Tanzanian government clears American couple over killing of giant croc
What you need to know:
- In a released statement, Tawa said an extensive investigation showed that the couple's actions were in compliance with both local and international laws governing trophy hunting
Dar es Salaam. The Tanzania Wildlife Management Authority (Tawa) cleared the American couple, Josh and Sarah Bowmar, of any legal violations in connection with the crocodile hunting incident that stirred public outrage last week.
In a released statement, Tawa said it cleared the couple following an extensive investigation it conducted into the matter. Tawa further asserted that the couple's actions were in compliance with both local and international laws governing trophy hunting.
The controversy ignited when the Bowmars shared images and videos on social media showcasing their trophy animal—a massive Tanzanian crocodile. The visuals, however, triggered widespread condemnation due to the perceived unethical nature of the hunting method employed.
The images revealed the reptile being dragged by a vehicle before being hoisted onto a tree for a trophy photo, sparking debates on the ethical implications of trophy hunting and its impact on wildlife conservation.
In the statement, Tawa's public relations officer, Mr Beatus Maganja, said the investigation had been concluded and the hunters were found to be within the bounds of the law.
The preliminary statement issued on December 27, 2023, promised a thorough examination of the incident, which has now been completed.
According to the Tawa statement, hunting activities, including crocodile hunting, are regulated by both local and international laws, specifically the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES).
The statement clarified that Tanzania is allowed to hunt a limited number of crocodiles annually, with a quota of 1,600 for the year 2023. Only 39 crocodiles have been hunted from this quota thus far.
The crocodile in question, hunted in the Lake Rukwa GR hunting block, measured 16.2 feet, surpassing the minimum length requirement of 300 centimetres set by law. Mr Maganja noted that according to Safari Club International (SCI) statistics, an even longer crocodile had been legally hunted in Ethiopia in 2005.
Moreover, Mr Maganja emphasised in the statement that the hunt was conducted under the supervision of security officers and a licenced champion hunter, with all fees and charges duly paid in accordance with the laws governing hunting in Tanzania.
The statement assured the public that all legal procedures were observed, protecting the safety of both the hunters and accompanying individuals.
