Hunting Tourism - Essay Example

It is irrational to assume that hunting tourism is a responsible form of tourism since killing and being responsible cannot mix. However, some scholars argue that it is sustainable tourism and economically viable because it contributes highly to government revenues, enhances high-quality tourism, generates employment, and utilizes the wildlife in the remote regions that are not increasingly visited by game tourists(Leader-Williams, Kayera & Overton, 2014). Despite the various benefits that come with hunting tourism, it is sound to argue that it is a bad thing. Various reports show that endangered species such as lions have been reduced by 30% in Africa and cats are perceived as seriously imperiled. In one of the reports that were published in the year 2011, it revealed that the economic and environmental benefits of hunting tourism in countries such as Tanzania, Botswana, Namibia, Benin, and Cameroon among others were negligible. It was alleged that around 272 million acres had been open to the sport though the returns were quite dismal. In addition, as much as some scholars allege that hunting tourism generates tourism, it was determined that less than 10,000 people were hired on a part-time and permanent basis yet approximately 100 million people lived in the aforementioned countries (Bland, 2012). Despite various claims that hunting tourism increases revenue and helps the local communities, there has been not enough proof. The pro-hunting firms argue that there are only 3% of the revenues that goes to the communities that have been affected by poaching and the rest goes to foreign and government outlets. It is also to be noted that killing animals such as lions is irresponsible considering that the healthy members are endangered and when the adult male, which is the most sought-after animal is killed, there is destabilization of its pride, leading to an increased number of deaths. The act is also counter-evolutionary since it consists of selecting healthy, robust, and large males that protect their cubs and mates as well as contributing positively to future generations (Flocken, 2013).

Therefore, killing defenseless species is definitely a bad idea and there is a need to have a balance. It is normal to hunt and kill wild animals for food but there is a need for government agencies, pro-hunting organizations, tourist-oriented firms, and other stakeholders that are affected to come up with ethical and sustainable hunting methods that can enhance conservation. Ensuring there is balance is imperative and human beings who are the main predators ought to participate in order to make sure that there is a form of stability. This can be done by culling, which is the immense removal of a large number of an animal population to guarantee balance. Additionally, hunting tourism can be used as a means of conservation and benefit the ecosystem in cases where there is overpopulation. For instance, in circumstances whereby the elephants are overpopulated in particular regions, there is a need for intervention. However, it is not viable to hunt and kill animals such as lions that are already reduced from historic levels. In that case, as much as hunting tourism has the potential of generating economic and conservation benefits, the industry ought to have a full overhaul and enhanced regulation to ensure that the benefits are realized (Bland, 2012).