The Documentary Podcast Elephant politics
Dec 18, 2025
Professor Victor Muposhi, a conservation biologist from Botswana University, dives into the complex world of elephants in Botswana. With over 130,000 elephants, he discusses the pressures on local communities and the staggering costs of conservation. Innovative solutions like beehive fences and 'elephant-aware' programs are explored. The reintroduction of trophy hunting raises ethical debates and local responses on its economic benefits. Muposhi emphasizes the need for global cooperation to tackle climate change and find sustainable funding for elephant management.
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Villagers' Cultural Response To Elephant Damage
- Villagers perform cultural shows and describe frequent crop losses to elephants, showing daily impact on subsistence farming.
- EcoExist and NGOs support local livelihoods to help people tolerate elephants and benefit from tourism.
Beehive Fences Protect Crops
- Mr Dimbo uses beehive fences and noise-making tins to deter elephants and stays overnight to guard his crops.
- The devices aim to startle elephants and alert the farmer to their approach before damage occurs.
Elephant Express Keeps Children Safe
- EcoExist persuaded tour operators to fund three school minibuses called the Elephant Express to keep children safe from elephant corridors.
- The buses reduced long, dangerous walks and relieved parental fear of kids encountering elephants en route to school.