US President Donald Trump said in a tweet on Friday he is putting a decision to allow imports of elephant trophies on hold after a torrent of criticism from conservation advocates and across social media. "Put big game trophy decision on hold until such time as I review all conservation facts. The move was disclosed by Fish and Wildlife Service officials attending a meeting in Tanzania this week that was organized by a pro-trophy hunting group. Wildlife advocates said that move contradicts the agency's decision last year to extend Endangered Species Act protections to African lions. Supporters say money made from well-regulated hunts has been used for costly wildlife conservation in cash-starved African countries battling to diminish chronic poverty.

Source: The Star November 18, 2017 06:56 UTC