Trophy hunting is a colonial hangover that should be consigned to the history books

As we celebrated the many magnificent creatures that walk our Earth on World Animal Day on 4 October, there was an extinction crisis in our midst. The truth is, in a few years’ time there might not be as many animals to celebrate. A wild lion hunting a gazelle or an African elephant enjoying a mud bath might be something we only see in wildlife documentaries past.  

Animal exploitation, loss of habitat and the climate emergency have all played their part. Yet even now it is still legal for trophy hunters to travel around the world and kill some of our most iconic species.

In September last year, the government pledged to ban trophy hunting imports. We’re still waiting for the outcome of the consultation to be revealed. Over the last five years elephant tails, leopard claws, hippo teeth and elephant ears have all been imported into our country as morbid souvenirs. There is no sign of this slowing down – recent data reveals a rise in the number of hunting trophies imported into the UK in 2019 on the year before. 

None of these species are currently listed as “endangered” under the outdated assessment process and may still be imported if the government opts for a limited ban. Government soundbites and media spin won’t save these majestic creatures from trophy hunting – only a change in the law will.

A 2020 YouGov poll, commissioned by Humane Society International UK, revealed that 80 per cent of respondents support a ban and 76 per cent want to see any restrictions applied to all species. It is clear that a ban that cherry picks protection for just a few endangered species is not in the public interest.  

The hunting industry has long insisted that revenue from hunting helps to conserve species and support local communities. However, a number of studies have shown these figures to be exaggerated. A report conducted by Economists at Large and commissioned by Humane Society International found that trophy hunting is not economically beneficial to local communities as its financial contribution is, at most, 0.03 per cent of GDP in the eight African countries studied (Botswana, Ethiopia, Mozambique, Namibia, South Africa, Tanzania, Zambia and Zimbabwe). 

Ecotourism generates far more for local communities without harming wildlife. While it can cost $40,000 (£31,000) to shoot a bull elephant, that same elephant could bring in $23,000 per annum in tourism revenue, $1.6m over its lifespan. The economic argument for trophy hunting does not stand up to scrutiny at all.

Trophy hunting is a colonial hangover that should be consigned to the history books. We see wealthy tourists travel to some of the world’s poorest countries to hunt and kill animals for fun, while we encourage harsh punishment of local people who poach the same animals. If we want to effectively make the case for stopping poaching, ending the illegal wildlife trade and safeguarding species, then we have to end trophy hunting.  

There is strong cross-party support for a trophy hunting ban, no real parliamentary obstacles and huge public support. So why are ministers sitting on their hands? The clock is ticking and with each day that passes more and more beautiful and irreplaceable wild animals are being lost. It is time ministers acted and if they introduce a full ban, they will have the opposition’s full support.

Luke Pollard is the shadow environment secretary and Labour and Co-operative MP for Plymouth, Sutton and Devonport