Importing hunting trophies into the United States will be legal. Or at least, it will be in certain cases. It may sound like old news — it isn't.
Import requests for hunting trophies from Zimbabwe, Zambia, Tanzania, South Africa, Botswana and Namibia will be evaluated on a case-by-case basis with regard to the remains of elephants, lions and blesbok, a species of antelope. This was established by the United States Fish and Wildlife Service (FWS), despite protests from public opinion worldwide, and despite President Donald Trump having said he did not want "elephants killed and stuffed in his country".
If the killing takes place in an authorised reserve, in compliance with regulations and for the purpose of species conservation, the trophy may be legally imported into the United States. In November, the FWS had attempted to legalise the import of elephant remains from Zimbabwe and Zambia, overriding the ban introduced by Barack Obama. In view of the numerous negative reactions, including those of celebrities such as actor Leonardo DiCaprio, Trump had blocked the decision, adding that "it would have been very difficult for him to believe that such a horror show could help the conservation of elephants or any other animal".
The new measure, however, not only contradicts the president's words, but increases the number of species and countries involved. It appears the move stemmed from a ruling by the Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia that sided with Safari Club International, the association representing hunters, and the National Rifle Association, which defends the rights of firearms owners. The two organisations sued the FWS, accusing it of having applied the Obama-era ban without following mandatory procedures, including the failure to open the decision to public comment.
"We were as surprised as anyone by the announcement, but we think it's a positive step," said Safari Club International executive director Richard Parsons. "While some people don't like hunting, in southern Africa it works and is very positive for wildlife conservation." Hunters commonly argue that the money they pay to access reserves benefits local communities in safeguarding species.
"It's a pretty convenient excuse — if they told me they go to Africa because they like killing animals, I'd prefer that," is the view of Andrea Crosta, co-founder of the organisation Elephant Action League. "The money ends up in the pockets of the government, in the form of bribes, and in those of the hunting reserve owners." In November, the majority of public opinion agreed with Crosta, but above all demonstrated that it has enormous power to influence political decisions. Let us hope it makes itself heard this time too.
