Botswana’s draft 2026 hunting quota report marks a turning point in the nation’s wildlife management strategy — highlighting not only an increase in elephant hunting allocations but also the long-talked about reintroduction of big predators such as lions into the national quota system.
According to the preliminary document, the elephant quota for 2026 has risen from 410 to 430, reflecting an additional 20 animals compared to the 2025 season. Alongside this increase, the licence fee for elephant hunts has also been revised upward from P70,000 to P100,000. The report further proposes a continuous hunting season for elephants, a notable policy shift from the traditional seasonal model managed by the Department of Wildlife and National Parks (DWNP).
Perhaps the most striking development, however, is the return of lions to Botswana’s hunting framework. After years under a strict hunting moratorium, lions are once again included in the national quota — with 10 lions proposed for the 2026 season. They join 93 leopards on the list of big predators permitted under controlled hunting allocations.
The reintroduction of apex predators into the quota system signals both ecological and regulatory change. It suggests an apparent renewed confidence in predator population recovery and an effort to balance conservation goals with economic and community benefits derived from regulated trophy hunting.
While the proposed measures are still under review, the 2026 draft report underscores Botswana’s evolving approach to wildlife management — one that reportedly seeks to harmonize sustainable use, biodiversity protection, and local livelihood opportunities.