Relief as Zambia Finally Ban Big Game Hunting

Conservation groups across the globe breathed a huge sigh of relief, as the African country of Zambia finally agreed to ban big game hunting for good. The country makes an estimated £1.9million a year from safari hunting but it appears the government has finally seen sense, though more from a financial point of view than a conservation aspect.

It now appears that ministers can see the financial gain from animal tourism is far better for the economy in the long run. After all, there won’t be many visitors to see the countries lions and leopards if they have all been hunted down in the name of sport. One would suggest that the governments ability to see the bigger picture will finally help the numbers of big game animals to increase in Zambia, which is great news for all concerned.

Neighbouring Botswana will be following in Zambia’s footsteps by banning sport hunting from 2014, though why they feel the need to continue for another whole year is anyone’s guess. Countries such as Kenya stopped sports hunting decades ago, but I guess these states agreeing to stop is better than nothing. Zambia suspended 19 hunting concessions along with firing the top brass at the Zambia Wildlife Authority due to corruption allegations.

Leopard numbers have yet to be confirmed in Zambia, but hopefully, thanks to these new changes to the law, their species will be able to flourish again. With big cat numbers falling across the the continent of Africa, here’s hoping more countries finally take a stand against game hunting to allow beautiful creatures, like the leopard, to increase their numbers and fight extinction.

If you would also like to help the cause of the leopard, you can adopt one for our WWF charity page. You receive a cuddly toy of your beautiful big cat, plus loads of other goodies whilst providing much needed funds to help these amazing creatures during their hour of need.