In the Kruger National Park in South Africa, vets are experimenting with contraception for elephants. After six months, one programme had to be abandoned because, although the cows have not become pregnant they are on constant heat, which is driving the local bulls crazy. If the ban is lifted at the Cites meeting, the fate of the African elephant will rest on the ability of Africa to protect it and on the ability of the international community to control trade. In countries like Zambia, the outlook is not promising. But in Zimbabwe, Namibia, Botswana and South Africa, it could be a positive move.
Grassroots conservationists are, by and large, an incorruptible bunch.
All over Africa, there are men and women, paid a pittance, who protect the wild and its creatures with unswerving devotion. The danger is in the venality of governments, particularly those which, like Mugabe's, have been in power too long. Already there are indications of dedicated conservationists being replaced by party men. Before the ban was enforced in 1989, communities neighbouring the parks collaborated with poachers. Campfire has given these people a stake in protecting the animals.