Botswana has scrapped its ban on hunting, citing an increase in conflicts between elephants and humans during the five years the rule was in place. CNN reports that the country which is home to 130 000 elephants – about one third of the continent's population – imposed the ban in 2014 to deter poaching. However, while the animals are popular with wildlife-loving tourists, locals have complained that they damage crops and affect livelihoods. ‘Predators appear to have increased and were causing a lot of damage as they kill livestock in large numbers,’ the Environment Ministry said in a statement. It said local authorities, affected communities, NGOs, tourism operators and conservationists were consulted.