Southern African nations push back against UK anti-hunting bill

Six Southern African countries have expressed strong opposition to a proposed UK bill seeking to ban the importation of wildlife trophies from Africa. Botswana, Namibia, South Africa, Tanzania, Zambia, and Zimbabwe have formally requested a meeting with British Environment Secretary Steve Reed to discuss the **Hunting Trophies (Import Prohibition) Bill**, which is set for its second reading in January.

The bill, reintroduced by the Labour Party government, aims to prohibit importing hunting trophies as part of broader efforts to curb trophy hunting. However, conservationists and governments in southern Africa argue that the ban could harm conservation efforts and local economies dependent on regulated hunting.

Botswana-based conservationist Neil Fitt described trophy hunting as a crucial tool for ecosystem management when conducted ethically and scientifically. “Trophy hunting contributes to both financial sustainability and population control. It must remain an option provided quotas are managed scientifically,” he said.

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Critics, however, maintain that trophy hunting risks driving some species to extinction. UK-based conservation scientist Adam Hart dismissed the bill as lacking conservation benefits, calling it a “populist agenda” disconnected from the realities in affected countries.

Southern African governments argue that trophy hunting plays a pivotal role in wildlife conservation by funding anti-poaching efforts and protecting habitats. Botswana, home to over 130,000 elephants, has been particularly vocal, advocating for sustainable hunting practices as an alternative to complete bans.

The six nations hope to convince the UK government to consider their position. “We need to demonstrate the viability, ethics, and sustainability of trophy hunting to secure its future as a conservation tool,” Fitt added.

Europe, with over 6.4 million hunters, remains a key market for African hunting trophies, but southern African leaders are concerned that growing bans could disrupt conservation funding and local livelihoods. The meeting with UK officials is seen as a critical step in defending their stance.