Will Namibia's Elephant Auction Really Improve Conservation of the Critically Endangered Specie?

On January 29, 2021, the Namibian government pushed through with a controversial auction of 170 African elephants in the hopes of maintaining conservation numbers while minimizing the animals' conflict with local farms.

Wildlife experts were quick to slam the decision, stating a number of reasons why it is both unethical as well as harmful to the health of African elephant populations.

In its defense, the government asserts that it has placed stringent measures, stating that the elephant auction will only accept bidders who have shown they have the necessary facilities to house the animals as well as the consent of conservation authorities.

Elephant auction not a solution - experts

Many African wildlife advocacy groups insist that the auction is not the solution to the country's conflict between human and elephant populations. Among these reasons include:

Ecological sensitivity

For conservationists, one of the auction's biggest red flags is that it is open to private foreign bidders. Even with proper certification, the export of African elephants overseas still contributes to population loss and it could also have ramifications for ecological balance.

It is one of the many reasons why there are more restrictions on taking these elephants away from the wild.

Transnational migration

The elephant auction also ignores the reality of transnational migration. These creatures can travel well up to 100 km every year in response to dry seasons. None of the auction's requirements or restrictions have taken this into account.

Activists are pointing out that many of these elephants do not reside exclusively within Namibia and the state has no right to sell them under its name.

Corruption

The controversy further brings to light problems of corruption in the Namibian government. Its index may not be as bad as its neighbors, but it ranks particularly low in customs administration and natural resources.

The experts protesting the auction strongly believe that this move could only embolden anti-elephant sentiment among the nation's farmers as well as poachers.

Lack of transparency

Lastly, it has been reported that Namibia was one of the African countries who declined to participate in the Great Elephant Census.

This has only eroded the credibility of its claims that the auction is meant to handle a 'rise' in its local elephant population. If the numbers turn out to be exaggerated, then the entirety of Africa could experience even more tragic losses of this endangered species.

Conservationists work harder for elephant auction alternative

According to the government, poverty and the conflict with local farmers have been one of the major problems driving the need for the elephant auction.

It has been reported that at least ten elephants have had to be shot during last year's harvest season. Elephants wandering into farming areas often result in damage to crops vital for supporting villages.

In response, conservation efforts have been working tirelessly to better prevent future clashes (such as building fences as well as artificial watering holes that direct them away from farms). Despite this, they will continue to hold the government accountable for any more acts that threaten the African elephant's future.