Does trophy hunting support or hurt conservation? Years after Cecil the Lion was killed, debate continues
On this episode we take a look at the ongoing debate over trophy hunting 5 years after the killing of Cecil the Lion sparked global outrage: he was a famous attraction for tourists and photographers visiting Hwange National Park in Zimbabwe, but in July 2015, an American dentist and recreational hunter killed Cecil just outside the park.
To what degree does trophy hunting support conservation and local communities where iconic wildlife live? What happens to animal populations who've lost members to hunters? Does trophy hunting support or harm scientific inquiry or conservation goals?
To discuss questions like this and what's changed (or not) in the debate since 2015, we hear from four experts who share a diversity of information and opinions that may change the way you think about this important issue:
- Iris Ho of Humane Society International
- conservation icon Jane Goodall
- Amy Dickman, founder of the Ruaha Carnivore Project
- Maxi Pia Louis, director of NACSO, a Namibian organization that works with local communities to support conservation efforts.
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