Lion cubs await mothers to return from hunting, Masai Mara, Kenya - January 2015. [Photo/IC]

In recent years, more and more people have become involved in the sport hunting. It's regarded as "noble sport" in China. One hunting ground charges its member 100,000 yuan ($16,080) annually in Southwest China's Sichuan province.

Hunting in other countries

In general, hunting for sport as an industry is internationally recognized in the world.

However, it also suffers international controversy, especially in Africa and other less developed countries because of corruption, unequal distribution of benefits, and other hunting problems.

It's reported that not all African countries are allowed to hunt, and in countries like Kenya, killing wild animals for sport is totally banned.

Suggestion: Sport hunting needs mechanisms

Sun Zhiyu, an expert on wildlife protection, says regulated and legal hunting can protect wild animals from being killed, and can bring economic benefits to the hunting ground owners.

However, the problem is that the money is mainly spent on routine maintenance of the hunting ground, instead of the protection of wildlife, which is rather different from the situation in foreign countries.

On the other hand, the number and species of wild animals are strictly monitored and controlled in many foreign countries.

For example, the polar bear is divided into 13 secondary species in Canada. In 2008, the Committee on the Status of Endangered Wildlife in Canada (COSEWIC) estimated that seven species are in stable growth, four species are over-hunted and the number of the other two species is unclear.

In response, Canada decreased the quota for over-hunted species.

Sun admits that there is a long way to go for China to regulate and control wildlife species. Related mechanisms are in urgent need.