An estimated 6,830 elephants live in Cameroon, according to the International Union for Conservation of Nature, making it one of the largest populations of the endangered species left in Africa. Forestry and wildlife official Jean Nyemeg said elephants had trampled a child to death this week in a village near to Maroua, the capital of Cameroon's Far North region. Rangers on foot have been trying to woo them into a national park around 120 kilometers (74.56 miles) from Maroua, Nyemeg said. Wildlife groups in Cameroon have been seeking to resolve the conflict between elephants and humans, which has led to street protests in the past, and prevent poaching. Climate change-linked droughts have exacerbated tensions, as thirsty elephants are more likely to encroach villages and towns.

Source: The North Africa Journal May 24, 2023 22:09 UTC