Botswana has lifted its ban on elephant hunting, saying the population has increased and farmers’ livelihoods are being affected, in a move set to trigger outrage from conservationists.

Media outlets around the world are reporting Botswana’s President Mokgweetsi Masisi, began his review of the bank five months after taking over from Khama last year.

Botswana, once a safe haven for wildlife, now cites human wildlife conflict is on the increase. The need for more land, agriculture and settlements as the population grows has been a factor in the decision made by Masisi.

Blood sport is not conservation. Hunting has no economic or social benefit to communities with profits remaining with operators - read Rod Campbell's report: Economists At Large.