Costa Rica has enacted a permanent nationwide ban on all sport and recreational hunting, reinforcing a 2012 law that made it the first Latin American country to prohibit hunting as a sport. The policy shift, passed through amendments to the Wildlife Conservation Law, followed a citizen-led campaign that gathered tens of thousands of signatures.

The ban strengthens enforcement against illegal hunting, with violators facing up to three years in prison or fines of up to $3,000. Keeping wildlife as pets is also prohibited, with fines ranging from $400 to $2,000. Costa Rica, home to nearly half a million species representing 6% of global biodiversity, has positioned itself as a leader in conservation by preserving 25% of its national territory.

This comprehensive ban aims to protect both common and endangered species while supporting the country's thriving ecotourism industry. The policy includes exceptions for subsistence hunting in Indigenous and rural communities, scientific research, and government-approved population control. By preserving wildlife populations, Costa Rica ensures future generations can experience its forests, rivers, and coastal ecosystems, while sustaining jobs in hospitality and outdoor recreation that depend on healthy biodiversity.