Trophy Hunting: Controversies and Practices

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Questions and Answers

What is the primary reason for selective targeting in trophy hunting?

To acquire specific animal parts for personal use (correct)

To harvest animals for food purposes

To selectively target species for conservation

To pay for travel and lodgings

What is the estimated land area used for hunting in sub-Saharan Africa?

2,000,000 km squared

3,000,000 km squared

1,000,000 km squared

1,394,000 km squared (correct)

What is the approximate revenue generated from trophy hunting in sub-Saharan Africa?

Over $300,000,000

Over $100,000,000

Over $400,000,000

Over $200,000,000 (correct)

What is the major controversy surrounding trophy hunting?

It is a sport that is ethically objectionable and goes against conservation principles Signup and view all the answers

What is the approximate number of jobs supported by trophy hunting in sub-Saharan Africa?

Over 15,000 jobs Signup and view all the answers

What is the main argument made by supporters of trophy hunting?

It provides a way to make money in areas where other economic benefits are not possible Signup and view all the answers

What is the name of the famous lion that was killed in a trophy hunting incident in 2015?

Cecil Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary criticism made by critics of trophy hunting regarding the distribution of revenue generated?

The revenue generated rarely filters down to a meaningful level Signup and view all the answers

What percentage of their revenues do hunting companies contribute to communities living in hunting areas?

3% Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary focus of trophy hunting in sexually dimorphic species?

Prime adult males Signup and view all the answers

In which species has 'reverse evolution' been observed due to trophy hunting?

All of the above Signup and view all the answers

What is the result of male brown bears being killed in a pride, leading to immigrant males moving in?

Increased infanticide Signup and view all the answers

What is the effect of losing keystone species, such as apex predators, from an ecosystem?

Trophic cascades are triggered Signup and view all the answers

What is the result of increasing legal protection for felids, according to data from legal CITES imports and illegal seizures?

More individuals are taken Signup and view all the answers

What is the proposed strategy to minimize the impact of trophy hunting on populations?

Targeting post-prime males Signup and view all the answers

What was the correct ageing rate for biologists in the study on leopard ageing?

47.8% Signup and view all the answers

What is the pattern of hunting reported in 12 species across the US, Asia, and Europe?

Declines in all species Signup and view all the answers

What is the consequence of upgrading conservation status for species, according to the data?

More individuals are hunted Signup and view all the answers

What percentage of guides are suggested to be distinguishable in the field based on phenotypic traits?

49.5% Signup and view all the answers

What was implemented in Niassa National Reserve, Mozambique in 2006 to adjust quotas for poor performance?

A points system Signup and view all the answers

What percentage of lions killed were over 6 years old before the points system was implemented in Niassa National Reserve?

25% Signup and view all the answers

What was the outcome of the points system implemented in Niassa National Reserve in 2014?

Individuals aged over 6 years old comprised 100% of the lions killed Signup and view all the answers

What would a ban on importing trophies from a broad range of species achieve?

Reduce the income of people who rely on trophy hunting for their income Signup and view all the answers

What has been concerned with tangential issues in the debate on trophy hunting?

Both social media and scientific literature Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary question of interest in conservation regarding trophy hunting?

Does trophy hunting protect species? Signup and view all the answers

What has been observed in areas with low enforcement and high illegal human activity?

A decrease in predator occupancy rates Signup and view all the answers

What is the term used to describe hunting in areas where no regular enforcement is taking place?

Vacant hunting Signup and view all the answers

What is a consequence of abandoning trophy hunting areas?

A decrease in predator occupancy rates Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Trophy Hunting

Trophy hunting involves selectively targeting specific individuals for their physical characteristics, such as horns, antlers, or tusks, and often requires payment for travel, accommodations, and licenses.
This practice is controversial, with critics arguing that killing animals for sport is unethical and harmful to conservation efforts.

Controversies and Criticisms

Trophy hunting raises concerns about animal welfare and ethics, particularly in cases where animals are killed for sport, such as the killing of Cecil the lion in 2015.
Critics argue that trophy hunting can negatively impact species conservation and lead to population declines.

Economic Importance

Trophy hunting can generate significant revenue, with over $200 million in revenue and 15,000 jobs created in sub-Saharan Africa.
However, the economic benefits of trophy hunting are often disputed, with some arguing that photographic tourism can be more lucrative.

Sustainability

Trophy hunting is often regulated, but its sustainability is questionable, particularly in areas where habitats and animal visibility are low.
The money generated from trophy hunting often does not filter down to meaningful levels, with only 3% of revenues going to local communities.

Effects on Species

Trophy hunting can lead to genetic effects, such as "reverse evolution," where the selective removal of prime breeding males leads to a decline in desirable traits.
This practice can also result in increased infanticide, as immigrant males may kill existing cubs to bring females back into estrus.
The loss of keystone species can have trophic cascades, and biased hunting practices can lead to reduced genetic variation.

Management and Regulation

Increasing legal protection can, in some cases, lead to increased hunting efforts, as hunters "value rarity."
Targeting post-prime males can help minimize the impact of trophy hunting on populations, but identifying these individuals can be challenging.
Implementing points systems to penalize hunters for killing unsuitable animals can help reduce negative impacts.

Banning Imports and International Agreements

Banning imports of trophies may not be effective in preventing hunting, as it would require international agreements to be effective.
A ban on imports could also drive hunting underground and reduce income for people relying on trophy hunting.

Conclusion

The debate around trophy hunting is polarized, and removing moral and ethical considerations, the question remains: does trophy hunting protect species?
The answer is complex, and more research is needed to understand the effects of trophy hunting on species conservation.

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Description

Learn about the selective hunting of specific animals for their body parts, the costs involved, and the controversies surrounding this practice. Explore the global range of species affected and the opposing views on conservation.