This conservation strategy and action plan for the African lion in Zambia will assist the country in ensuring that the long-term survival of the species is guaranteed based on stakeholder partnerships and harmonisation of the needs of lion conservation and various facets of socio-economic develop

There are long‐standing debates about the effectiveness and social impacts of enforcement‐based conservation, particularly as investments into enforcement increase in response to growing alarm about Illegal Wildlife Trade (IWT).

Before African Parks took over management of Akagera park in Rwanda poachers had wiped out populations of lion and rhino, and significantly reduced hippo numbers. Now, animals have been reintroduced and over 37,000 visitors arrive each year.

When trophy hunting is well-regulated and properly managed, it can deliver the triple benefits of providing sustainable livelihood opportunities for communities, encouraging the protection of wildlife populations, and maintaining natural ecosystems.  

Illegal wildlife trade (IWT), and particularly poaching of high value iconic species such as elephants, rhinos and tigers, is at the top of the international conservation agenda.

Outrage over the death of Cecil the lion has led to calls for a ban on trophy hunting, but would this have the desired results?