US to allow import of jumbos killed for sport

Washington, Nov. 17: The Trump administration said it will allow the importation of body parts from African elephants shot for sport, contending that encouraging wealthy big- game hunters to kill them will aid the vulnerable species.

The US fish and wildlife Service said in a written notice issued on Friday that permitting elephants from Zimbabwe and Zambia to be brought back as trophies will raise money for conservation programs.

A licensed two- week African elephant hunt can cost more than $ 50,000 per person, not including airfare, according rates.

The change marks a shift in efforts to stop the advertised importation of elephant tusks and hides, overriding a 2014 ban imposed by the Obama administration. The new policy applies to the remains of African elephants killed between January 2016 and December 2018.

“Legal, well- regulated sport hunting as part of a sound management program can benefit certain species by providing incentives to local communities to conserve those species and by putting much- needed revenue back into conservation,” the agency said in a statement.

Animal rights activists and environmental groups expressed skepticism on Friday that killing elephants could help save them. Wayne Pacelle, the president and CEO of The Humane Society of the United States, said the policy change sends the wrong signal amid international efforts to curb illegal poaching.

But the move was quickly praised by groups that champion big- game trophy hunting, including Safari Club International and the lobbying arm of the National Rifle Association. The two groups had sued to challenge the ban in court.

Chris Cox, executive director of the National Rifle Association’s Institute for Legislative Action, called the action a significant step.