18 January 2006
Scientists participating in the Elephant Science Round Table (SRT) in Cape
Town today advised the Minister of Environmental Affairs and Tourism, Marthinus
van Schalkwyk, that there is no compelling evidence to suggest the need for
immediate, large-scale reduction of elephant numbers in the Kruger National
Park.
Even so, in some protected areas, including the Kruger National Park,
elephant density, distribution and population structure may need to be managed
locally to meet biodiversity and other objectives.
"The Round Table essentially confirmed the diversity of views on this
emotive issue, but also that role players are at the end committed to the same
objective, which is to assert South Africa's internationally recognised skill
of conservation management," said JP Louw, spokesperson of the Department of
Environmental Affairs and Tourism.
"Although a large body of scientific knowledge exists, the SRT Panel advised
that further research should inform the inevitable interventions required to
manage burgeoning elephant populations in South Africa's protected areas.
"The Minister benefited enormously from the wide ranging presentations by
ten of the world's leading elephant scientists further," said Louw. "He
appreciated that it would be difficult to obtain a consensus view on the matter
given the complexity of the ecosystem. However, the ongoing scientific dialogue
helps the Department to reduce the uncertainties surrounding elephant
science."
Panellists also advised the Minister that ecological science is a "work in
progress", implying that scientific research into the relationship between
elephants and the ecosystem should be seen as an ongoing project.
"The Minister was sympathetic towards the view that more research is needed
but made it clear he would not side step making a timely decision," Louw
said.
The Minister was supportive of the proposal that a representative advisory
science panel should be established to design and fund an accelerated elephant
research programme. The Department would be willing to make a generous
contribution to such a project.
Louw said the Minister would take into account the available science and
other factors such as societal choice, ethics, environmental and economic
impacts and indigenous knowledge before publishing draft policy guidelines
later this year.
"This is an enormously complex issue with a wide range of opinions that are
passionately advocated by various stakeholder groups. The Minister has
undertaken to consider all opinions carefully before reaching a decision."
The discussions were not able to cover all areas of concern and as a result
the Minster will consider the possibility of a follow up consultation with the
SRT Panel and other scientists.
Enquiries:
JP Louw
Cell: 082 569 3340
Issued by: Department of Environmental Affairs and Tourism
18 January 2006
