Protect Endangered Giants From Cruel Trophy Hunters

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South Africa plans to allow trophy exports of endangered elephants rhinos and leopards and unless we act now more of these irreplaceable animals could be lost forever to profit driven killing.

Protect Endangered Giants From Cruel Trophy Hunters

South Africa’s Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment has proposed new export quotas for 2026 and 2027 that would allow 150 elephants, 12 black rhinos, and 11 leopards to be killed for trophies each year1. The proposal follows a four-year pause and would reopen international exports of tusks, horns, and skins.

The numbers may appear limited. The impact may not be.

Black Rhinos and Leopards Face Uncertain Futures

Black rhinos remain critically endangered. South Africa holds roughly 2,000 of the world’s 6,700 remaining animals2. Under CITES rules, exports are typically capped at 0.5% of the national population, which allows for about 10 animals. The draft quota proposes 122. The justification for exceeding that figure remains unclear.

Leopards are listed as vulnerable. Population estimates vary widely, and reliable field ageing of males has long been questioned4. Hunting would be restricted to 11 designated zones, but conservation groups have warned that data gaps and enforcement challenges make precaution essential4.

Elephants in Open Systems

The government cites a national elephant population of more than 43,500 animals and an annual growth rate above 5%2. Yet most elephants live in protected areas such as Kruger National Park, where hunting is prohibited3. Trophy hunts occur primarily on private reserves bordering these parks.

In open ecosystems like Greater Kruger, elephants move freely across boundaries. Mature bull elephants—those targeted for large tusks—play critical roles in herd stability and genetics. Research has shown that selective removal of these bulls can alter social structure and reduce average tusk size over time3.

Economic Claims and Ethical Questions

Supporters argue that hunting tourism contributes billions to the national economy. Research from North-West University estimates the sector adds R44 billion annually and supports approximately 95,000 jobs5. Industry groups say export suspensions cost billions in revenue2.

Critics counter that trophy hunting represents a small share of overall tourism spending and delivers limited benefits to local communities4. They warn that killing endangered animals for export risks ecological harm and global reputational damage.

Act Before the Quotas Are Final

The draft quotas are now open for public comment. Once approved, they are set to be repeated in 20271.

Elephants, rhinos, and leopards cannot speak for themselves. Their survival depends on decisions made now.

Sign the petition and urge the Department and the Director-General to reject these export quotas before more endangered animals are lost.

More on this issue:

  1. Sundeeka Mungroo, The South African (16 February 2026), "Elephant tusks back on the export list? SA proposes new hunting quotas."
  2. Caitlyn Hilliard-Lomas, BusinessTech (15 February 2026), "New laws coming for R44 billion industry in South Africa."
  3. Don Pinnock, Daily Maverick (11 February 2026), "New wildlife quotas reopen fault lines over hunting, science and governance."
  4. Don Pinnock, African Elephant Journal (17 November 2021), "South Africa: Environmentalists and hunters slam government over proposals for the trophy hunting of elephants, leopards and rhinos."
  5. Caitlyn Hilliard-Lomas, BusinessTech (15 February 2026), "New laws coming for R44 billion industry in South Africa."

The Petition

To the South African Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment and the Director-General,

We respectfully urge you to reject the proposed 2026–2027 export quotas for the trophy hunting of elephants, black rhinos, and leopards.

These species are not ordinary wildlife assets. They are keystone animals that shape ecosystems, support biodiversity, and inspire people across the world. Their survival is not guaranteed. Each decision made about them carries lasting consequences.

Black rhinos remain critically endangered, with only a fraction of their historical population left. Elephants, though more numerous in parts of South Africa, face mounting pressures from habitat fragmentation, poaching, and climate stress. Leopards are elusive and vulnerable, with uncertain population data in many regions. Removing even a small number of mature individuals—especially breeding males—can disrupt social structures, weaken genetic resilience, and destabilize already fragile populations.

We acknowledge that wildlife management is complex. We understand that conservation funding, rural employment, and economic realities must be considered. But true conservation cannot rely on the killing of the very animals it claims to protect. Sustainable wildlife governance must be rooted in rigorous science, transparency, and precaution—particularly when dealing with endangered and slow-breeding species.

Compassion must also guide policy.

Elephants form lifelong bonds and exhibit advanced cognition and emotional intelligence. Rhinos and leopards, though less visibly social, are integral to their ecosystems and deserve protection from unnecessary harm. Trophy hunting reduces these living beings to commodities. It prioritizes short-term financial return over long-term ecological stability and ethical responsibility.

South Africa has long been recognized as a global leader in conservation. Rejecting these quotas would affirm a commitment to protecting biodiversity without compromise. It would strengthen the country’s international standing, align with precautionary principles under global conservation frameworks, and demonstrate that economic development can coexist with non-consumptive wildlife strategies such as eco-tourism, habitat restoration, and community-based conservation.

We ask that you place the welfare of these species above political and commercial pressure. We ask that you ensure quota decisions are guided by independent science, full transparency, and a clear commitment to protecting vulnerable wildlife.

By rejecting these proposed export quotas, you will safeguard irreplaceable species, reinforce ethical conservation practices, and help secure resilient ecosystems for future generations.

These actions will ensure a better future for wildlife, communities, and the planet we all share.

Sincerely,

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