Trump puts 'hold' on big game trophy decision while he reviews issue

William Cummings | USA TODAY

President Trump said Friday in a tweet that he is putting the controversial decision to lift a ban on importation of big-game trophies made from elephants on hold, pending a review of "all conservation facts."

Put big game trophy decision on hold until such time as I review all conservation facts. Under study for years. Will update soon with Secretary Zinke. Thank you! — Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) November 18, 2017

Interior secretary Ryan Zinke confirmed the hold, adding he and Trump "both believe that conservation and healthy herds are critical."

.@realDonaldTrump & I have talked & both believe that conservation & healthy herds are critical...the issuing of permits is put on hold... pic.twitter.com/tdDf9GaqwR — Secretary Ryan Zinke (@SecretaryZinke) November 18, 2017

On Wednesday, the administration announced that it was lifting an Obama-era ban on trophies from elephants killed in Zambia and Zimbabwe. The move sparked waves of outrage from animal-rights groups, conservation activists and social-media users.

The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service can give permits to import trophies of even endangered species, if officials have evidence that the fees collected for hunting benefits conservation for that species.

► Rollback: Trump administration reverses ban on import of elephant trophies

► Trophy hunting: Cecil the Lion's son, Xanda, shot dead

► War on African elephants: Poaching causes biggest losses in 25 years

The agency overturned a similar ban on lion trophies from Zimbabwe and Zambia last month after determining that hunting was a net positive for conservation efforts.

"It's great that public outrage has forced Trump to reconsider this despicable decision, but it takes more than a tweet to stop trophy hunters from slaughtering elephants and lions," said Tanya Sanerib, senior attorney with the Center for Biological Diversity. "We need immediate federal action to reverse these policies and protect these amazing animals."

Follow Will Cummings on Twitter: @wwcummings