The government of Zambia has lifted its two-year ban on the hunting of lions and other big cats, according to an article published by the Zambia National Broadcasting Corporation on May 15. At a news conference in the capital city of Lusaka, Zambia’s Minister of Tourism, Jean Kapata, announced leopard hunting will resume during the 2015-2016 season with “cautionary quotas” followed by the reintroduction of lion hunting the following year.
Zambia has not permitted hunting lions or other big cats since January 2013. NRA joins SCI and hunters worldwide in commending Zambia for recognizing the importance of altering its approach to the conservation of these species and recognizing hunting as an important wildlife management tool.