Zim defends culling

Overpopulation of massive animals blamed for food shortages.

- Harare

WILDLIFE: KILLING OF ELEPHANTS 'WILL FEED PEOPLE FACING DROUGHT'

Zimbabwe's wildlife authority this week defended its planned cull of 200 elephants to ease pressure on droughtstrained resources after criticism.

Announced last week, the body said the country's first cull in around 35 years was necessary as Zimbabwe was struggling to cope with an overpopulation of the massive animals, along with a withering drought that has left thousands facing food shortages.

It came after neighbouring Namibia said it was planning to cull more than 700 wild animals, including 83 elephants, to relieve pressure on its drought-affected grazing and water supplies, and to provide meat for food aid programmes.

Both culls faced criticism from conservationists and animal rights groups.