Elephant cull 'may resume in South Africa'

Culling and contraception have been added to the management options that South Africa could enlist to control its ever-growing elephant population, according to reports.

About 20,000 elephants exist within South Africa and this is expected to double by 2020, with a current growth rate of five per cent a year.

Elephants were once an endangered species in the country, but now some feel that the environment in which the elephants live must also be protected.

Marthinus van Schalkwyk, environment and tourism minister, was quoted by Reuters as saying: "We are adding culling and contraception to the range of management options because, based on the information that we have, it is necessary.

Mr Van Schalkwyk added that it was a difficult decision and there would be a consultation with environmentalists before any proposal was taken forward.

Elephants are culled by rounding up family groups and shooting them. Supporters of such a measure argue that the animals eat an enormous amount of grass and leaves every day.