| THURSDAY,
19 JANUARY 2006: Scientists participating in the Elephant
Science Round Table (SRT) in Cape Town today advised the Minister
of Environmental Affairs & 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 J P 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.
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