[Kiz]

I was browsing the newspapers at work today and came across this articles. I linked this into the "WWF" thread because it touched on that, but since the article is not on WWF specifically I thought it might deserve a thread of it's own. Apparently certain conservationists think hunting (hunting that is, not "culling" overpopulation") can actually be a good thing.

The news.com article (Australia's Daily Telegraph)

http://www.news.com.au/story/0,23599...-13762,00.html

Quote:

BIG game hunters in Africa have received the backing of biologists, who claim the toll on wildlife is more than matched by the benefits.

A study, published in the journal Biological Conservation, concludes that where game areas are well-managed, the death toll from hunters is outweighed by the increases in animal populations made possible by conservation initiatives.

And The Times online article

http://travel.timesonline.co.uk/arti...531092,00.html
Quote:

Game hunters 'help to save rare species'

Lewis Smith

Game hunters' money actually helps to preserve the habitats of Africa's endangered species

The slaughter of thousands of animals in Africa by big game hunters is supported by conservationists who maintain that the sport protects wildlife.

Lions, leopards, elephants and crocodiles are among the trophy species being shot by hunters from Europe and the US. Even the critically endangered black rhino finds itself in the crosshairs.

However, a study concludes, the overall toll on big game is more than matched by the benefits

The articles go on to quote a WWF representative saying that hunting can have a "postive effect on wildlife"

Links only to full articles, short quotes only per "fair usage" rules.

 

[Kiz]

Ughs. Conservationists. That's the word in the title!

 

[Ice_Storm]

Already been a thread bout this in the animal rights and welfare forum

But yeah a lot of people think its ok to hunt these mega fauna as long as they are over beeding age so it makes no difference to the population and then the money made can go back into protecting the animals.

I dont agree with it but its hard to argue about it with a bunch of conservationists, i'm studying animal conservation, and i don't agree with parts of it like this, but in my class its only me who doesnt agree! they dont care bout the individuals, and i do, i think its horrible to kill an adult rhino for example just because it can't breed anymore.

Argh i hate any hunters, how can anyone find it fun to kill such a creature as a lion or an elephant

 

[peace]

I'm going to bet this article has its origins as a Safari Club International press release that got into the hands of a lazy or biased reporter.

 

[Eclipse]

Isn't it just a matter of who hunts them, not if?.