I was disgusted to learn today that the Government is issuing licences to trophy hunters to kill the desert elephants of Namibia, and that Discount African Hunts has a client booked for a hunt later this year. This issue is extremely important as the desert elephants of Namibia are one of only two populations of ‘desert’ elephants in the world. While other elephant populations in other areas of Namibia may be stable, the desert elephants have been designated as a top priority for protection by the International Union for the Conservation of Nature. Elephants have enough threats in the wild and don't need the added threat from someone just wanting some fun and a photo opportunity. Hunting the desert elephants for trophies, meat, or politica votes is sickening. Hunting the desert elephants for trophies tells the world that it is OK to kill these precious creatures. It is NOT right, and it is NOT ok.  

The price for this hunt is $10,000. This is nothing compared to the tourism money that is brought in by people who come to Namibia to see these desert elephants. Tourism money for flights, taxis, accommodation, food and entertainment, souvenirs that are bought, postage that is spent to send a postcard home. All of this money adds up and if people have no reason to come to Namibia, this money will not come either. It is not only money from tourists that will be lost - tourism organisations employ local people to assist with their efforts. With elephants and other wildlife being killed, these tourism operators will have no reason to exist. With it will disappear job opportunities for local people, as well as support for the local schools and businesses. If the desert elephants are allowed to be hunted and killed, the tourism money that will be lost from people like myself no longer visiting Namibia, will far outweight the money gained from issuing licences such as these. I am asking the Government to think about the longer term picture and the reason why people come to Namibia. I am asking the Government to think about the wider economy and the impact that a significant decrease in tourism would have to it.

The Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES) is an international agreement between governments - which Namibia has signed up to and is a part of. CITES' aim is to ensure that international trade in specimens of wild animals and plants does not threaten their survival. The desert elephants, or Loxodonta Africana, are listed in Appendix II of CITES. Appendix II lists species that are not necessarily now threatened with extinction but that may become so unless trade is closely controlled. The desert elephants are listed in Appendix II for a reason. I am asking the Minister to please do not ignore this. Please do not turn a blind eye to the Convention that you as a Nation have signed up for!

I am not just some animal lover who is sitting on my comfy couch at home. I have been to Damaraland in Namibia. I have seen the amazing landscape in which these elephants live and the scarce natural resources to which they have adapted to. I have observed them - safely, from a distance, with minimal impact on their natural habitat - and watched them graze, watched young calves suckle, watched young males teaching each other to fight. They are precious creatures. They are already at risk. They deserve to be saved. PLEASE revoke this hunting licence and all future licences to hunt desert-adapted elephants in Namibia.