The Federal Government is planning to ask South Africa to ban Australians from taking part in 'canned' trophy hunting in that country.

Environment Minister Greg Hunt revealed the Government's intentions just days after the importation of rhino body part trophies was outlawed.

Many of the trophies come from so-called 'canned hunts', where animals including lions and zebras are bred and farmed for the sole purpose of being killed in mock enclosed hunts.

Domestic political opposition to the practice has been led by Victorian Liberal backbencher Jason Wood, who has successfully lobbied the Government into cracking down on trophy imports.

The Government is investigating how to extend the import ban to African lion body parts.

Mr Hunt says he is planning to write to the South African government to prevent Australians who travel there from taking part in canned hunts, which he describes as "sick and wrong".

"We can't stop the practice in Africa or elsewhere," Mr Hunt told Radio 2SM.

"But we can shine a spotlight on it, and say Australia is taking steps and we want to be a world leader in protecting these great species."

Mr Hunt vowed to bring up the matter with the South African government and seek their cooperation in refusing licences for Australians wanting to take part in canned hunts.

But James Paterson from the free market Institute of Public Affairs think tank has questioned why Mr Hunt is trying to tell another country what to do.

"The Government appears to be asking South Africa to have special laws for Australians who visit," Mr Paterson said.

"Australians would never tolerate a foreign government dictating what can be done within our borders, and equally it is not the role of the Australian government to interfere with lawful activities in other countries."