Zimbabwe says don’t punish us for good wildlife management

Environment, Water ad Climate Minister Oppah Muchinguri said the country had over the years used trophy hunting to help eradicate poverty in communities that are engaged in wildlife management.

Countries that only have animals in zoos, were not going to tell the country what to do, she said.

Parks and Wildlife Management Authority of Zimbabwe acting director general, Wilson Mutinhima said in the period 2013/14, Zimbabwe had grossed $22 million through sport hunting alone.

The authority derives the bulk of its operational funding from hunting revenues.

“Over the years, Zimbabwe has gallantly, vigorously and successfully protected its resources,” he said.

“Our very philosophy of sustainable utilisation is under attack. The proposals negate all good conservation work that we are world renewed for.”

He said the country currently had a population of over 84 000 elephants, which is more than the country’s handling capacity.

The lion population is estimated at around 2 000.

Zimbabwe early this year hogged the lime light after it said it would sale live animals as a result of drought.

And in 2015, the country was also under the spotlight when its internationally famed lion, Cecil was killed by an American hunter leading to international airlines putting a moratorium on transporting hunting trophies.- The Source

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