Open AccessDivergent views on trophy hunting in Africa, and what this may mean for research and policy
Author(s) -
Houdt Shaya,
Brown Richard P.,
Wanger Thomas C.,
Twine Wayne,
Fynn Richard,
Uiseb Kenneth,
Cooney Rosie,
Traill Lochran W.
Publication year - 2021
Publication title -
conservation letters
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 3.153
H-Index - 79
ISSN - 1755-263X
DOI - 10.1111/conl.12840
Subject(s) - trophy , wildlife , geography , respondent , subsidy , socioeconomics , publicity , wildlife management , political science , ecology , sociology , archaeology , law , biology
Over the past decade, trophy hunting in Africa has seen increased public and scientific interest. Much of that attention has come from outside of Africa, with little emphasis on local views. We circulated an online survey through international networks to explore demographic and regional differences in opinion regards support for African trophy hunting, trophy import bans, and outside funding of conservation estates supported by hunting. We received ∼5700 responses and found that location, demography, and conservation background influenced opinion. African and North American respondents showed (significantly) more support for trophy hunting than respondents from Europe or other areas, as did respondents with conservation backgrounds. Unlike North Americans, Africans supported external subsidies of wildlife areas presently funded by hunting. Many factors affected opinions on African hunting, but respondent location played a major role. Realistic policy on African trophy hunting should thus integrate African perspectives, in particular those of rural communities.