Napha committed to legal hunting operations
The Namibia Professional Hunting Association (Napha) has submitted detailed recommendations to facilitate a more effective management framework for Namibian leopards to the environment ministry.
Napha president Axel Cramer said the recommendations aim to mitigate human-wildlife conflicts while ensuring the sustainability of leopard populations in Namibia.
“We recognise the complexities of balancing the needs of our communities with the imperative to conserve our natural heritage," he said.
Cramer said Nampha mandates adherence to legal and ethical standards among its members.
“Each member has signed a code of conduct, committing to uphold the highest standards of ethical hunting practices. This code of conduct is not merely a formality; it is a pledge to engage in hunting activities responsibly and with profound respect for the animals and the environments in which they live.”
Response to criticism
According to Cramer, in light of recent allegations contained in an article on the issue of leopard hunting practices in Namibia, it was essential to clarify their position.
He argued that the article presented a one-sided view of leopard hunting practices in Namibia.
“It is crucial to differentiate between legal, ethical hunting practices and illegal activities.”
Cramer noted that hunting with dogs, for example, was legal in the past but is no longer permitted under current regulations.
Difficult
He said baiting, including the use of donkey meat, is a legitimate and controlled method of hunting, especially in areas where other prey is scarce.
“Leopards are nocturnal animals, making hunting them particularly challenging, as legally, one is only allowed to hunt from 30 minutes before sunrise until 30 minutes after sunset. This regulation underscores the difficulty and skill required to hunt these elusive animals within the bounds of the law.”
Cramer urged their members to continue abiding by the rules, regulations and laws set forth by the members and Napha.
He said through collective adherence to these guidelines, Namibia can ensure the sustainability of wildlife populations and the long-term viability of hunting as a component of Namibia's conservation strategy.
Napha president Axel Cramer said the recommendations aim to mitigate human-wildlife conflicts while ensuring the sustainability of leopard populations in Namibia.
“We recognise the complexities of balancing the needs of our communities with the imperative to conserve our natural heritage," he said.
Cramer said Nampha mandates adherence to legal and ethical standards among its members.
“Each member has signed a code of conduct, committing to uphold the highest standards of ethical hunting practices. This code of conduct is not merely a formality; it is a pledge to engage in hunting activities responsibly and with profound respect for the animals and the environments in which they live.”
Response to criticism
According to Cramer, in light of recent allegations contained in an article on the issue of leopard hunting practices in Namibia, it was essential to clarify their position.
He argued that the article presented a one-sided view of leopard hunting practices in Namibia.
“It is crucial to differentiate between legal, ethical hunting practices and illegal activities.”
Cramer noted that hunting with dogs, for example, was legal in the past but is no longer permitted under current regulations.
Difficult
He said baiting, including the use of donkey meat, is a legitimate and controlled method of hunting, especially in areas where other prey is scarce.
“Leopards are nocturnal animals, making hunting them particularly challenging, as legally, one is only allowed to hunt from 30 minutes before sunrise until 30 minutes after sunset. This regulation underscores the difficulty and skill required to hunt these elusive animals within the bounds of the law.”
Cramer urged their members to continue abiding by the rules, regulations and laws set forth by the members and Napha.
He said through collective adherence to these guidelines, Namibia can ensure the sustainability of wildlife populations and the long-term viability of hunting as a component of Namibia's conservation strategy.
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