After the widespread circulation of a video featuring American Hunter, Josh Bowmer, delighting in hunting a record-breaking crocodile in Tanzania, causing a stir, the Wildlife Management Authority (TAWA) states that it is conducting an investigation to determine if there have been any violations of hunting laws.
According to TAWA, once the investigation is complete, a comprehensive report will be released, and legal actions will be taken if any violations are identified.
"TAWA wishes to inform the public that trophy hunting is conducted in accordance with the Wildlife Conservation Act Chapter 283, as well as the Trophy Hunting Regulations of 2015 and its amendments in 2017, 2019, and 2020. Trophy hunting is also governed by the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES), to which our country is a signatory.
"Crocodiles are among the protected wildlife under this agreement and are categorized under Appendix II, allowing for regulated harvesting, including trophy hunting. The conditions for crocodile hunting, as per CITES and regulatory guidelines, ensure that the annual hunting quota does not exceed 1,600 crocodiles, the targeted crocodile has a length of no less than 300 centimeters, special tags are attached to their skins, and CITES export permits are required for the transportation of harvested crocodile products," stated the TAWA report.
"Under the laws and agreements, anyone is permitted to engage in trophy hunting after obtaining approval from TAWA and fulfilling the specified conditions. TAWA is responsible for overseeing all stages of trophy hunting. Our records indicate the issuance of permits for wildlife hunting, including crocodiles, in various regions of the country," concludes the TAWA statement.
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