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hatrack

(59,446 posts)
Fri May 15, 2015, 08:14 AM May 2015

SAA Bans Transport Of All Wildlife Trophies From All Flights - Mongabay

Trophy hunters may need to find another flight home, as South African Airlines (SAA) has announced a new ban on any wildlife trophies from their flights. "Hunting of endangered species has become a major problem in Africa and elsewhere with the depletion to near extinction of wildlife that once roamed in prolific numbers. SAA has taken the step of banning all transportation of animals killed in hunting activity as a result," said Tim Clyde-Smith of SAA.

According to TakePart, SAA made the decision after wildlife traffickers used the airline to attempt to smuggle ivory to Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia last month. The illegal goods were confiscated en route in Australia. Still, the new ban will apply to any wildlife trophies, including animals legally killed with proper regulatory documents.

"SAA will no longer support game hunters by carrying their trophies back to their country of origin," said Clyde-Smith. "The vast majority of tourists visit Africa in particular to witness the wonderful wildlife that remains. We consider it our duty to work to ensure this is preserved for future generations and that we deter activity that puts this wonderful resource in danger."

The debate over trophy hunting in Africa is rising as many of the continent's most beloved mammals—including lions, elephants, rhinos, and giraffes—face precipitous declines. A shocking study in 2011 found that populations of large African mammals had dropped by 58 percent in just 40 years.

EDIT

http://news.mongabay.com/2015/0514-hance-saa-trophies.html

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