A long-term study in Zimbabwe’s Matetsi Safari Area reveals declining trophy quality in key species like Cape buffalo and African elephants, raising concerns about the sustainability of trophy hunting. Trophies often fell below international standards, and older animals were increasingly targeted, risking population health and future revenue.
Despite stable quotas, harvests of buffalo, elephant, and kudu declined, suggesting reduced availability. In contrast, sable antelope populations appeared stable or improving.
To ensure trophy hunting supports conservation, researchers recommend rotating hunting zones to allow wildlife recovery and implementing variable pricing to reward hunters who target mature animals. Without such adaptive management, trophy hunting may undermine conservation goals and local economic benefits.
