Big Tusker Killed By Poachers

Earlier this year trophy hunters reportedly killed one of the last remaining ‘big tuskers’. The elephant in question attracted visitors from all around the world as his tusks were so long that they swept the ground.

Trophy hunting allowed

The incident occurred in Botswana, where the former president Ian Khama was among those appalled by the news. Khama banned trophy hunting of elephants in Botswana. However, not long after he ceased to be president the ban was reversed and trophy hunting returned in 2019.

Tourist attraction

The elephant that was killed was one of the largest ‘tuskers’ in the country and was an attraction for tourists. The tourist industry has been hard hit in Botswana in the past year, but incidents like this will hit it even harder. Wildlife tourism is the main reason the tourists come to Botswana and without wildlife they will have little to draw people in.

Controversial

Trophy hunting is highly controversial. The claim that money from the hunters supports communities is debateable. Killing a large tusker is also not something that can be chalked up as good for the elephant herd. In this case the tusker was an important influence to the young males in the group.

There are now thought to be less than 20 big tuskers remaining. The need to protect them is crucial. If you would like to find out more about elephant conservation please visit our Adopt an Elephant page.