Maputo, June 14, 2026 (Lusa) — The authorities in Mozambique have authorised the culling of up to 54 lions during the 2026 hunting season, mainly in the Niassa Reserve, as in 2025, but with increased quotas for elephants, leopards and hippos.
In the decree in which the Ministry of Agriculture, Environment and Fisheries set out the quotas and the 2026 hunting season, which is valid until 30 November, dated 4 June and to which Lusa had access today, there is a slight overall increase, but with differences between species, including significant cuts in turtle-doves and significant increases in quails, zebras and elephants.
According to official data, the lion — one of the most sensitive and emblematic species — remains unchanged, with the quota staying at 54 kills, suggesting a policy of stability and tight control for this group.
The authorities authorise the killing of 31 lions in Official Hunting Reserves and Blocks of the Niassa Special Reserve, in the north of the country.
The elephant culling quota rises from 37 to 55 this year, the leopard quota increases from 105 to 119, the hippopotamus quota from 55 to 61, and the zebra quota from 392 to 452, whilst the crocodile quota falls from 634 to 617.
The 2026 hunting season also shows an overall increase in quotas, rising from 20,186 in 2025 to 20,537, a 1.7% increase.
The greatest differences are seen, above all, among bird species and medium-sized game.
The main adjustment is in turtle-doves, whose quota falls from 2,190 to 2,070 kills (120 fewer), representing the largest absolute reduction in the 2026 plan.
Buffalo also see a decline, from 1,182 to 1,135 (a reduction of 47), alongside other reductions in species such as the francolin (bird) (a reduction of 26) and the Sharpe's grysbok (antelope) (a reduction of 31).
Notable adjustments include the yellow monkey, which falls from 35 to just 10 culls, one of the sharpest proportional changes, alongside decreases in species such as the horse-antelope, from 260 to 237, and the pala-pala, from 652 to 629.
Conversely, the quota for quails shows the largest increase, with 100 kills in 2026, following no kills in 2025. Pigeons also increase from 1,380 to 1,456 (up 76), zebras from 392 to 452 (up 60), and grey duikers from 644 to 702 (up 58).
Other significant increases include the chengane goat (up 38), the impala (up 39) and the wild boar (up 33), indicating a redistribution of quotas towards species considered more abundant.
Overall, the data indicate that hunting activity will remain at levels close to those of 2025, but with selective adjustments by species, combining reductions in wildlife under greater pressure with increases in groups considered more resilient.
PVJ/ADB // ADB.
Lusa
