Measuring the impact of a ban on German trophy hunting imports

Measuring the impact of a

ban on German trophy hunting imports

Proposed bans on trophy hunting imports should be evidence-based and include transparent dialogue with affected stakeholders. Non-consumptive tourism as an alternative requires specific conditions often lacking where trophy hunting thrives (IUCN, 2016; Lindsey et al., 2006). Regulated tourism and hunting can coexist in certain areas such as Namibia, contributing to wildlife viability under effective policies (IUCN, 2016; Naidoo et al., 2016). Respecting self-determination rights while considering evidence is crucial in navigating the complexities of wildlife conservation and sustainable land use.

The report addresses the multifaceted discourse surrounding trophy hunting, highlighting its complexities beyond ethical considerations. It emphasises the need to include diverse perspectives, particularly those rooted in African contexts, and stresses the importance of considering voices from the field in decisions impacting their lives (van Houdt et al., 2021; UN, 2007).

The report examines the potential economic, social and conservation impacts of a German trophy hunting import ban, specifically on Africa.

In this project, trophy hunting is defined as:

“The legal hunting of wild animals, typically hunted for specific desired characteristics (such as large horns), and usually by foreign clients”

(IUCN, 2016; Saayman et al., 2018)

Objectives

Methodology

The report explores the scope of German trophy hunting, analysing impacted species and countries, evaluating potential economic and conservation implications, and outlining stakeholder attitudes toward a trophy hunting import ban. A comprehensive study was initiated through a literature review and an online survey. The survey was widely circulated via snowball sampling across African conservation platforms, governmental bodies, NGOs, and community organisations. Both qualitative and quantitative data from the literature review and survey were collated to compose the final report.

Findings

Long-term monitoring of trophy hunting is essential for assessing conservation costs and benefits, requiring comprehensive data collection. While German trophy hunters significantly contribute to revenue and employment in African countries, an online survey, biased towards hunting proponents, indicates concerns regarding a foreign import ban’s negative impacts on conservation and local communities. Well-regulated hunting activities have shown positive conservation and socio-economic outcomes, making a ban counterproductive and potentially harmful to African wildlife resources and communities.

References

International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) (2016). Informing decisions on trophy hunting: A Briefing Paper regarding issues to be taken into account when considering restriction of imports of hunting trophies. Available at: https://wwfint.awsassets.panda.org/downloads/iucn_informingdecisionsontrophyhuntingv1_1.pdf [Accessed 15th September 2023].

Lindsey, P.A., Alexander, R., Frank, L.G., Mathieson, A., & Romanach S.S. (2006). Potential of trophy hunting to create incentives for wildlife conservation in Africa where alternative wildlife-based land uses may not be viable, Animal Conservation, 9, pp. 283–91.

Naidoo, R., Weaver, L.C., Diggle, R.W., Matongo, G., Stuart-Hill, G. & Thouless, C. (2016). Complementary benefits of tourism and hunting to communal conservancies in Namibia. Conservation Biology, 30(3), pp.628-638.

Saayman, M., van der Merwe, P. & Saayman, A. (2018). The economic impact of trophy hunting in the south African wildlife indsutry, Global Ecology and Conservation, 16 (2018). https://doi.org/10.1016/j.gecco.2018.e00510

van Houdt, S., Brown, R.P., Wagner, C.T., Twine, W., Fynn, R., Uiseb, K., Cooney, R. & Traill, L.W. (2021). Divergent views on trophy hunting in Africa, and what this may mean for research and policy. Conservation letters, 14(6). doi:10.1111/conl.12840.