Tanzania is home to about half of the world’s wild lions, making lion conservation critically important. Trophy hunting plays a key role in funding conservation through the leasing of hunting areas. A study in the Selous Game Reserve (1996–2008) found that short-term hunting leases led to overharvesting and rapid lion population declines. In contrast, long-term leases allowed for more sustainable lion offtake. While short-term leases brought in quick revenue for the government, they often encouraged unsustainable practices that harm lion populations over time. To protect lions and still benefit from hunting, the study recommends longer lease terms of at least ten years, shifting government income from trophy fees to fixed area fees, and making quota setting and lease assignments more transparent. With better management and long-term investment, trophy hunting can continue to support both lion conservation and local economies in Tanzania.
