A ban on trophy hunting could impact private land conservation areas (PLCAs) in South Africa’s Eastern and Western Cape. These PLCAs, crucial for preserving biodiversity, often rely on trophy hunting revenue to fund conservation activities. The study warns that banning hunting may cause financial strain, reduce conservation efforts, or lead to land use changes that harm wildlife.
The research highlights the tension between ethical concerns over hunting and the economic realities of conservation. It calls for balanced, evidence-based policies that consider ecological, economic, and social factors. Alternative funding methods, such as eco-tourism, must be explored to sustain wildlife conservation without compromising local livelihoods.
