In July 2015, an American hunter killed an iconic lion in Zimbabwe during a big-game
hunt.
The lion was illegally lured away from a conservation reserve in order to be killed — sparking
international outrage.
So what is trophy hunting?
And why is it still legal in certain areas?
Well, back when big game animal populations were relatively stable, trophy hunting was
a popular pastime, particularly in the United States.
Former President Teddy Roosevelt was a famous and prolific hunter, known for the many animal
heads lining his trophy room.
Today “trophy hunting” is still known as a display of prowess, and roughly 10 million
Americans hunt big-game every year.
In Tanzania, it’s reported that 60% of all trophy hunters come from the United States.
But in the 20th century, when animal species started becoming going extinct or at risk
for extinction, hunting regulations increased worldwide.
Most countries have wildlife protection agencies that outlaw many forms of hunting.
Those who hunt illegally are called “poachers."
Usually, poachers hunt animals for their valuable tusks and horns, however, animals may also
be poached for food or pest control.
However, not all hunting is illegal.
Some tribal groups are given special legal rights to continue hunting on their land,
assuming it does not severely affect animal populations.
On the other hand, trophy hunters are required to purchase expensive permits, and must follow
strict catch limits.
The money collected from permit sales is then used to supports the protection of the rest
of the hunted species.
In one recent instance, a hunter from Texas paid $350,000 dollars to hunt and kill a single
endangered black rhino in Namibia.
From 2008 to 2011, the nation of Tanzania reportedly took in about $75 million dollars
from hunting tourism.
As a result of conservation efforts funded by big game hunting, Tanzania currently has
the largest remaining African lion population.
For many impoverished or politically unstable nations, hunting tourism is one of the few
financially viable forms of tourism available.
Reputable organizations like the US Fish and Wildlife Service and the World Wildlife Fund
even officially support regulated hunting as a positive for conservationists and local
communities.
But one of the biggest concerns with legal hunting is that not all of the money paid
by hunters goes where it's supposed to.
Oftentimes, corrupt officials siphon much of the money.
One report suggested that “hunting operators in Tanzania contribute only 3% of their turnovers
to the communities that are affected by hunting.”
In theory, trophy hunting presents many advantages.
If correctly regulated, the proceeds aim to support endangered species.
Although many are outraged by the idea of ANY big-game hunting, it would be more beneficial
to endangered species if conservationists scrutinized corruption within hunting agencies
instead of legal hunters.
In June 2015, New York City fought back against poachers and illegal ivory.
Check out this video to find out how.
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