In defense of legal hunting

Photos: Lion's share: The prices on the heads of trophy hunted animals
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Photos: Lion's share: The prices on the heads of trophy hunted animals
Earth's tallest mammal can run as fast as 35 miles (56 kilometers) an hour over short distances. But that's unlikely to deter a hunting enthusiast. Giraffes can be shot down for $3,800 in South Africa, $3,200 in Zimbabwe or $1,800 in Namibia.
The International Union for Conservation of Nature and Natural Resources (IUCN) warns that recent declines may mean that the species will be moved up to a higher category of threat.
The International Union for Conservation of Nature and Natural Resources (IUCN) warns that recent declines may mean that the species will be moved up to a higher category of threat.
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Photos: Lion's share: The prices on the heads of trophy hunted animals
Hunting the cheetah can cost $5,000 in Namibia -- but only if he or she can catch up with the world's fastest land mammal, which can go from 0 to 60 miles (96 km) an hour in just three seconds.
According to the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species, the cheetah is critically endangered.
According to the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species, the cheetah is critically endangered.
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