Oxford University Study Highlights Risks of Proposed UK Trophy Hunting Ban
18 September 2024 – The International Council for Game and Wildlife Conservation (CIC) is proud to highlight a new study conducted by our partners at the University of Oxford. This underscores the potential negative impact of a proposed UK Hunting Trophies (Import Prohibition) Bill. This comprehensive research, spearheaded by the University of Oxford’s Department of Biology and the Oxford Martin Programme on Wildlife Trade. It demonstrates that the legislation could inadvertently harm biodiversity and undermine the livelihoods of rural and Indigenous communities reliant on regulated hunting.
Based on a detailed analysis of CITES data, the study reveals that whilst trophy hunting is often criticized, it plays a crucial role in conservation. Managed hunts have been shown to provide essential funding for anti-poaching measures, protect vital habitats, and deliver income to local communities. The findings highlight the social and environmental benefits that regulated hunting can offer.
The CIC UK delegation is actively engaged on this matter and is in ongoing dialogue to advocate for more informed and balanced approaches to wildlife conservation in UK policy.
Read the full study here: https://www.ox.ac.uk/news/2024-09-18-new-analysis-indicates-uk-hunting-trophies-law-would-cause-more-harm-good
For further details, please contact: tristan.breijer@cic-wildlife.org
