Wanted: Dead or Alive?

[Pat Dickens]

Zambia bows under pressure to the trigger happy.

In January of 2013, wildlife enthusiasts around the world applauded Zambia for following Kenya and Botswana’s lead in implementing a ban on all trophy hunts. Sylvia Masebo, Minister of Tourism and Arts, publicly acknowledged much support for the move and proclaimed Zambia’s wildlife to be worth more alive than dead. Sadly, the minster has subsequently had a change of mind and has bowed under pressure to the trigger happy. Last week Zambia lifted the ban and only big cats will be spared.

There is no denying that trophy hunting is a lucrative business and brings in huge amounts of revenue. No one disputes the fact that conservation requires an enormous amount of funding. The questions that need answering are as follows. Can eco-tourism sustain wildlife management practices? Are our only options limited to planting vast tracks of tobacco fields or having game farms with professional hunters? Can one save wildlife by killing it?

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