The U.S. Department of the Interior (DOI) is establishing a so-called International Wildlife Conservation Council within the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. The council will essentially help Secretary of the Interior Ryan Zinke promote the international sport trophy hunting industry, by “increasing public awareness domestically regarding the conservation, wildlife law enforcement, and economic benefits that result from U.S. citizens traveling to foreign nations to engage in hunting.”
Statement from Defenders of Wildlife Vice President of Conservation Programs Bob Dreher:
“The narrow-minded focus on sport trophy hunting reflects this administration’s blindness to wildlife conservation. This is a myopic and one-sided approach that ignores the enormous range of conservation efforts across the globe that focus on preserving habitat, protecting imperiled species, combatting wildlife trafficking and promoting non-consumptive ways to enjoy wildlife, like photo-tourism.”
Defenders of Wildlife is celebrating 75 years of protecting all native animals and plants in their natural communities. With a nationwide network of nearly 2.2 million members and activists, Defenders of Wildlife is a leading advocate for innovative solutions to safeguard our wildlife heritage for generations to come. For more information, visit defenders.org/newsroom and follow us on Twitter @Defenders.
