Showcase of Undergraduate Research and Creative Endeavors (SOURCE)

Effects of Trophy Hunting on Endangered Species

Richardson Ballroom – DiGiorgio Campus Center

This investigative report looks into the positive and negative effects of trophy hunting on endangered and threatened animal species. In particular, this report examines the reasoning behind and demystifies the process surrounding trophy hunting. Endangered animal species are government protected species; however, through the process of specific trophy-hunting routines, killing these animals is legal. I looked into the social dynamic of trophy hunting endangered species by analyzing primary and secondary sources, including in-depth interviews, previous reporting, documents requested through FOIA, open records, and government documents. The research and in-depth interviews from this investigative report show that trophy hunting endangered species is often conducted to help preserve the species. A hunter can obtain a trophy-hunting permit by completing an application and paying a fee. The hunting that is permitted for an endangered species is specifically calculated, to ensure that only the targeted animals will be removed, limiting harm to the species as a whole. The financial reward of trophy hunting an endangered species is speculated to be given by hunters to local native tribes that live near the hunting preserves to help them preserve the animals that live there. By providing insight into both the positive and negative effects of trophy hunting on endangered species, I hope to bring clarity to the process.