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Airlines

Airlines Take a Stand Against Trophy Hunting

Strategic Insights

— 1 min read

In response to the killing of Cecil the lion, many airlines have banned shipments of wildlife trophies. This decision comes as a significant move in the fight against trophy hunting, which threatens the survival of many species, including lions. According to Humane Society International (HSI), 42 airlines have now prohibited the shipment of trophies from the African Big Five, including lions, leopards, elephants, rhinoceroses, and Cape buffalos. This ban includes major airlines such as Virgin, Delta, and British Airways. Andrew Rowan, president and CEO of HSI, emphasizes the importance of this decision, stating that wild animals are worth more alive than dead.

Key Takeaways:

  • 42 airlines have banned shipments of wildlife trophies in response to Cecil's death, including Virgin, Delta, and British Airways.
  • The airlines have prohibited the shipment of trophies from the African Big Five, including lions, leopards, elephants, rhinoceroses, and Cape buffalos.
  • HSI estimates that fewer than 40,000 African lions remain, with some estimates suggesting as few as 23,000 individuals.
  • Trophy hunting has contributed significantly to the decline of lion populations, with their numbers decreasing by 50 percent over the past 30 years.
  • Wildlife-based ecotourism generated an estimated $34.2 billion in tourist receipts in 2013, according to the World Tourism Organisation.
  • In countries that offer trophy hunting, tourism contributed 2.4 percent of GDP on average, while trophy hunting only contributed 0.09 percent.

Statistics:

  • 42 airlines have banned shipments of wildlife trophies.
  • Lion populations have declined by 50 percent over the past 30 years.
  • Fewer than 40,000 African lions remain, with some estimates suggesting as few as 23,000 individuals.
  • Wildlife-based ecotourism generated an estimated $34.2 billion in tourist receipts in 2013.
  • Tourism contributed 2.4 percent of GDP on average in countries that offer trophy hunting.
  • Trophy hunting contributed 0.09 percent of GDP on average in countries that offer trophy hunting.

Sources:

  • World Tourism Organisation (2013) - "Tourism Highlights 2013"
  • Humane Society International (no date) - press release on airlines banning trophy shipments
  • Raul Arce-Contreras Humane Society International, US (no date) - article on airlines taking a stand against trophy hunting

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