For the first time in decades, South Africa is putting a stop to the commercial hunting of leopards.
Leopards normally fetch $20,000 per kill for the country’s economy and commercial hunting in general contributes $410 million USD to the country. This type of tourism has been a steady source of revenue since the 1980s, when the country legalized "Big 5" hunting.
The decision to freeze this year’s hunt is based on an unusually low seasonal leopard count. Leopards are normally hard to count, because of their nocturnal and elusive nature, but the data collected this year suggested a population at risk.
This is especially concerning because South Africa is experiencing a drought and leopards tend to thrive during droughts because their prey become vulnerable and easier to hunt.
So when researchers called for a halt, the government responded. Resorts have begun refunding hunting deposits.
The tourism sector will lose revenue this year, but if the leopard population was pushed to the brink of extinction, it would lose far more.
Plus, it’s just ethically wrong to hunt a population that is at risk.
Leopards are extremely adaptable, but relentless human development in their habitats and annual hunting have pushed them to “near threatened” status. They aren’t endangered, but they’re close to it. They’ve been effectively expelled from 37% of their historic range in Africa.
Leopards are part of the “Big 5” hunting group, which also includes elephants, lions, buffalo and rhinos, that people from all over the world come to kill.
Rhinos and elephants in particular have been ruthlessly hunted by poachers for their ivory, but all members of the Big 5 have seen their global populations plummet in the past few decades.
Outrage over commercial big game hunting erupted last summer when a dentist from the US killed the beloved lion, Cecil, in Zimbabwe.
But efforts to protect big game species have been taking place for some time. Because many governments in key regions lack the regulatory strength to protect animal populations, nonprofits have stepped in to help with defenses.
This sort of government collaboration is becoming increasingly common for conservation efforts.
Recognition that current models continue to fail animals is pushing the development of innovative solutions.
For example, the Pacific island nation of Palau has partnered with various groups to protect its marine life.
South Africa’s decision to ban leopard hunting this year is commendable. It shows that the country is willing to intervene on behalf of threatened species.
A truly commendable nation would end commercial hunting altogether.