Botswana Issues 400 Elephant Hunting Licenses Amid Conservationist Outcry

The Botswana government has issued 400 elephant hunting licenses for the current hunting season, sparking renewed criticism from conservationists.

The permits, which cost international hunters up to $50,000 each, are part of the country’s strategy to manage its abundant elephant population.

According to a notice released by Botswana’s Department of Wildlife and National Parks, elephants are among several wildlife species being offered to hunters during the hunting season, which spans from April to November. The country, home to approximately 130,000 elephants—the largest elephant population in Africa—has positioned trophy hunting as a means of balancing wildlife conservation and economic growth.

Botswana’s hunting policy attracts wealthy enthusiasts from around the globe, contributing significantly to its tourism sector. Proponents argue that regulated hunting provides crucial revenue for local communities and funds for conservation efforts. However, opponents maintain that the practice is both unethical and unsustainable.

A coalition of local and international conservationists has called on the government, led by President Mokgweetsi Masisi, to reconsider its stance on trophy hunting. The coalition recently submitted a petition urging the administration to halt the practice, emphasizing its potential to harm Botswana’s global reputation as a conservation leader.

The debate over trophy hunting in Botswana reignited in 2019, when the government lifted a five-year hunting ban imposed by former President Ian Khama. The ban had been widely praised by environmentalists but criticized by communities affected by human-wildlife conflicts, particularly those near elephant habitats.

Critics argue that the resumption of hunting undermines Botswana’s long-term conservation goals and risks alienating eco-tourists who prioritize non-lethal wildlife encounters. Conservation groups also warn that the practice could exacerbate the decline of African elephant populations, which face threats from habitat loss and poaching.

Despite the controversy, the government maintains that its hunting policies are sustainable and based on scientific data. Officials argue that controlled hunting alleviates pressure on ecosystems, mitigates human-wildlife conflicts, and provides economic benefits to rural areas.

As the hunting season progresses, Botswana remains at the center of a global conversation about the delicate balance between conservation, community livelihoods, and the ethics of trophy hunting.