17 April 2010, 00:32
LionHunterInteresting article, although nothing new, but no mention of sport hunting as a conservation method which not only places a value on the Elephant far exceeding that of ivory alone, but also provides employment of locals, free distribution of meat and anti-poaching operations.
Kenya, on which the article concentrates, is a unique problem as regards wildlife conservation, in that it has not allowed sport hunting since 1977, which has only led to excessive poaching without the demonstrated benefits of hunter supported programs such as Campfire. A relevant question should be how many photo safari dollars does it take to equal the commitment of dollars from sport hunters and outfitters.
Most African countries simply don't have the fiscal ability to provide adequate anti-poaching operations on their own. This is where sport hunting really can contribute to the conservation of species. But, of course, most everyone on AR understands these dynamics.