Zimbabwe suspends hunting of wildlife

The state media reports that, the Zimbabwe Parks and Wildlife Management Authority has suspended hunting of wildlife in three park estates and introduced stringent conditions for lion, leopard and elephant hunts.

According to The Herald, the Zimbabwe Parks and Wildlife Management Authority, in a statement, said it had suspended hunting in areas to which Cecil is suspected to have strayed when he was killed, namely Antoinette and Antoinette Farm, Railway Farm 31, Umguza and Kusile rural district councils, pending outcome of the court processes.

"The suspension of wildlife hunting in all other areas outside the parks estate has been lifted with immediate effect and on the following conditions - all lion, leopard and elephant hunts should be accompanied by parks staff whose costs will be met by the land owner. That all lion, leopard and elephant hunts be conducted if confirmed and authorised in writing by the Director-General of the Zimbabwe Parks and Wildlife Management Authority, and only if accompanied by parks staff whose costs will be met by the land owner," said the authority.

It said individuals involved in illegal hunting activities would be banned from hunting for life as they tarnished the image of the hunting industry, the authority and the country as their actions bordered on economic sabotage. All sport hunting was suspended on Antoinette and Antoinette Farm, Railway Farm 31, Umguza and Kusile rural district councils pending outcome of the court processes.

"Bow hunting for big game including lions is stopped with immediate effect and that no such hunting is conducted unless it has been confirmed and authorised in writing by the Director-General of the Zimbabwe Parks and Wildlife Management Authority only up to the end of this season.

"Such hunts will need to be accompanied by parks rangers whose costs will be met by the land owner. Stop hunting of collared iconic animals pending amendment of the current hunting regulations."

The authority is set to reintroduce a system where animals to be hunted are declared before commencement of the hunt and reconcile off-take against balance on quota (pre and post hunt returns).