Botswana to stop issuing hunting licences

Botswana President Ian Khama said the government will stop issuing hunting licences beginning next year to protect the country's fauna.

He said hunting licences has fuelled poaching in the country and hindering the tourism industry from contributing significantly to the country's gross domestic product (GDP).

Tourism has been an increasingly important industry in Botswana, accounting for almost 12 percent of GDP.

One of the country's major hunting areas -- Okavango Delta -- is home to a diverse population of animals and birds.

The Central Kalahari Game Reserve offers good game viewing and some of the most remote and unspoiled wilderness in southern Africa.

Khama said the numbers of wild animals that attract tourists from across the globe has been decreasing.

"Our wildlife control measure through issuance of hunting licenses has reached its limit," he said.