A Zimbabwean environment authority has announced the tightening of hunting regulations following the death of a much-loved lion.

Cecil was shot with a bow and arrow outside of Hwange National Park after allegedly being lured outside the parks limits.

Last month, US dentist Walter Palmer was identified as the hunter responsible for the death, with professional hunter Theo Bronkhorst remanded on bail after being charged with poaching and was forbidden from continuing to operate his hunting business.

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News of the killing of the 13-year-old lion was met with international outcry and public protests outside the dental practice owned by Mr Palmer.

In a statement this week, the Zimbabwe Parks and Wildlife Management Authority said the hunting of lions, leopards and elephants would be suspended immediately.

“Bow hunting has been suspended with immediate effect and no such hunting will be conducted unless it has been confirmed and authorised in writing by the Director-General of the Zimbabwe Parks and Wildlife Management Authority,” the statement read.

“Members of the hunting fraternity are being reminded that it is illegal for quotas to be transferred from one hunting area to another.

“Any case of quota transfer is regarded as poaching.

“The Authority will not hesitate to arrest, prosecute, and ban for life any persons including professional hunters, clients and land owners who are caught on the wrong side of the law.”

The United States recently announced an investigation into the incident.

Hunting has been estimated to bring in about $40 million to Zimbabwe each year.