Trump thinks about it. After initially lifting the import ban on trophies from elephants killed on safaris, the US president took a step back, moving to allow hunters to take home large trophies.
He is about to end up run over, his mother saves himTrump thinks about it. After initially lifting the ban on the import of trophies from elephants killed on safaris, the US president took a step back, moving to allow hunters to take home large trophies.
And among these are elephant tusks and lion skins, which were obtained in some African countries with approvals granted on a state basis. The decision, reported in a memorandum published last week by the Federal Fish and Wildlife Service, overturns an Obama-era ban and contradicts President Trump's public statements dating back to November.
About 4 months ago, in fact, the US administration had introduced a ban on bringing elephant trophies from Zimbabwe and Zambia. But the new decision replaces and expands that of November.
The Endangered Species Act stipulates that exporting countries must demonstrate that in order to approve these trophies. hunting improves the survival of a particular species in the wild, reinvesting the money in conservation and supporting local communities.
In December, however, the United States Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia Circuit found that officials had implemented Obama-era bans without following regulatory procedures, including an inability to open the decision to public comment.
To comply with the court decision, US officials left the hot potato in the hands of the Federal Fish and Wildlife Service that will have to change the way imports of some endangered species across Africa are assessed, not just the Zimbabwean and Zambian elephant trophies, which are the subject of the court ruling.
Instead of evaluating lion, elephant and antelope trophies on a national basis, importing these animals from six African countries will be considered on a case-by-case basis, as it already does with most species hunted on the continent. The six countries are Zimbabwe, Zambia, Tanzania, South Africa, Botswana and Namibia.
"This does not mean that all trophies will be automatically authorized," the officials specified.
The decision has long been sought after by Safari Club International and the National Rifle Association, which had opposed the Obama administration's ban on the import of elephant trophies. The two associations had jointly filed multiple lawsuits in 2014, seeking to suspend the rule.
"We were as surprised as anyone when the announcement was made last week, but we think it's a positive step," said Richard Parsons, CEO of Safari Club International. "As much as some people dislike hunting, it really works in southern Africa and is very good for wildlife conservation."
It really seems impossible to believe it. Hunting organizations point out that hunters who kill large animals can even pay $ 100.000 or more to hunt a lion or elephant and can provide vital conservation funding.
A contradiction given that many of the animals hunted are at risk of extinction. It is therefore yet another nonsense, another gift from the Trump administration to hunters.
"These are animals that our country has decided to protect, and we should all be able to guarantee their protection," said Elly Pepper, of the Natural Resources Defense Council.
Yet another madness, designed only to favor hunting lobbies.
READ also:
- Trump cancels the import ban on trophies from elephants killed on safaris
- Trump thinks back, but elephants are not safe yet (PETITION)
Francesca Mancuso
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