Elephant and nature lovers gathered in Louis Trichardt to listen to the captivating speech of Howard Blight, author of An Elephant Bloodline.

The elephant debate is known to be the most highly debated subject in conservation. South Africa stopped culling elephants in 1995. This year, a national elephant management policy was proposed and culling could be resumed.

"In this highly emotional elephant-debate, Blight is one of the most balanced voices. No one can doubt his knowledge, passion and love for elephants. There is also no doubt about his concern about the unrestrained growth in the elephant population. He mentioned that there are currently 14 000 elephants in the Kruger National Park. Three calves are born each day," says Johan Kirsten, host to Blight and the guests who gathered at Kirsten’s stationery shop.

An Elephant Bloodline records the 100-year history of the Kruger National Park through the eyes and minds of the elephants. The book gives insights as to how elephants live and interact with one another on the African woodland savannah.

"In the dramatic narrative, seen through the minds and eyes of elephants, the anecdotes are pretty accurate. My work with elephants gave me an opportunity to see how elephants relate to each other. Elephants are very intelligent and communicate as efficiently as dolphins or whales. They purposefully teach their young, and when there is death, they mourn as humans do," says Blight, who resides in Tzaneen.

"But can we allow the biggest bulk feeder, the elephant, to reduce the bush to uninhabitable land? They have a dramatic effect on the savannah. It is irresponsible to leave the problem to sort itself out. You have to prepare yourself for the possibility of culling. It’s a tough decision," Blight said.

Peter Knott of Greater Khudu Land Safaris near Tshipise said that they have 16 000ha and now have 16 elephants, which is just too much.

"We all have a love for the bush and elephants, but too many elephants destroy the habitat," Peter said.

Elephants consume 200kg dry mass per day and they utilise only 5% of the biomass of a tree which they push over or kill by ring-barking it.

Peter Menné said that, as a cattle farmer, he would say that if culling is necessary "why not just go ahead and do it?" Blight explained that elephant culling is a highly emotional issue.

"We cannot allow other species to pay the price of the destruction of the habitat, but I feel emotion for the elephant and I do not like culling. If there is an alternative, it will be a good thing. I can’t wait to read the book," said Annette Kennealy.