Hunters who bring trophies from their kills of threatened species into the UK face up to five years in prison under new plans that the Government will announce on Friday.

       Lions, zebras and reindeer will be included in the ban, which ministers said would be one of the toughest in the world.

       “More animal species are now threatened with extinction than ever before in human history and we are appalled at the thought of hunters bringing back trophies and placing more pressure on some of our most iconic and endangered animals,” said George Eustice, the Environment Secretary.

       “This would be one of the toughest bans in the world, and goes beyond our manifesto commitment, meaning we will be leading the way in protecting endangered animals and helping to strengthen and support long-term conservation.”

       The ban will apply to imports of hunting trophies from about 7,000 species, including many that are only considered “near-threatened” such as African buffalo, zebra and reindeer.

       It will also cover the “Big Five” species, considered the most sought after kills by hunters of lions, leopards, rhinos, elephants and buffalo.

       Growing popularity of trophy imports

       Although the UK is not a main destination for hunting trophies, 2,500 parts from protected species have been imported into the country by hunters since 2010, according to the Campaign to Ban Trophy Hunting.

       However, campaigners in favour of the ban have criticised the Government for failing to bring the legislation forward quicker. The new Bill is not expected to pass into law before next spring.

       The ban has been criticised by some conservationists, who say it could damage vital income for conservation projects and local communities, which help maintain a balance with dangerous animal populations.

       Christopher Graffius, from the the British Association for Shooting and Conservation, said: “This decision is a triumph of propaganda over science, and prejudice over evidence. Hunting, which can include the taking of trophies, has been shown by scientists, practitioners and governments to benefit conservation and local communities and boost the value of the species hunted.”