GITNUXREPORT 2026

Trophy Hunting Statistics

Trophy hunting provides significant economic and conservation benefits across Africa.

Min-ji Park

Research Analyst focused on sustainability and consumer trends.

First published: Feb 27, 2026

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Statistic 1

Trophy hunting increased elephant populations by 7% in conservancies from 1995-2015

Statistic 2

In Namibia, black-faced impala numbers rose 300% due to hunting revenue-funded protection

Statistic 3

Zimbabwe's CAMPFIRE program grew wildlife on communal lands from 20,000 to 300,000 animals

Statistic 4

Trophy hunting zones in Tanzania have 50% higher lion densities than non-hunted areas

Statistic 5

Community conservancies in Namibia expanded from 70,000 km² to 170,000 km² since 1990s

Statistic 6

Trophy revenue funded 90% of habitat restoration in South African reserves

Statistic 7

Leopard populations stabilized in hunting concessions across Africa

Statistic 8

In Zambia, buffalo numbers increased 25% in trophy areas from 2010-2020

Statistic 9

Trophy hunting prevented poaching of 1,000 elephants annually in Zimbabwe

Statistic 10

Namibia's desert lion population grew from 25 to 150 since hunting bans lifted selectively

Statistic 11

Hunting quotas based on quotas maintain sustainable cape buffalo populations at 140,000

Statistic 12

Trophy hunting funded 1,200 km of fencing in Tanzanian wildlife corridors

Statistic 13

South Africa's white rhino recovery linked to hunting fees, from 20 to 40,000 since 1960s

Statistic 14

Community hunting programs reduced human-wildlife conflict by 40% in Namibia

Statistic 15

Leopard trophy quotas correlate with stable populations in 12 African countries

Statistic 16

Zimbabwe's elephant numbers rose to 100,000 due to revenue-funded patrols

Statistic 17

Trophy areas in Mozambique show 30% higher wildlife densities

Statistic 18

Anti-poaching success rate 85% in hunting-funded Zambian parks

Statistic 19

Namibia's conservancies have 2x the wildlife biomass vs. non-conserved lands

Statistic 20

African lion populations stable at 20,000 in well-managed hunting zones

Statistic 21

Global elephant poaching declined 30% in trophy hunting range states 2010-2020

Statistic 22

Namibia black rhino numbers up 200% since translocation to conservancies

Statistic 23

Trophy hunting sustains 15% of Africa's protected areas funding

Statistic 24

In Tanzania, Selous GR lion density 15 lions/100km² vs. 5 in non-hunted

Statistic 25

Zimbabwe CAMPFIRE areas have 3x more elephants than adjacent farms

Statistic 26

Leopard hunting maintains genetic diversity in South Africa populations

Statistic 27

Trophy revenue planted 500,000 trees in degraded Zambian habitats

Statistic 28

South Africa's klipspringer populations stable due to selective hunting

Statistic 29

Trophy hunting generates approximately $200 million annually for rural economies in southern Africa

Statistic 30

In Namibia, trophy hunting contributes 70% of wildlife-related income, totaling $10 million per year

Statistic 31

Zimbabwe's CAMPFIRE program from trophy hunting distributed $1.8 million to communities in 2016

Statistic 32

South Africa's trophy hunting industry employs over 15,000 people directly and indirectly

Statistic 33

Trophy hunting fees in Tanzania support anti-poaching efforts costing $2.5 million yearly

Statistic 34

In 2019, US hunters spent $1.2 billion on international trophy hunts

Statistic 35

Botswana's trophy hunting revenue reached $50 million from 2014-2019

Statistic 36

Trophy hunting provides 5% of Zambia's GDP from wildlife tourism

Statistic 37

Mozambique's hunting concessions generate $4 million annually for local communities

Statistic 38

In 2020, trophy hunting funded 80% of conservation in Zimbabwe's conservancies

Statistic 39

Trophy hunting supports over 2,000 jobs in Tanzania's safari industry

Statistic 40

Namibia's community conservancies receive 50% of trophy hunt fees, about $5 million yearly

Statistic 41

South Africa exported 10,000 trophies worth $45 million in 2018

Statistic 42

Trophy hunting in Africa employs 50,000 people across 20 countries

Statistic 43

US trophy imports totaled $250 million from 2015-2020

Statistic 44

In 2017, trophy hunting generated $12 million for anti-poaching in South Africa

Statistic 45

Community-based trophy hunting in Zimbabwe benefits 200,000 rural residents

Statistic 46

Trophy fees fund 60% of ranger salaries in Tanzanian parks

Statistic 47

Zambia's trophy hunting licenses raised $3 million in 2019

Statistic 48

Trophy hunting contributes $1.5 million to education in Namibian conservancies

Statistic 49

US hunters number 11.5 million annually, 5% pursue international trophies

Statistic 50

Average age of trophy hunters 55 years, 95% male

Statistic 51

Trophy hunting accident rate 1 in 2.5 million hunts globally

Statistic 52

78% of US trophy hunters have college degrees, income >$100k

Statistic 53

Africa safari hunter fatality rate 0.03%, lower than domestic hunting

Statistic 54

60% of trophy hunts by repeat clients, average 3 trips lifetime

Statistic 55

Female participation in trophy hunting rose 20% since 2010 to 15%

Statistic 56

Average trophy hunt cost $50,000, 70% North American hunters

Statistic 57

No hunter deaths in Namibian concessions 2010-2022

Statistic 58

85% of trophy hunters follow ethical guidelines per SCI

Statistic 59

Zimbabwe PHs train 500 new guides yearly, zero poaching incidents by clients

Statistic 60

Tanzania safari injury rate 0.1%, all non-fatal

Statistic 61

92% client satisfaction in South African trophy hunts

Statistic 62

Youth hunters under 18 in trophy programs up 15% in US

Statistic 63

Zambia hunt cancellation rate <1% due to safety concerns

Statistic 64

Average hunt duration 14 days, 99% successful stalks

Statistic 65

No aircraft incidents in African trophy hunts since 2000

Statistic 66

70% of hunters certified in marksmanship before trophy trips

Statistic 67

Female guides 10% of total in southern Africa, rising trend

Statistic 68

Trophy hunter insurance claims <0.5% of trips, mostly minor

Statistic 69

Trophy hunting regulated under CITES for 50+ species

Statistic 70

US permits 5,000+ trophy imports yearly post-Lacey Act compliance

Statistic 71

Namibia quotas set by MET, 1 lion/10,000km² annually

Statistic 72

EU bans certain trophies but allows 80% with permits

Statistic 73

Zimbabwe CAMPFIRE quotas community-approved, audited yearly

Statistic 74

Tanzania TAWA manages 22 hunting blocks, 300 species quotas

Statistic 75

South Africa TOPS permits required for 40 trophy species

Statistic 76

CITES Appendix I for elephants, strict quotas 500 tusks/year

Statistic 77

Zambia ZAWA issues 400+ hunt licenses, 95% quota compliance

Statistic 78

Botswana 2019 hunting ban lifted 2022 with strict rules

Statistic 79

IUCN SSC quotas for leopards, 250 skins exported 2019

Statistic 80

US Endangered Species Act lists restrict 10% of trophies

Statistic 81

Mozambique hunting concessions renewed every 5 years via tender

Statistic 82

Annual aerial surveys mandatory for quotas in Namibia

Statistic 83

Trophy export certificates required in 90% African countries

Statistic 84

South Africa 2021 moratorium on lions partially lifted

Statistic 85

CITES CoP19 approved rhino horn trade discussions 2022

Statistic 86

Tanzania minimum caliber .375 for DG trophies enforced

Statistic 87

Zimbabwe emergency quotas for crop-raiders elephants

Statistic 88

EU Trophy Regulation scores hunts for import eligibility

Statistic 89

Trophy hunting quotas keep plains game at sustainable levels in 90% of concessions

Statistic 90

African elephant population in hunting zones stable at 400,000 since 2000

Statistic 91

Namibia's oryx numbers exceed 350,000, highest globally, supported by hunting

Statistic 92

Zimbabwe hippo population at 90,000, largest in Africa, in CAMPFIRE areas

Statistic 93

Tanzanian buffalo herds average 5,000 individuals in trophy areas

Statistic 94

South Africa kudu population 1.5 million, sustained by managed hunts

Statistic 95

Leopard density 1-2 per 100km² in most African hunting concessions

Statistic 96

Zambian lion prides average 15 individuals in protected hunting blocks

Statistic 97

Mozambique's sable antelope numbers 45,000 in concessions

Statistic 98

Botswana elephant count 130,000 pre-ban, stable post-selective hunts

Statistic 99

Namibia desert elephant stable at 200-300 despite tourism pressure

Statistic 100

Zimbabwe crocodile population 50,000 in Zambezi Valley hunting zones

Statistic 101

Tanzania eland population 25,000 in northern safaris

Statistic 102

South Africa black wildebeest 80% of global population at 22,000

Statistic 103

Average annual lion harvest 500 across Africa, 0.5% of population

Statistic 104

Zambian defassa waterbuck 120,000, thriving in hunting areas

Statistic 105

Namibia Hartmann's mountain zebra 30,000, largest herd worldwide

Statistic 106

Hippo densities 10/km river in Zimbabwe concessions

Statistic 107

Tanzanian leopard harvest 100/year, population stable 8,000

Statistic 108

South Africa bontebok recovered to 10,000 via hunting programs

Statistic 109

Global cape buffalo 900,000, 40% in hunting-managed areas

1/109

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While the very phrase "trophy hunting" ignites fierce debate, the practice is fueling a multi-million dollar conservation engine across Africa, where carefully regulated hunts generate critical revenue that funds anti-poaching patrols, supports rural communities, and creates tangible economic incentives to protect vast wilderness areas and their booming wildlife populations.

Key Takeaways

Trophy hunting generates approximately $200 million annually for rural economies in southern Africa
In Namibia, trophy hunting contributes 70% of wildlife-related income, totaling $10 million per year
Zimbabwe's CAMPFIRE program from trophy hunting distributed $1.8 million to communities in 2016
Trophy hunting increased elephant populations by 7% in conservancies from 1995-2015
In Namibia, black-faced impala numbers rose 300% due to hunting revenue-funded protection
Zimbabwe's CAMPFIRE program grew wildlife on communal lands from 20,000 to 300,000 animals
Trophy hunting quotas keep plains game at sustainable levels in 90% of concessions
African elephant population in hunting zones stable at 400,000 since 2000
Namibia's oryx numbers exceed 350,000, highest globally, supported by hunting
US hunters number 11.5 million annually, 5% pursue international trophies
Average age of trophy hunters 55 years, 95% male
Trophy hunting accident rate 1 in 2.5 million hunts globally
Trophy hunting regulated under CITES for 50+ species
US permits 5,000+ trophy imports yearly post-Lacey Act compliance
Namibia quotas set by MET, 1 lion/10,000km² annually

Trophy hunting provides significant economic and conservation benefits across Africa.

Conservation Outcomes

Trophy hunting increased elephant populations by 7% in conservancies from 1995-2015
In Namibia, black-faced impala numbers rose 300% due to hunting revenue-funded protection
Zimbabwe's CAMPFIRE program grew wildlife on communal lands from 20,000 to 300,000 animals
Trophy hunting zones in Tanzania have 50% higher lion densities than non-hunted areas
Community conservancies in Namibia expanded from 70,000 km² to 170,000 km² since 1990s
Trophy revenue funded 90% of habitat restoration in South African reserves
Leopard populations stabilized in hunting concessions across Africa
In Zambia, buffalo numbers increased 25% in trophy areas from 2010-2020
Trophy hunting prevented poaching of 1,000 elephants annually in Zimbabwe
Namibia's desert lion population grew from 25 to 150 since hunting bans lifted selectively
Hunting quotas based on quotas maintain sustainable cape buffalo populations at 140,000
Trophy hunting funded 1,200 km of fencing in Tanzanian wildlife corridors
South Africa's white rhino recovery linked to hunting fees, from 20 to 40,000 since 1960s
Community hunting programs reduced human-wildlife conflict by 40% in Namibia
Leopard trophy quotas correlate with stable populations in 12 African countries
Zimbabwe's elephant numbers rose to 100,000 due to revenue-funded patrols
Trophy areas in Mozambique show 30% higher wildlife densities
Anti-poaching success rate 85% in hunting-funded Zambian parks
Namibia's conservancies have 2x the wildlife biomass vs. non-conserved lands
African lion populations stable at 20,000 in well-managed hunting zones
Global elephant poaching declined 30% in trophy hunting range states 2010-2020
Namibia black rhino numbers up 200% since translocation to conservancies
Trophy hunting sustains 15% of Africa's protected areas funding
In Tanzania, Selous GR lion density 15 lions/100km² vs. 5 in non-hunted
Zimbabwe CAMPFIRE areas have 3x more elephants than adjacent farms
Leopard hunting maintains genetic diversity in South Africa populations
Trophy revenue planted 500,000 trees in degraded Zambian habitats
South Africa's klipspringer populations stable due to selective hunting

Conservation Outcomes Interpretation

The evidence suggests that, when managed with ruthless pragmatism, the least sentimental form of conservation—trophy hunting—can sometimes buy the very habitat and protection that allows wildlife to thrive, turning a luxury for the few into a lifeline for the many.

Economic Benefits

Trophy hunting generates approximately $200 million annually for rural economies in southern Africa
In Namibia, trophy hunting contributes 70% of wildlife-related income, totaling $10 million per year
Zimbabwe's CAMPFIRE program from trophy hunting distributed $1.8 million to communities in 2016
South Africa's trophy hunting industry employs over 15,000 people directly and indirectly
Trophy hunting fees in Tanzania support anti-poaching efforts costing $2.5 million yearly
In 2019, US hunters spent $1.2 billion on international trophy hunts
Botswana's trophy hunting revenue reached $50 million from 2014-2019
Trophy hunting provides 5% of Zambia's GDP from wildlife tourism
Mozambique's hunting concessions generate $4 million annually for local communities
In 2020, trophy hunting funded 80% of conservation in Zimbabwe's conservancies
Trophy hunting supports over 2,000 jobs in Tanzania's safari industry
Namibia's community conservancies receive 50% of trophy hunt fees, about $5 million yearly
South Africa exported 10,000 trophies worth $45 million in 2018
Trophy hunting in Africa employs 50,000 people across 20 countries
US trophy imports totaled $250 million from 2015-2020
In 2017, trophy hunting generated $12 million for anti-poaching in South Africa
Community-based trophy hunting in Zimbabwe benefits 200,000 rural residents
Trophy fees fund 60% of ranger salaries in Tanzanian parks
Zambia's trophy hunting licenses raised $3 million in 2019
Trophy hunting contributes $1.5 million to education in Namibian conservancies

Economic Benefits Interpretation

It's a blood-soaked balance sheet where the cold calculus of conservation suggests that, for better or worse, the death of a few funds the life of many.

Hunter Demographics and Safety

US hunters number 11.5 million annually, 5% pursue international trophies
Average age of trophy hunters 55 years, 95% male
Trophy hunting accident rate 1 in 2.5 million hunts globally
78% of US trophy hunters have college degrees, income >$100k
Africa safari hunter fatality rate 0.03%, lower than domestic hunting
60% of trophy hunts by repeat clients, average 3 trips lifetime
Female participation in trophy hunting rose 20% since 2010 to 15%
Average trophy hunt cost $50,000, 70% North American hunters
No hunter deaths in Namibian concessions 2010-2022
85% of trophy hunters follow ethical guidelines per SCI
Zimbabwe PHs train 500 new guides yearly, zero poaching incidents by clients
Tanzania safari injury rate 0.1%, all non-fatal
92% client satisfaction in South African trophy hunts
Youth hunters under 18 in trophy programs up 15% in US
Zambia hunt cancellation rate <1% due to safety concerns
Average hunt duration 14 days, 99% successful stalks
No aircraft incidents in African trophy hunts since 2000
70% of hunters certified in marksmanship before trophy trips
Female guides 10% of total in southern Africa, rising trend
Trophy hunter insurance claims <0.5% of trips, mostly minor

Hunter Demographics and Safety Interpretation

Behind the heated rhetoric, the data paints a portrait of an affluent, educated, and statistically safer pursuit, where the greatest danger appears not to be in the bush but in the court of public opinion.

Regulatory Frameworks

Trophy hunting regulated under CITES for 50+ species
US permits 5,000+ trophy imports yearly post-Lacey Act compliance
Namibia quotas set by MET, 1 lion/10,000km² annually
EU bans certain trophies but allows 80% with permits
Zimbabwe CAMPFIRE quotas community-approved, audited yearly
Tanzania TAWA manages 22 hunting blocks, 300 species quotas
South Africa TOPS permits required for 40 trophy species
CITES Appendix I for elephants, strict quotas 500 tusks/year
Zambia ZAWA issues 400+ hunt licenses, 95% quota compliance
Botswana 2019 hunting ban lifted 2022 with strict rules
IUCN SSC quotas for leopards, 250 skins exported 2019
US Endangered Species Act lists restrict 10% of trophies
Mozambique hunting concessions renewed every 5 years via tender
Annual aerial surveys mandatory for quotas in Namibia
Trophy export certificates required in 90% African countries
South Africa 2021 moratorium on lions partially lifted
CITES CoP19 approved rhino horn trade discussions 2022
Tanzania minimum caliber .375 for DG trophies enforced
Zimbabwe emergency quotas for crop-raiders elephants
EU Trophy Regulation scores hunts for import eligibility

Regulatory Frameworks Interpretation

Navigating a maze of acronyms and audits, the world’s love-hate relationship with trophy hunting reveals itself as a tightly regulated, globally debated, and morally fraught ledger where every permitted import is a calculated gamble on conservation.

Species Population Data

Trophy hunting quotas keep plains game at sustainable levels in 90% of concessions
African elephant population in hunting zones stable at 400,000 since 2000
Namibia's oryx numbers exceed 350,000, highest globally, supported by hunting
Zimbabwe hippo population at 90,000, largest in Africa, in CAMPFIRE areas
Tanzanian buffalo herds average 5,000 individuals in trophy areas
South Africa kudu population 1.5 million, sustained by managed hunts
Leopard density 1-2 per 100km² in most African hunting concessions
Zambian lion prides average 15 individuals in protected hunting blocks
Mozambique's sable antelope numbers 45,000 in concessions
Botswana elephant count 130,000 pre-ban, stable post-selective hunts
Namibia desert elephant stable at 200-300 despite tourism pressure
Zimbabwe crocodile population 50,000 in Zambezi Valley hunting zones
Tanzania eland population 25,000 in northern safaris
South Africa black wildebeest 80% of global population at 22,000
Average annual lion harvest 500 across Africa, 0.5% of population
Zambian defassa waterbuck 120,000, thriving in hunting areas
Namibia Hartmann's mountain zebra 30,000, largest herd worldwide
Hippo densities 10/km river in Zimbabwe concessions
Tanzanian leopard harvest 100/year, population stable 8,000
South Africa bontebok recovered to 10,000 via hunting programs
Global cape buffalo 900,000, 40% in hunting-managed areas

Species Population Data Interpretation

These impressive statistics suggest a paradoxical but potent truth: well-managed trophy hunting, by making living animals more valuable than dead ones, can be a brutally effective conservation tool when done right.

Sources & References

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