New Research has revealed that South African citizens and international tourists want to see an end to trophy hunting, in favour of wildlife-friendly experiences.
This comes as South Africa opens-up consultation on its draft Conservation and Sustainable Use of South Africa’s Biodiversity white paper.
World Animal Protection commissioned research into public attitudes towards trophy hunting, surveying 10,900 people from around the world, including international tourists from countries who most frequently visit South Africa, and South African citizens.
It revealed universally strong opposition to the blood sport and a desire to finance the protection of the nation’s iconic wildlife through non-lethal alternatives such as responsible wildlife tourism.
The key findings from the research revealed:
84% of international tourists agree that the South African government should prioritise wildlife-friendly tourism over trophy hunting
74% of international tourists agreed that making trophy hunting a key pillar of policy will damage South Africa’s reputation, and 72% would be put off from visiting the country altogether
7 in 10 South African citizens agree their country would be a more attractive tourist destination if they banned trophy hunting
Three quarters (74%) of South African citizens agree that trophy hunting is unacceptable when wildlife-friendly tourism alternatives have not been fully utilised.
Nick Stewart, Global Head of Campaigns for Wildlife at World Animal Protection said, “The white paper seeks to create a prosperous nation, living in harmony with nature where biodiversity is conserved for present and future generations, this is a great start. But it falls short on clarity or tangible commitments to end global commercial wildlife trade, which includes captive lion breeding, the use of big cats for traditional medicine and trophy hunting.
Edith Kabesiime, Wildlife Campaign Manager (Africa) at World Animal Protection said, the Republic of South Africa needs to take decisive action to move towards a more wildlife friendly future.
“It’s not too late for them to grasp the opportunity to make a clear stand, by fully embracing non-lethal wildlife-friendly alternatives, including responsible wildlife tourism, which is clearly what international tourists and local people are seeking. It’s time to make public, time bound commitments, starting with killing off trophy hunting – for good,” she said.
She added that a life of a wild animal is worth so much more than the trophy it is too often reduced to. This is the shared view of tourists, who want to visit the country to see wildlife alive and thriving, and of South Africans who want to see the incredible wildlife on their doorstep, protected properly, in a humane and ethical manner.
The development of wildlife-friendly tourism and the removal of wildlife exploitation like trophy hunting and captive lion breeding, has the potential to enhance South Africa’s international reputation as a global leader for wildlife-friendly experiences. It would reposition the country as an even more competitive destination of choice for responsible travellers and tour operators.
World Animal Protection is now calling for the Republic of South Africa to, Reject cruel, lethal practices such as trophy hunting as a default approach to sustainable development and conservation, Make a public commitment to end trophy hunting, among others.