Hunters and hunting associations from various countries in the Southern African Development Community (SADC) met in August to discuss the challenges related to the management of rhino and elephant populations in preparation for the next African Wildlife Consultative Forum, which will be held later this year in Stellenbosch. Botswana, Namibia, Zimbabwe, Zambia, and Tanzania were represented at this meeting sponsored by the Safari Club Foundation of America.

Data from the different countries have shown that CITES and the export restrictions imposed by European countries and America have restricted the ability to raise sufficient funds to cover the costs of species conservation and anti-poaching efforts and to maintain the quality of life for communities that share their space with elephants and rhinos.

Members of SADC who are part of the African Wildlife Consultative Forum realised the importance of collaboration among governments, communities, and associations from these countries to address challenges in the following areas:

• closer cooperation to consolidate data and information;
• an integrated approach before the next CITES meeting;
• greater focus on keeping the public, both locally and internationally, informed about the real situation regarding the conservation status of species and the positive role that sustainable use can play in conservation; and
• responsible use options for rhinos and elephants (including rhino horn and elephant tusks) and hunting packages within SADC.