NitroX
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South Africa to cull excess elephants
February 26, 2008 - 1:34AM
South Africa is to cull elephants for the first time since 1995, lifting a moratorium on the practice to bring ballooning populations under control, the government said on Monday.
"Our Department has recognised the need to maintain culling as a management option, but has taken steps to ensure that this will be the option of last resort that is acceptable only under strict conditions," Environmental Minister Marthinus Van Schalkwyk said in a statement.
Since the government introduced a moratorium on culling in 1995, the number of elephants rose from about 8,000 to over 20,000, compelling the government to consider culling to halt their unsustainable population growth in game parks.
"The issue of population management has been devilishly complex and we would like to think that we have come up with a framework that is acceptable to the majority of South Africans," said Van Schalkwyk.
Announcing norms and standards for elephant management, the minister said other methods of population control would include contraception and translocation.
Culling may be undertaken only when recommended by an elephant management specialist, and on approval by authorities.
"It was to be expected that strong emotions would be part of this debate. There are few other creatures on earth that have the ability of elephants to 'connect' with humans in a very special way," said van Schalkwyk.
© 2008 AFP
http://news.smh.com.au/south-africa-to-cull-excess-elephants/20080226-1uqk.html
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John aka NitroX
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Govt get out of our lives NOW!
"I love the smell of cordite in the morning."
"A Sharp spear needs no polish"
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AspenHill
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Loc: Vermont, USA
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...contraception...
Right, who's gonna make Jumbo put a condom on?
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~Ann
Everyday spent outdoors is the best day of my life.
Aspen Hill Adventures
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9.3x57
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Reged: 22/04/07
Posts: 5561
Loc: United States
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Quote:
South Africa to cull excess elephants
February 26, 2008 - 1:34AM
"There are few other creatures on earth that have the ability of elephants to 'connect' with humans in a very special way," said van Schalkwyk.
...except wolves?
Seriously, though, such a problem indicates great success by the management authorities. I hope the animal products generated by the culling can be sold to raise significant revenue for the department, and in the event, I hope those funds are used wisely.
And yes, Ann, that would be a "Jumbo" condom!! 
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What are the Rosary, the Cross or the Crucifix other than tools to help maintain the fortress of our faith in Jesus Christ, the Son of God?
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SAHUNT
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Reged: 27/12/04
Posts: 900
Loc: Centurion, RSA
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It is about time they do something about it.
I can see the elepant cows towing every morning to get their pills 
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Life is how you pass the time between hunting trips.
Sometimes I do not express myself properly in the English language, please forgive me, I am just a boertjie.
Jaco Human
jacohu@mweb.co.za
SA Hunting Experience
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9.3x57
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Reged: 22/04/07
Posts: 5561
Loc: United States
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SAHUNT:
Goeie môre here...goeie naand there...
Can you ever see a program developed to sell elephant hunts in the Parks? I can't see hunting of any kind ever occuring here in Yellowstone, for example, but it never hurts to ask...
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What are the Rosary, the Cross or the Crucifix other than tools to help maintain the fortress of our faith in Jesus Christ, the Son of God?
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SAHUNT
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Reged: 27/12/04
Posts: 900
Loc: Centurion, RSA
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I do have elephant available in the Kruger Park and Buffalo. If anybody is interested let me know.
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Life is how you pass the time between hunting trips.
Sometimes I do not express myself properly in the English language, please forgive me, I am just a boertjie.
Jaco Human
jacohu@mweb.co.za
SA Hunting Experience
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bwananelson
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Reged: 08/10/07
Posts: 1195
Loc: DELTONA FLORIDA
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anybody up to do a vasectomy on a bull.could be a new section in the record book,anybody know a good taxidermist to mount balls.could hang them from the ends if the chains of cieling fans.
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THERE ARE NO DO OVERS IN LIFE DONT LET A CHANCE AT A DREAM SLIP AWAY.
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Ripp
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Reged: 19/02/07
Posts: 16072
Loc: Montana, USA
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Read the same thing tonight in our local paper--one other item the article stated was that this "might" lead to other nations opening up hunting for ele as well...
Ripp
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ALL MEN DIE, BUT FEW MEN TRULY LIVE..
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bwananelson
.400 member
Reged: 08/10/07
Posts: 1195
Loc: DELTONA FLORIDA
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maybe just maybe people will understand the concept renewable resource.but it has to be done right ecological not political or for profit.we protect the future,generations count on us to be able to see these noble beasts not stuffed but thriving.remember history repeats itself this world was traveled by greater beasts we ony see thier bones now and the impressions they left in rock,that episode we do not have any control but look at the dodo bird the near eradication of buffalo and elk.
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THERE ARE NO DO OVERS IN LIFE DONT LET A CHANCE AT A DREAM SLIP AWAY.
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NitroX
.700 member
Reged: 25/12/02
Posts: 40641
Loc: Barossa Valley, South Australi...
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It is an environmental sin to allow an excessive population of elephants to destroy the parks habitat, and not utilise the beasts in a sustainable manner seeing the herd as a whole can obviously be cropped..
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John aka NitroX
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Govt get out of our lives NOW!
"I love the smell of cordite in the morning."
"A Sharp spear needs no polish"
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Paul
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Reged: 28/08/07
Posts: 1031
Loc: Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
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I'm always amazed when I hear of plans to solve animal population problems by contraception or desexing. Seems to me disabling the males is just feminist political correctness, cause there'll always be a rogue bull, dog or fox sneak in to do what the others can't. Then all we finish up with is a diminished gene pool.
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