The global uproar following the death of Cecil the lion reignited debate over trophy hunting, but most discussions overlook the motivations of the hunter. Unlike subsistence hunting, trophy hunting often targets rare, large, or inedible species and is better understood through the lens of costly signaling—a concept from evolutionary anthropology. Hunters take on significant risk, effort, and expense not for meat, but to display traits like bravery, skill, and success. These symbolic rewards, amplified today by social media, act as modern status signals, akin to luxury items. While this behavior has sparked conservation concerns, particularly through the anthropogenic Allee effect (rarity increasing demand), it also offers a pathway for behavioral-focused conservation policy. By understanding and redirecting the social incentives behind hunting, conservationists can create smarter, more effective strategies that work with—not against—the core drivers of human behavior. Trophy hunting is not just about the kill; it’s about what the kill represents.
