Namibia Sending 170 Wild Elephants to Auction
Elephants are at risk of extinction due to poaching and ecological factors
The southern African country of Namibia is planning to auction up to 170 wild elephants. An increase in elephant population and drought are the main reasons the government is putting the animals up for sale.
Namibia’s environmental ministry has established strict sales guidelines. Bidders must meet strict criteria to participate. Requirements include verifying that elephants won in the auction will be protected by game-proof fencing once they relocate. Stringent quarantine measures are also in place. The bidding is open to anyone in the country or abroad who can meet the standards.
Experts fear the elephants are at risk for extinction. Factors such as drought are a threat to the animals’ well-being.
Poachers place a high value on elephant tusks. Harvesting the large mammals for their ivory tusks is illegal.
Elephants, to their detriment, are increasingly involved in conflicts with humans. Tusks slip out of the country and land in China and other southeast Asian countries. Ivory is a prized material in jewelry making.
