Credit: MCPHOTO/STILL PICTURES

South Africa's 13-year ban on elephant culling was lifted on 1 May to help manage the flourishing population.

The pachyderms (pictured) — once close to being wiped out in many parts of the continent — have more than doubled in number in the country since 1995, generating concerns about vegetation destruction, and threats to people and livelihoods within elephant ranges.

Culling — under strict provisos — has been legalized as a last resort, the government asserts. Yet some conservationists have condemned the action, warning that it may encourage ivory poachers and could threaten populations elsewhere.

Alternative ways of curbing elephant numbers include relocating the animals and hormone-based contraception.