Trophy hunting in Zimbabwe’s Matetsi Safari Area is not sustainable at current levels as trophy sizes are declining, there is little scientific data supporting quota sizes and hunting management is seriously incapacitated.
Category Archives: Hunting
PHASA to defend captive-bred lion resolution
The Professional Hunters Association of South Africa (PHASA) is to defend its position on captive-bred lion hunting and breeding in the Pretoria High Court on 22 November.
USA bans trophy imports of captive South African lions
The United States government has again tightened regulations regarding the importation into the USA of lion trophies, this time focusing on trophies from captive populations in South Africa.
Sustainable utilisation of wildlife not so sustainable
“The harvesting of species from the wild at rates that cannot be compensated for by reproduction or regrowth” has been recently identified as the single biggest threat to biodiversity, highlighting that proposals for sustainable utilisation need to be examined with extreme care.
Lion & Safari Park offers cub petting again
Worrying images surface of lion cub petting at South Africa’s infamous Lion & Safari Park, after it had claimed that it would put a stop to these interactions.
Breaking news: Wild leopards captured for hunting on Walter Slippers’ farm
Seven wild leopards found in a concrete shed on Walter Slippers’ farm – reportedly trapped then stored there for American hunters to shoot.
Bushmeat hunting alarmingly high in South Africa
A recent study shows levels of bushmeat hunting in KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa are alarmingly high.
Photos emerge of malnourished lions on breeding farm
Photos of skeletal lions on a farm in Limpopo highlight how “these breeders have no ethical conservation intent.”
Missing the Mark: African trophy hunting fails to show consistent conservation benefits
An analysis by the US House Committee on Natural Resources shows that African trophy hunting fails to show consistent conservation benefits.
“Born to Live Wild” pledge initiated by tour operators worldwide
Promoting responsible tourism the “Born to Live Wild” pledge has been initiated to stop canned hunting.
Botswanan communities want exemptions to hunting ban
Communities in Botswana want elephants and buffaloes to be exempted from the country’s two-year-old hunting ban, arguing that the two species are not in decline.
Trophy hunting – A compromise?
Is there a solution when it comes to the trophy hunting debate?
Do hunters conserve wildlife?
A debate for and against the motion “Hunters Conserve Wildlife”.
Travel companies call for an end to activities that exploit lions
African safari and ecotourism companies call for an end to captive breeding and canned lion hunting.
Namibian communities rely on hunting to protect wildlife
Namibian conservancies say that if trophy hunting were to banned they would see wildlife disappear within a month.
Understanding leopard populations with your help
The key to protecting leopards could be in providing high quality research on population numbers and the distribution of leopards across the African continent.
Official statement by African Lion Working Group on canned hunting and captive breeding
A definitive line is drawn in the sand when it comes to canned hunting and captive-breeding by a respected group of lion specialists.
South African private wildlife numbers overstated
Endangered Wildlife Trust has published a study on wildlife ranching, which shows that South African private wildlife numbers may be inflated threefold.
Will this giant hunting auction benefit African wildlife?
Does trophy hunting support wildlife conservation in Africa? The world’s most influential hunters’ association would like you to think so.
South Africa bans leopard trophy hunting for 2016
To avoid putting additional pressure on leopard populations, a leopard trophy hunting ban is in place throughout 2016.
Lions, trophy hunting and the US government – the 27 facts you need to know
27 things you need to know about lion trophy imports in the US, and the impact hunting is having on lions in Africa.
Lions in Central and West Africa to be added to endangered species list
Lions in central and West Africa are to be placed under the protection of the Endangered Species Act in order to set a higher bar for hunters who want to bring lion trophies into the United States.
Anti-hunting lobbyists cost Namibia dearly
Namibian Minister of Environment and Tourism says that anti-hunting lobbyists cost the Namibian government US$650,000 last year after pressurising the United States government on the legal auction of a black rhino hunt.
Hunters hold African wildlife to ransom
What is the world’s wealthiest hunting organisation and the South African Department of Environment discussing behind closed doors?
France bans import of lion hunting trophies
French officials have been told to stop issuing import permits for lion hunting trophies, including heads, paws and skins, while country considers stricter controls on other species.
South African government and US hunters plot future of wildlife
The nature of the African Wildlife Consultative Forum that is currently taking place in South Africa makes it difficult not to infer a conspiracy between hunters and government.
The aftermath of Cecil the lion – Interview with researcher Brent Stapelkamp
Cecil the lion was shot by American dentist Walter Palmer near Hwange National Park in Zimbabwe – we interview researcher Brent Stapelkamp
Wildlife ranching in South Africa
Dr Peter Oberem takes a closer look at game breeding in South Africa as well as colour morphs and says why we should support wildlife ranching.
Zimbabwean hunter loses bid to have Cecil case dropped
Accused of “failing to prevent an illegal hunt” of Cecil the lion, Theo Bronkhorst’s application for his case to be referred to the constitutional court has been dismissed, and the case will be adjourned on 20th November.
Zimbabwe elephant hunter identified as German property mogul
Animal rights group PETA has named the hunter who killed one of Africa’s largest elephants as German businessman Rainer Schorr
Blood Lions threatens to bring down lion breeding industry
A closer look at the world’s reaction to the Blood Lions documentary.
Hunted giant not Kruger elephant?
Bull elephant hunted in Zimbabwe is likely not Nkombo from the Kruger National Park.
China issues one-year ban on African ivory hunting trophy imports
China has issued a one-year ban on African ivory hunting trophy imports ahead President Xi Jinping’s visit to Britain this month.
Iconic elephant shot in Zimbabwe
An elephant with tusks estimated to weigh 120lb (54,4+kg) each was shot in the Malapati concession, located in southeastern Zimbabwe near Gonarezhou National Park.
Cecil the lion: No charges for Walter Palmer
Zimbabwe’s environment minister said that the US dentist, Walter Palmer, could not be charged for an illegal hunt as all his “papers were in order”.
Zimbabwean justice system fails to punish Cecil’s killers
No charges have been filed against Walter Palmer for the killing of Cecil the lion and the Zimbabwean police have not supplied the required documentation for his extradition.
After the Cecil storm, 3 experts air their views
In light of the uproar following the death of Cecil, three prize winners weigh in on trophy hunting.
Dereck Joubert responds to a hunter on the economics of hunting
Dereck Joubert explains how the argument for hunting gets thinner each time it is tested.
MSC ban the transport of hunting trophies
The privately owned global shipping company, MSC, has banned the transportation of hunting trophies on ethical grounds.
But first, let me take a lion selfie!
An exploration of the reality behind the lion breeding industry and the heavy implications of taking a ‘selfie’ with an adorable lion cub.
Hunting lions for fun
Award winning filmmaker, Dereck Joubert, explores the viability and ethics of hunting in the hope that Cecil the lion has died for at least some cause: to rally everyone to get important legislation passed and to stop the killing of lions for fun.
Zimbabwe lifts nationwide trophy hunting ban
The nationwide ban on hunting lions, leopards and elephants in Zimbabwe has been lifted, but a ban is still in force in a limited area including on the farm where Cecil was killed and on another farm where a second lion was hunted.
Cubs doing okay after Cecil’s death
The light at the end of the tunnel: Cecil’s story not only raises awareness about conservation issues, but it also sends the message that people care about the future of his offspring and his kind. Here are some fantastic photos of his cubs to ease your minds.
American Airlines and United Airlines also ban hunting trophies
Following recent news that Delta Airlines has banned the transport of hunting trophies, two other American airlines – United Airlines and American Airlines – have been quick to follow suit.
Delta joins growing list of airlines banning hunting trophies
Delta has announced a ban on transporting trophy kills following pressure from customers, activists and a petition with 395,245 signatures.
Alternatives to canned hunting
Legal trade, breeding programmes and other economic measures could be effective alternatives to canned hunting provided ethical boundaries are in place and local people are allowed to benefit.
Excellent quotes and updates on Cecil the lion
Debate, drama and decisions in the wake of the death of Cecil, Zimbabwe’s iconic lion.
US dentist thought lion hunt was legal
An American hunter accused of illegally killing a protected lion in Zimbabwe said that he wasn’t aware of the animal’s status “until the end of the hunt.”
Cecil the lion’s killer revealed as American dentist
A Minnesota father of two is discovered to be the hunter who shot dead Cecil – one of Zimbabwe’s most loved lions.
Two arrested for killing of Cecil the lion while authorities track hunter
Zimbabwe authorities are trying to track down the Spaniard that allegedly paid €50,000 to kill Cecil, one of Africa’s most famous lions.
Professional hunters’ association president calls for a review of lion hunting
After viewing the new film Blood Lions, Hermann Meyeridricks is asking the hunting association to reconsider its position on lion hunting.
SAA lifts embargo on the transportation of hunting trophies
South African Airways have lifted with immediate effect the embargo that was placed on elephant, rhino, lion and tiger hunting trophies.
More info about the hunt of Cecil the lion
A well-known and much-photographed black-maned lion affectionately named Cecil was killed by sport hunters just outside Hwange in Zimbabwe last week.
Blood Lions – a film exposing the brutal exploitation of the king of beasts
We interview wildlife campaigner Ian Michler, and filmmaker Nick Chevallier about their new film, Blood Lions.
Female elephant mistakenly shot by hunters
A female elephant was accidentally killed instead of an allegedly ‘damage causing’ bull elephant when a hunting permit was suspiciously issued at Mabalingwe Nature Reserve.
60% collapse of Tanzania’s elephants justifies US ban on trophy imports
Dwindling elephant populations in Tanzania and Zimbabwe justify the USA ban on the importation of elephant trophies from the two countries.
Lion trouble in Namibia
Lions could be in trouble in Namibia’s north-west if nothing is done to reduce human-predator conflict.
Lufthansa bans transport of hunting trophies
Lufthansa airline changes its policy on transporting hunting trophies.
Zambia lifts big cat hunting ban
Zambia lifts ban on safari hunting to attract tourists.
South African lion management plan released
How lions in South Africa are destined to end up being traded to China.
South African Airways Cargo to ban transportation of hunting trophies?
Reports claim that South African Airways (SAA) Cargo has placed an embargo on the transportation of hunting trophies.
How do you like your rhino – canned or wild?
Are South African conservation authorities intent on shipping some of our wild rhinos to live out their lives “safely” on hunting and horn cropping farms?
NSPCA’s formal stance on the selective breeding of wild animals for colour mutations
The NSPCA speaks out on why selective breeding for colour morphs has absolutely no benefit to the individual animal, the species, biodiversity or conservation as a whole.
Hunting for conservation
Russel Gammon discusses what every conservationist should be fighting for – both hunters and non-hunters alike.
A response to the hunting debate
A response from well-known conservationist Gail Potgieter on the hunting debate.
The Thing About Hunting
The thing about hunting is that the topic is so polarising that it prevents meaningful discourse between people who probably have more in common than they care to admit. And, while the protagonists battle it out, the grim reapers continue to harvest Africa’s wildlife and other natural resources. We humans tend to silo information to …
Buffalo bull market worth millions
All about buffalos, their increasing value to the hunting community and the size of their horns.
40 000 Maasai told to leave homeland as hunters move in
Tanzania has been accused of reneging on its promise to 40 000 Maasai pastoralists by going ahead with plans to evict them and turn their ancestral land into a reserve for the royal family of Dubai to hunt big game.
Namibian black rhino hunt may be cancelled
The Texas hunting club that auctioned off a permit to shoot an endangered black rhinoceros in Namibia said it will cancel the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service denies the winning bidder’s request to bring the dead animal back to the U.S. as a trophy.
The Rise of the Huntress
A commentary on the rising popularity of hunting among young women.
Hunting with the Hadzabe bushmen
Ken joins a traditional hunt with a tribe of Hadzabe bushmen.
Video footage emerges showing why Tanzanian hunting company was banned
Motherboard has gotten its hands on some horrifying video footage of hunting and wild animal abuse in Tanzania with a company known as Green Mile Safari.
Lion King or Commodity?
AN ANALYSIS OF
THE LION BREEDING INDUSTRY
IN SOUTH AFRICA
World Cup beauty loses modeling gig after hunting photo outrage
Belgium teenager, Axelle Despiegelaere, loses modeling contract with L’Oreal, a cosmetic giant that: “no longer tests on animals,” after controversial hunting photograph, of her with a dead oryx, emerges during the World Cup.
Emotion and desert elephants
Dr Margaret Jacobsohn gives her thoughts on the Namibian desert elephant hunting debate.
A Namibian’s view on hunting in his home country
Namibian John K Kasaona gives a local’s view on the Namibian hunting debate.
More desert elephants to be shot
Concerns have been heightened by the Namibian Ministy of Environment and Tourism’s decision to issue additional hunting permits for desert elephants.
Happy huntress the next Melissa Bachman?
Meet Kendall Jones, a happy huntress, with good looks, a large weapon and her very own dead lion she seems to be the next Melissa Bachman.
Hunting of “desert” elephants
Award-winning conservationist sets the record straight about the Namibian desert elephant hunting debate.
The link between cub petting and canned lions
This video by Campaign Against Canned Hunting (CACH) clarifies the connection between the canned lion hunting and cub petting industries in South Africa.
Namibian government responds to elephant hunting debate
The Namibian government response to NGOs, on hunting ‘desert elephants’.
Sleeping elephant woken up to be shot
The sickening footage of the shocking moment a sleeping elephant in Zimbabwe was woken up by American trophy hunters and shot.
Kenyan ranger’s moving letter to American rhino hunter
A Kenyan grassroots initiative, Walk With Rangers, has spoken out against the controversial rhino auction held by the Dallas Safari Club that saw the highest bidder, Mr. Corey Knowlton, cough up a staggering US$350 000 to hunt an endangered black rhino in Namibia.
Did Melissa Bachman, and her friends, shoot your lion cub?
Kevin Richardson discusses the reality of lion cub petting and how this relates back to canned lion hunts and the likes of Melissa Bachman.
Permit to hunt black rhino auctioned for $350 000
A permit to hunt an endangered African black rhino has sold for US$350 000 at a closely watched auction that’s been criticised by wildlife and animal rights groups.
Botswana minister in lion trade scandal
Botswana’s Minister of Agriculture, Christian de Graaff, is under fire after he exported a large shipment of lions to a canned hunting outfit in South Africa last month.
Melissa Bachman’s lion hunt – the latest
Melissa Bachman has sparked international outrage after posting a picture on social media, boasting publicly about killing a magnificent male lion in the Maroi Conservancy in South Africa.
Trophy hunting in the context of community conservation
A thought-provoking blog post about how a well-managed trophy hunting operation has a positive effect on both wildlife and communities.
South Africa’s trophy hunt industry linked to rhino horn trafficking … AGAIN
The trophy hunting industry has been caught using loopholes to traffic rhino horns into the illegal rhino horn market
Maasai people locked out of Loliondo
Loliondo the Maasai community concession and wildlife destinations is in the spotlight as locals clash with trophy hunmting companies
Conservation is Politics: Zambia’s Hunting Landscape
On 9 January 2013, the Zambian Minister of Tourism Sylvia Masebo – responsible through its board for the parastatal the Zambia Wildlife Authority (ZAWA) – called a meeting at very short notice in Lusaka of all the hunting-safari stakeholders. Vice-President Scott attended. Rolf Shenton, the former MP for Mkushi whose father Barry brought the first …
Continue reading “Conservation is Politics: Zambia’s Hunting Landscape”
Zambia Hunting Ban Update
On Wednesday the Zambian government held a stakeholders meeting in Lusaka in an attempt to thrash out some of the issues surrounding the crisis within the local trophy hunting industry. Chaired by the Vice-President (VP), Dr Guy Scott, those in attendance included a cross-section of hunters, wildlife managers, eco-tourism consultants, outside observers, government personnel and …
Fingers Off the Trigger: Zambia Cancels All Trophy Hunting Licences
Towards the end of last week Zambian wildlife authorities suspended the tender process for hunting concessions and cancelled all hunting licences for the foreseeable future. According to sources and local news reports, Minister of Tourism and Arts Sylvia Masebo has based her decision on corruption and malpractices between the hunting companies and various government departments. …
Continue reading “Fingers Off the Trigger: Zambia Cancels All Trophy Hunting Licences”
