At Tsavo Trust, we are deeply committed to understanding and protecting Africa’s majestic wildlife. Among the many conservation issues we encounter, trophy hunting is one that sparks significant debate. This article explores what trophy hunting is, its impact on African wildlife, and how alternative approaches like sustainable tourism can offer better outcomes for both animals and local communities.
What is Trophy Hunting?
Trophy hunting is a form of hunting where the primary goal is to obtain parts of the hunted animal, such as the head, horns, or hide, as a trophy representing the success of the hunt. Unlike subsistence hunting, where animals are killed purely for food. It’s also essential to distinguish trophy hunting from poaching, which is the illegal killing of animals, often driven by the desire for coveted parts like ivory or rhino horns.
The impact of trophy hunting on African wildlife
The global trade in hunting trophies is extensive. Between 2004 and 2014, approximately 1.7 million hunting trophies were traded internationally.
Analysis of the CITES Trade Database reveals that three of the “Big Five” African species—elephants, lions, and leopards—are among the most traded and most threatened by trophy hunting. For instance, more than 11,000 lion trophies were traded between 2004 and 2013. The removal of these key individuals can have profound effects on the population dynamics, genetic diversity, and social structure of these species.
How trophy hunting impacts elephants, especially Big Tuskers
Elephants are among the most iconic species targeted by trophy hunters, with a particular focus on individuals known as “big tuskers”—elephants with exceptionally large tusks. The selective removal of these large, dominant males through trophy hunting can have severe and far-reaching consequences for elephant populations.
The importance of dominant males in elephant populations
The photo below shows on of Tsavo’s resident “Super tuskers” known as KM2. Elephants like KM2 are dominant males and are often the most successful breeders. They have survived numerous challenges, including drought, predators, and human threats, and their genetic fitness is passed on to future generations. By fathering a significant proportion of the offspring, they help ensure the genetic strength and overall health of the population.
However, when these key individuals are removed through trophy hunting, the consequences can be dire. The loss of dominant males can lead to:
Disrupted Social Hierarchies: Elephants have complex social structures, with older males often playing crucial roles in leading and stabilizing younger males. The removal of these experienced bulls can lead to increased aggression and instability among younger males.
Reduced Genetic Diversity: The selective removal of elephants with large tusks disproportionately affects the genetic pool. Over time, this can lead to a reduction in the number of elephants with the genetic traits that produce large tusks.
Impacts on Reproduction and Population Growth: Older, more dominant males are often more successful at mating, and their removal can disrupt the natural breeding patterns within the herd. This can lead to a decline in birth rates and slow the recovery of elephant populations, particularly in areas where they have been heavily hunted or poached.
The argument for trophy hunting
Proponents of trophy hunting argue that it can contribute to conservation by providing financial incentives for local communities to protect wildlife. In areas where wildlife has no economic value, communities may turn to poaching or habitat destruction to make a living.
Indeed, the maths is also hard to ignore. In three villages near Ruaha, Tanzania, researchers recorded the killing of 35 large carnivores over an 18-month period. “This included 25 lions killed within a year in an area much smaller than 500km”. In contrast, trophy hunting areas have a recommended quota of just 0.5 lions per 1,000km².
In essence, the rate of killing in regions where lions hold no economic value was at least 100 times higher than what is—or should be—allowed under regulated trophy hunting.
However, the case of Kenya offers a compelling alternative. Since banning hunting and focusing on sustainable tourism, Kenya has seen a successful integration of conservation and economic development. Large areas of land are protected, and communities benefit from the influx of tourism dollars, all without the need to kill wildlife.
The case of cross-border elephants
In the Amboseli region, a group of elephants often crosses between Kenya and Tanzania. Despite the protection afforded by Kenya’s strict anti-hunting laws, these elephants are vulnerable when they venture into Tanzania, where trophy hunting is legal.
Recently, three prominent elephant bulls were killed, signaling a distressing breach of the conservation agreement between the two countries. This incident highlights the precarious nature of cross-border conservation efforts and the potential dangers posed by trophy hunting. If you would like to learn more about this, follow this link.
Sustainable alternatives to trophy hunting
At Tsavo Trust, we believe that sustainable tourism offers a viable and ethical alternative to trophy hunting. Tourism that focuses on wildlife viewing, photography, and education provides significant economic benefits while ensuring the protection of wildlife. It allows communities to profit from the presence of wildlife without the need to deplete populations through hunting.
Moreover, conservation initiatives that focus on habitat protection, anti-poaching efforts, and community engagement can ensure that wildlife thrives for future generations. By fostering a connection between people and wildlife, sustainable tourism can build a strong foundation for long-term conservation success.
Trophy hunting remains a controversial topic, with arguments on both sides of the debate. However, the evidence suggests that the negative impacts on wildlife populations, particularly for threatened species, outweigh the potential benefits. At Tsavo Trust, we advocate for alternative approaches, like sustainable tourism, that protect wildlife while supporting local communities. By prioritizing conservation over exploitation, we can ensure that Africa’s incredible wildlife continues to thrive for generations to come.