Question NW807 to the Minister of Forestry, Fisheries and Environment

Phillips, Ms C to ask the Minister of Forestry, Fisheries and Environment

(1) (a) What was the estimated elephant population at the end of 2021 as the elephant population was estimated to be 31 000 elephants at the end of 2020 and (b) how was the estimate arrived at: (2) In light of the fact that SANParks uses sample block counting methods to estimate elephant population sizes, on what date was the last count conducted to estimate the number of elephants in the Kruger national Park; (3) whether she will furnish Mrs. C Phillips with the details of the sample/block counting methods used to count the elephant population; if not, why not; if so, what are the relevant details; (4) whether the sample block counting methods are in accordance with the methods used by neighbouring countries with large elephant population such as Botswana, Namibia and Zimbabwe; if not, what is the position in this regard; if so, what are the relevant details; (5) whether the sample block counting methods are in accordance with those accepted by the international Union for Conservation of Nature’s African Elephant Specialist Group; if not, why not; if so what are the relevant details?