Local authorities in southern Switzerland are ending the controversial practice of letting rich foreigners kill Alpine ibex for their heads and horns.
This content was published on
1 minute
Keystone-SDA/SRF/sm
Starting in 2021, canton Valais will stop issuing day permits for foreign hunters to shoot ibex trophies. Currently, Valais earns about CHF650,000 ($719,000) per year selling permits and charging additional fees based on horn length. The longest horns, measuring about 110 centimetres, yield CHF20,000.
A report on Swiss public television, RTS, sparked an outcry over the practice last year – as well as a petition calling for a ban; over 70,000 people signed it. The trophy hunters come from as far away as the United States and South America.
As of next year, hunting to regulate the ibex population will be done only by hunters living in Valais or those with a local hunting licence, announced the authorities on Friday. The canton sets an annual quota for the number of animals to be culled; this year it’s 544, maximum.
Male and female animals of all ages are included on the shooting plan, but trophy hunters prefer males aged 11 and up. For 2020, the Valais authorities have issued 45 day permits to hunt such specimens – 25 of them to wealthy foreign hunters.
Shot to Swiss extinction by the end of the 19th century, today there are about 17,000 Alpine ibex in Switzerland thanks to reintroduction efforts.
More
More
Small gene pool puts Alpine ibex at risk
This content was published on
Alpine ibex are still at risk of extinction despite their “least concern” conservation status.
Living longer: What do you think about the longevity trend?
The longevity market is booming thanks in part to advances in the science of ageing. What do you think of the idea of significantly extending human lifespan?
Has your continent reached its peak or is there still potential for economic growth?
Some regions of the world are on an upward trajectory with the promise of a steadily improving future. Where do you live? And in which direction is your region or continent developing?
Swiss scientists reveal the complex craft of prehistoric tattooing
This content was published on
An international research team led by the University of Bern has analysed tattoos on a Siberian glacial mummy that is over 2,000 years old.
Swiss National Bank posts CHF15 billion loss in first half of the year
This content was published on
The Swiss National Bank (SNB) slipped into the red in the first half of 2025 due in particular to the weakening US dollar.
Exiled Russians criticise visit of sanctioned Russian politicians to Geneva
This content was published on
Around 200 Russian opposition figures have sent an open letter protesting the presence of sanctioned Russian politicians in Geneva.
Trophy hunters pay thousands to kill iconic Swiss animal
This content was published on
Previously extinct in the Swiss Alps – and prized for their impressive horns – ibex have become a valuable source of income in western Switzerland.
Join the conversation!