Zimbabwe tightens hunting rules following 'iconic' lion's hunt

After the hunting of a much-loved lion by a US dentist, the wildlife authorities in Zimbabwe have now enforced restrictions on hunting around the country's biggest game reserve.

Edson Chidziya, the head of Zimbabwe's parks and wildlife authority, in a statement said that hunting of lions, leopards and elephants in areas outside the Hwange National Park has been suspended with immediate effect.

He added that hunts with bow and arrows will only be conducted if confirmed and authorised in writing by the Director General of the Zimbabwe Parks and Wildlife Management Authority and only if accompanied by parks staff.

The clampdown follows an international rage over the killing of Cecil the lion, a favourite with international tourists, who was shot with a bow and arrow by dentist Walter Palmer outside Hwange Park in July.