Botswana has the largest elephant population in the world. (representative picture)

Botswana has threatened to ship 20,000 elephants to Germany over a dispute over hunting trophy imports.according to protectorThe dispute between the two countries began earlier this year when Germany’s environment ministry recommended tighter restrictions on the import of hunting trophies, citing concerns about poaching. Notably, Germany is the leading importer of African elephant trophies into the European Union (EU), according to a 2021 report by Humane Society International. President Mokwezi Masisi said on Tuesday that a ban on the import of hunting trophies would only plunge Botswana into poverty.

The African leader believes conservation efforts have led to a surge in elephant numbers and increased conflicts between humans and animals. Mr Masisi said hunting was an important means of controlling them, the outlet reported.

Botswana, the country with the largest elephant population in the world, banned trophy hunting in 2014 but lifted restrictions in 2019 following pressure from local communities. The state now issues annual hunting quotas.

Masisi said on Tuesday that elephants have trampled on people and destroyed homes and crops in recent years. “It’s easy to sit in Berlin and have an opinion about our affairs in Botswana. We are paying the price for the world to protect these animals,” he said.

Mr Mais also said that Germans should “live with animals the way you are trying to tell us”. “This is no joke,” he added.

Also Read | Who is Savannah Graziano?Kidnapped American girl shot to death by police

Previously, Botswana had proposed sending 8,000 elephants to Angola and 500 elephants to Mozambique to deal with the “overpopulation” problem. Masisi said he was “willing to offer such a gift to Germany” and “will not accept no”.

The African leader went on to criticize the German government. “We want our elephants to be able to roam freely. The weather in Germany is bad enough for them,” he added. “If you like them very much, then please accept this gift from us,” he said.

A spokesman for the German Environment Ministry said Botswana had not raised any concerns with Germany over the matter. However, Environment Minister Steffi Lemke “said she would accept Botswana’s invitation if there was an opportunity” to examine wildlife conservation. independent.

Meanwhile, in March, Botswana threatened to send 10,000 elephants to London’s Hyde Park to protest against a possible UK ban on the import of trophies by wildlife hunters.