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Hunters claim that the royalties they pay benefit wildlife conservation, local communities and the economy of the countries where the trophy hunt takes place.
They also claim that by targeting "problem" or "redundant" animals, their activities represent a legitimate form of wildlife management.
Today, the international charity badociation for wildlife, Born Free, has released the results of its 18-month interdisciplinary investigation into the practice, finally unveiling the truth behind the myths.
Taken on the ground, within hunting organizations, with hunters, communities, academics; psychologists, economists and ecologists, the main findings are broken down in the report, supported by evidence rather than beliefs and prejudices – with front-line facts:
MYTH – Help with trophy hunting
TRUTH: Evidence suggests that, far from benefiting wildlife conservation, the effects of trophy hunting are all too often detrimental. The fact that many species are in serious decline in the very countries that allow them to hunt tells its own story.
Because hunters attach importance to scarcity, the rarest species are disproportionately affected by hunting pressure and may therefore lead to extinction1. Trophy hunting also has broader implications for the welfare of non-target animals. The elimination of particular animals based on specific individual traits can have a disproportionate impact on the behavior of the remaining animals in the group and on their genetic integrity.
MYTH – Trophy hunters use human methods to kill prey
TRUTH: Some hunting organizations recognize that trophy hunters have a responsibility to avoid inflicting undue suffering and should aim to kill quickly and humane2.
However, many trophy hunting organizations offer rewards for methods of killing an animal trophy, which may include the use of bows and arrows, weapons of fist or "traditional" weapons such as muzzle loaders or spears, methods that clearly do not give priority to the well-being of the target. animal3.
It is not only to the point of killing that the welfare of the animals is compromised. Target animals may be pursued for long periods (in some cases, days) while hunting.
Individuals can be separated from family groups or populations, which can lead to considerable stress. In some cases, target animals may be deliberately lured into hunting areas.
MYTH: Trophy hunting fees help local communities
TRUTH: Local communities do not benefit significantly from trophy hunting. An badysis of the data published by the International Council for Game and Wildlife Conservation and by the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations revealed that hunting societies were contributing in a number of ways. barely 3% of their income to communities living in hunting areas. The vast majority of their income goes to government agencies, outfitters and individuals located in national capitals or abroad.
MYTH: Trophy hunting contributes to the country's economy
TRUTH: The contribution of trophy hunting to the economy is negligible. A 2017 study4 concluded that "the current total economic contribution of trophy hunters from their hunting tourism is up to 0.03% of GDP," and an economic study published in 2013 estimated that Trophy generates only 1.8% of total tourism receipts in countries that allow this practice5.
Alternative economic activities can generate much more wildlife income than trophy hunting. A living elephant can earn up to US $ 1.6 million over the course of its life thanks to the revenues from photographic tourism6, many times the fees usually paid by a trophy hunter.
In addition, wildlife-free wildlife photography can often operate year-round, accommodate a much larger number of guests, employ more people, generate higher average incomes, and offer higher salaries to staff. the outfitters of trophy hunting7.
MYTH: Trophy hunting can help wildlife management
TRUTH: Trophy hunters generally do not target problem animals, redundant or elderly and disabled, preferring to target animals with impressive traits – the darkest mane, the largest tusks, the longest horns. This often results in the deaths of key people, the removal of vital genetic resources and the disruption of family groups, populations and, by extension, the vast ecosystems of which they are part.
MYTH: Trophy hunting is well regulated
TRUTH: The degree of regulation of trophy hunting varies by country and by species. At the international level, CITES regulates international trade in listed species, which requires that trophies for export comply with the relevant definitions, and that they are legally obtained in their country of origin. Originally, their export does not harm the survival of the species concerned, and trophy hunting operations are managed sustainably.
However, the mechanisms for monitoring the sustainability of trophy hunting operations are weak and left largely to national governments, and there is no provision for the welfare of the animal or animals of which come the trophies.
Howard Jones, CEO of Born Free, said:
"Since the same conversations were always about trophy hunting, while the same denials and obfuscations were reverberating, we decided to put together this shocking report that opened our eyes.
"It seemed to us that a human enterprise had something very strange that could arouse so much interest, produce so much evidence, and arouse enormous pbadions, but which swept through an apparently unfathomable ocean of contradictory truths.
"Our thanks go to those who live where hunting takes place and suffer the consequences. At Born Free, we are indebted to them and will continue to do everything in our power to free them, as well as the wildlife with which they live, of this absurdity. "
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