FWS Confirms Ban on Elephant Trophy Imports From Zimbabwe

The Fish and Wildlife Service confirmed the suspension of imports of elephant trophies taken in Zimbabwe from April 4 until Dec. 31, 2014 first announced in April (see 14050931). The agency recently found that sport hunting in Zimbabwe is not enhancing the survival of the species as required by the Endangered Species Act for African elephants. The decision does not affect imports of any elephant trophies taken before April 4. Additionally, it does not prohibit the taking of elephant trophies, just the importation, so there is a chance that elephant trophies taken between April 4 and Dec. 31 may be imported at a later date, said FWS.