South African communities bordering Kruger National Park overwhelmingly support transitioning from trophy hunting to wildlife-friendly conservation models, according to a World Animal Protection study released July 2025.
The research, based on 1,550 household interviews across 12 communities, reveals 96% view wildlife as heritage worth protecting while 94% recognize animals’ capacity to feel pain and oppose commercial killing.
Key findings show 85% endorse a proposed “lion levy” a nominal tourist conservation fee to replace hunting revenue. Over 80% favor ethical alternatives like craft tourism and ecosystem service payments. Notably, 70% rejected cultural justifications for hunting, challenging long-held industry narratives. The data emerges amid global scrutiny of trophy hunting, coinciding with the 10-year anniversary of Cecil the lion’s killing.
Dr. Angie Elwin of World Animal Protection stated: “Communities clearly prefer coexisting with protected wildlife. This dismantles the myth that hunting is economically indispensable.” Official 2023 records indicate over 34,000 animals were killed by international hunters in South Africa.
Dr. Herbert Ntuli of South Africa’s Council for Scientific and Industrial Research emphasized the policy implications: “These findings offer a blueprint for ethical conservation. Investments in models like the lion levy can benefit people, wildlife, and future generations.” The research has been submitted to South African authorities aligning with the National Biodiversity Economy Strategy.
