Zambia issued a ban on hunting newspapers and lions

On January 10, Zambia issued a ban on lion and leopard hunting in order to protect these species, which have been reducing serious numbers in the past.

Zambian Tourism Minister Sylvia Masebo said: "We do not have enough lions or newspapers to serve for hunting purposes, especially when we need to reserve natural resources."

This South African country, which attracts international visitors with Victoria Falls, hopes to develop wild tourism trade, which is already the strength of many neighboring countries.

"Although there are data showing that wildlife hunting is a source of profit for Zambia, we need to consider this issue when the number of species declined dramatically over time," Masebo said .

Young lions in the national reserve in Luangwa, Zambia.

However, according to the Zambia Wildlife Association, the ban will affect the country's tourism industry.

Chuma Simukonda, President of Zambia Wildlife Association, said: "The number of lions and leopards in Zambia is between 3,400 and 3,500 and with such a ban, the profit from hunting will definitely reduction".

According to Chuma Simukonda, only 55 cases of hunting were approved last year, while no specific profit is known.

There is a disagreement between the Government and the Zambia Wildlife Association after the country's authorities demanded that the office be closed to investigate alleged corruption cases related to the amount of revenue. from hunting activities.

However, from the perspective of environmental activists, Zambia's decision is welcome.

Gavin Robinson, chairman of the Professional Hunters Association, said: "Animal hunting will make Zambia a bad country on the world map, where gore sports are considered to be profitable for the land. country".