Botswana’s Elephant Hunt Increase Sparks Conservation Concerns. Gaborone, Botswana — Conservationists are voicing alarm over Botswana’s decision to raise its annual trophy-hunting quota for elephants, a move that has reignited debate over the country’s management of its large elephant population. Botswana, home to over 130,000 elephants, or nearly one-third of Africa’s elephant population, has lifted a five-year moratorium on elephant hunting to manage its elephant numbers and generate revenue for rural communities.
However, the recent announcement of a quota increase from 410 elephants in 2025 to 430 for 2026 has raised concerns among conservationists and scientists.
According to Oaitse Nawa, founder of the Botswana — based Elephant Protection Society (EPS), the number of elephants being hunted is “too high “and risks undermining the long-term health of elephant populations. Officials commented on the matter.
The Botswana government argues that regulated hunting is necessary to keep the elephant population in check and reduce human — wildlife conflict. Climate change and logging have encroached on elephants’natural habitat, leading to increased interactions with humans and property damage.
The government also claims that trophy hunting provides a valuable revenue stream, with hunting licences generating over $4 million in 2024.
Amy Dickman, a professor of wildlife conservation at the University of Oxford, acknowledges that trophy hunting is contentious but argues that it is not a key threat to elephants. “Revenue from legal hunting helps maintain large areas of wildlife habitat and can be very important for local people, “she.
However, Will Travers, cofounder and executive president of Born Free, a wildlife charity, expressed deep biological concerns about the expanded trophy hunting quota.
The debate over Botswana’s elephant management policies continues, with conservationists calling for a more sustainable approach to protect the long-term health of the elephant population and mitigate human-wildlife conflict. Further details are expected as the situation develops.
*Additional reporting by ImNews | Sources consulted: 2*
