LUSAKA - Government says it may suspend wildlife hunting for two to three years if scientific assessments show that animal populations are declining and require time to recover.
Speaking to Hot FM News, Ministry of Tourism Permanent Secretary Evans Muhanga said decisions on whether hunting should continue would be guided by scientific data and wildlife population assessments.
Mr. Muhanga said Government would rely on wildlife census results, aerial surveys, animal tracking collars, community sightings and hunting success rates to assess wildlife populations.
He said declining hunting success rates could indicate a reduction in wildlife numbers, citing instances where traditional ceremonies have struggled to harvest even a single buffalo over periods of seven to ten days.
Mr. Muhanga said Government had previously suspended resident hunting in 2021 before resuming it in 2022.
He added that a similar temporary suspension could be considered for specific species if scientific evidence shows that wildlife populations require time to regenerate.
Source: Hot FM Zambia | By: Sokosi Banda