The recent death of a large, prized elephant with exceptionally long tusks triggered widespread protests. In Botswana, a professional hunter reportedly paid $50,000 for the opportunity, drawing renewed attention to a country that reintroduced elephant hunting in 2019 after a ban meant to conserve wildlife and allow resources to recover. Observers worry that such incidents could erode income from observation-based tourism, a cornerstone of Botswana’s wildlife economy.
A female elephant was killed by a professional hunter with a single bullet. The animal was an endangered species noted for its towering tusks, almost reaching the ground, and it stood out as one of the largest individuals in the country.
Leon Kachehoffer, a resident of Botswana, stated that the animal was taken after he paid $50,000 near the country’s northern border with Namibia. The hunter claimed the elephant carried about 91 kilograms of ivory in its tusks.
In a post on a social network, the hunter described the controversy over the so‑called hunting trophy as unforeseen. He added that the hunt was presented as an extraordinary privilege.
Political leaders in Africa weighed in on the incident. Former Botswana president Ian Khama criticized the decision to reopen safaris, arguing that the country’s tourism is tied to wildlife conservation and ethical hunting practices. He noted that the area’s allure as a tourism destination was diminished by killing a highly notable animal for sport.
Khama questioned how such a death would support a growing tourism sector, suggesting that mismanagement and leadership gaps had already harmed wildlife populations and tourism potential. His comments reflect broader concerns about balancing economic incentives with conservation outcomes.
An elephant beloved by visitors
“This was among the largest, if not the largest, tusked elephants in the region. Tour operators had often portrayed such sightings as a hallmark attraction. Now that the animal is gone, those stories lose their bite,” commented a regional official.
“What does this mean for the tourism economy that relies on wildlife encounters? Some worry that missteps and a lack of clear leadership after years of decline in other species could further deter visitors,” the official added.
The elephant lived beyond fifty years, a lifespan that helps researchers understand social dynamics of younger bulls who look to older matriarchs and bulls for cues about movement and behavior. Current estimates place the number of this species at around 40 individuals observed in the region, with such a stand-out animal influencing both poachers and professional hunters alike.
Presently, roughly 130,000 elephants reside in Botswana, yet only a minority possess the large ivory tusks that capture public attention. Botswana’s government defends hunting as a revenue stream that supports wildlife management and community programs. In 2021, hunting-related activities generated a substantial amount of income for the sector.
“Revenue from hunting and meat can contribute significantly to wildlife management and local communities,” stated a spokesperson for the regulatory body overseeing hunting activities. The spokesperson also noted that the elephant had already sustained an injury indicating harm from external sources. The argument presented is that the income supports anti-poaching efforts and local livelihoods, though critics ask whether this is compatible with long-term species conservation.
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Environment department contact address:[citation: Botswana Department of Environmental Affairs]