Elephant Management in Southern Africa

On January 27, 2025, the South African Department of Forestry, Fisheries and Environment (DFFE) released the draft National Elephant Heritage Strategy for public comment, outlining objectives for managing and conserving South Africa's elephant population. With over 44,000 elephants in the country—31,000 of which are in Kruger National Park—debates over elephant population control, including culling and alternative management strategies, continue to evolve as experts assess their ecological impact and biodiversity role.