These days one reads all kinds of articles in the media, and hears debates on TV, about banning the international trade in wildlife products because of disease risks to humans. This is particularly topical at present, because of the COVID-19 pandemic. Other vocal lobbyists and animal rights activists want to ban the movement of hunting trophies because they are the product of cruel and unethical practices. Yet others abhor the killing of wild animals for whatever sentimental and personal reasons, and will go to great lengths to persuade their politicians to implement policies that will somehow stop hunters from doing what they wish to do. The politicians in turn find new populist topics to hold forth about during their speaking opportunities in various debates, thereby seeking to enhance their visibility and their popularity with particular groups of lobbyists. And the academics also weigh in with lofty scientific publications about ethics and 'compassion' for animals. Academics need to publish erudite articles to progress their
