According to the Namibian Ministry of Environment, Forestry and Tourism, 83 elephants, 30 hippos, 60 buffalo, 50 impala, 100 blue wildebeest and 300 zebra will be hunted under this program.
The animals will be selected from national parks and community areas and hunted by professional hunters.
The program aims to alleviate the effects of drought in the southwestern African country and reduce pressure on water resources by controlling animal numbers.
It also aims to reduce potential conflicts between elephants and humans. Elephants are more likely to come into contact with humans in times of drought as they search for food and water.
DROUGHT AND HUNGER
Namibia declared a state of emergency in May as the effects of the drought intensified. Some 1.4 million people, about half of the country's population, are expected to face severe food insecurity.
The ministry said more than 150 animals had already been slaughtered, yielding over 56 tons of meat. This meat was distributed to people struggling with hunger, especially those living in rural areas.
Namibia has been severely affected by the drought caused by El Nino in Southern Africa.
