies do not help, especially in central Kruger where is nearly no more trees in our favorite areas.

 

[BertieB]

Neat image, Bertie. And let me say at the outset: I love elephants and wish them no harm.
As for culling, this is an issue that keeps cropping up in Africa with elephants. After a moratorium of hunting and culling (and ivory ban) back in the early 80's, I remember seeing the devastation of the trees in Chobe, Botswana during a safari there in 1981. The elephant numbers then were out of control as well. They eventually had to relent and resorted to culling to get them under control again.

Einstein is reported to have defined insanity as doing the same thing over and over again and expecting different results.
It seems we keep going in circles. I don't have the answer for the problem, but there are folks who get paid to come up with solutions. Methinks they need to get off their backsides and find lasting solutions.

Very true Rassie!
I remember late 70's and 80's one could buy elephant biltong in the park, it was well controlled then!
After the ban they tried birth control and relocation of elephant families but don't think it was very successful, hence the current problem!

 

[Woodyg3]

The problem is a lack of predators, right? There were no humans thinning the heards 10,000 years ago, the natural balance of predators to prey kept things in balance.