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<p>Under international rules set by the Convention on International Trade in Endangered
Species (CITES), a hunting trophy from an endangered or threatened species can be
exported only if the exporting country is satisfied that the hunt was both legal and
sustainable.</p><p> </p><p>Importing controls are implemented at an EU-wide level
and the UK works with other EU Member States to agree a collective approach. In light
of growing concerns about the sustainability of the hunting of some species, stricter
controls on the import of hunting trophies of six species, including lions and African
elephants, have been introduced. As a result, the import of hunting trophies of certain
species from certain countries is currently prohibited.</p><p> </p><p>The Government
considers that properly managed, legal and sustainable trophy hunting can play a part
in species conservation efforts, including by providing an important source of funding
for conservation in some countries. In view of this, we have no plans to introduce
legislation banning the import of all trophies of endangered or threatened species.
We will however continue to monitor the impact of trophy hunting and will work to
put in place greater protection, including prohibiting imports, if this is shown to
be needed.</p><p> </p><p>For example, in recognition of the real concerns about the
impact of trophy hunting on lion conservation, I announced in Parliament on 24 November
2015 that the Government will ban lion trophy imports by the end of 2017 unless there
are improvements in the way hunting takes place in certain countries, judged against
strict criteria. We will work with our European and international partners, and experts
in the field, to reach a common approach to this issue.</p><p> </p>
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