More than 100 delegates have convened at the Etosha National Park for a special symposium to mark the centenary celebrations of the game sanctuary.
The delegates are environmental scientists and researchers who have, in the past, conducted researches on Etosha. The aim of the symposium is for the delegates to reflect on past achievements and future challenges, a statement from the Ministry of Environment and Tourism said.

“Among topics featuring prominently for discussions include the human footprints on the park and the ungulate assemblage in Etosha with major focus on black rhino. The ecology of big cats with particular reference to perspectives on evolution and conservation and identifying effective intervention for wild land conservation, is one of the prominent issues on the agenda,” said the statement.
The issue of elephant conservation is also expected to generate an interesting debate because of the human wildlife conflicts, especially among the villages near Etosha who keep loosing their crops and belongings to elephants. “The participants will also reflect on vegetation changes caused by elephants particularly around waterholes, and future management needs and options.”
The management of anthrax in the park and its wider applications and benefits will be reviewed. A new anthrax study in Etosha will be presented. Other issues for discussions include rhino conservation genetics and the debate on whether grazer needs trees. Population dynamics of zebras, springbok and wildebeest in Etosha and the intricacies of spotted hyenas will for m part of the three day meeting.