In a surprising turn of events, the president of Botswana has threatened to ship 20,000 elephants to Germany in an apparent political dispute.
Germany's environment ministry had proposed the implementation of more stringent regulations on the importation of hunting trophies.
German newspaper Bild reports that Botswana's president Mokgweetsi Masisi expressed concerns about the potential negative impact of such stringent regulations on the people of Botswana.
He said the increase in elephant population can be attributed to successful conservation efforts, while hunting plays a role in maintaining a balanced population.
President Masisi said Germans should coexist with the elephants as they are trying to prescribe to them.
"We would like to offer such a gift to Germany," Masisi said, emphasising the seriousness of the offer and his determination to receive a positive response.
The nation boasts an impressive number of over 130,000 elephants, accounting for approximately one-third of the global population.
He said the herds were wreaking havoc on property, devouring crops, and posing a threat to residents.
Botswana has previously provided 8,000 elephants to countries like Angola and has extended offers of hundreds more to Mozambique to manage the population, according to the BBC.
In 2014, Botswana decided to ban trophy hunting.
However, in 2019, the country lifted these restrictions due to pressure from local communities.
The country now implements annual hunting quotas, emphasising the positive impact it has on the local community's income.
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