Unsustainable trophy hunting in the Greater Mapungubwe Transfrontier Conservation Area (GMTFCA) threatens the disappearance of trophy bull elephants within a decade. Differing wildlife policies across the GMTFCA’s multiple countries hinder conservation and increase poaching risks, also disrupting elephant movement and impacting ecosystems and ecotourism. A multi-jurisdictional authority is needed to coordinate conservation, harmonize hunting policies with science-based quotas and engage communities through sustainable eco-tourism. Coordinated transboundary management is crucial for the long-term survival of elephants and the ecological integrity of the GMTFCA.
