Zimbabwe to cull 200 elephants to feed drought-hit communities

Zimbabwe plans to cull 200 elephants from across the country, the first time since 1987, to feed communities in areas affected by the El Nino-induced drought, Zimbabwe wildlife authorities said.

Southern Africa is reeling from its worst drought in four decades, with 68 million people facing hunger as crops are wiped out across the region.

the meat will be distributed to communities affected by the drought.

The cull will take place in the Hwange, Mbire, Tsholotsho and Chiredzi districts and follows neighbouring Namibia's decision last month to cull 83 elephants and distribute meat to people impacted by the drought.

More than 200,000 elephants are estimated to live in a conservation area spread over five southern African countries - Zimbabwe, Zambia, Botswana, Angola and Namibia - making the region home to one of the largest elephant populations worldwide.