Pro or anti trophy hunting? The argument's not that simple says conservation expert

Any discussion of trophy hunting is likely to spark fierce debate, covering everything from a visceral emotional response to citing evidence either backing or opposing the practice.

But, considering all the factors at play, is having to be simply 'pro' or 'anti' trophy hunting simply too simplistic?

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Rather than pushing this 'false binary', there needs to be more recognition of the nuance and complexity of the topic, writes an expert on human-wildlife conflict.

Amy Dickman is Professor of Wildlife Conservation and director of the Wildlife Conservation Research Unit at Oxford University in the UK.

Her opinion piece for Daily Maverick is titled Those of us who dislike trophy hunting should propose alternative plans rather than bans.

"There are some facts that we should all agree on: trophy hunting can harm individuals and populations, just as it can benefit wildlife populations and species. It occurs across the world, including extensively in North America and Europe, and is not mentioned as a key threat to a single species on the IUCN Red List. It can both harm and benefit local people."

"Equally as importantly, bans and restrictions have also led to harms for people and wildlife, including increasing human-wildlife conflict."

Amy Dickman, Professor of Wildlife Conservation - Oxford University

Professor Dickman says it's the rights and needs of local people and the impacts on conservation that count, and matter far more than the needs of researchers or campaigners.

In conversation with John Perlman, she explains the evolution of her outlook.

"It's a journey that I've been on myself. When I first went to  Africa about 25 years ago now, I came from a very Western, very British view that is quite sheltered, hating the idea of trophy huntin... but as I spent more here I realised there are many different aspect and perspectives..."

"...and what I feel as a privileged British ousider should not dominate over what local people need, and critcially as a conservation scientist my likes or dislikes shouldn't dominate over the evidence of conservation science."

"It's a topic that lends itself to clickbait, to moral outrage on social media... and all the nuance gets lost in those debates."

Amy Dickman, Professor of Wildlife Conservation - Oxford University

Scroll up to listen to this fascinating interview