Zambia to lift ban on hunting leopards and lions

Hunting ban on lions and leopards lifted in Zambia. Image by SarahDepper / CC BY 2.0

The tourism and arts minister of Zambia has created a storm of controversy in conservation circles by lifting the ban on hunting lions and leopards. The restrictions were originally put in place in January 2013 due to dwindling populations of the two big cat species. The minister believes that the move will raise funds for both wildlife conservation and the rural communities who have suffered since hunting ceased. Conservation groups have condemned the decision, noting that these cat populations are already fighting for survival due to poaching and other anthropogenic activities. Read more: theguardian.com