File
The Department of Forestry, Fisheries, and the Environment has confirmed the 2022 quotas for trophy hunting for leopard, black rhino, and elephant.
Minister Barbara Creecy said that this year’s quota for the hunting and export of trophies of these three species is a deferral of the 2021 allocation which was determined at the end of the hunting season.
She said the quota for leopard has been set at ten animals and was informed by robust data generated through a sophisticated national leopard monitoring programme.
“Leopard hunts will only be allowed in areas where leopard populations are stable or increasing, and only male leopards seven (7) years of age or older may be hunted.”
Creecy said a total of 10 black rhino may be hunted, and 150 elephants.
“Only adult male black rhinos will be hunted, and only on conservation management grounds in accordance with a set of strict criteria to ensure that demographic and/or genetic conservation is enhanced.”
In respect of elephants, Minister Creecy said only a very small portion of the overall elephant population is hunted in a year, less than 80 elephant bulls, which is less than 0.3% of the total population.
“The national elephant herd shows an increasing trend and the quota of 150 is well within sustainable limits,” she said.
“Income generated by trophy hunting is especially critical for marginalised and impoverished rural communities,” the Minister added.
She said consultation for the 2023 quota will take place during the course of the year.
