GABORONE, Sept. 19 (Xinhua) -- Botswana authorities have issued a warning against false online elephant hunting advertisements.

The Ministry of Environment, Natural Resources Conservation and Tourism on Wednesday advised the public to be cautious of online advertisements, which purport to be marketing elephant hunts in Botswana.

"These adverts make reference to opportunities for foreign hunters to hunt non-exportable elephants in Botswana. Under no circumstances will non-citizens be allowed to hunt elephants on quota for citizens," reads the statement.

The authorities further said the department of Wildlife and National Parks will escort each elephant hunt after producing valid identity documentation prior to embarking on a hunt.

In addition, the public is reminded that elephant licenses are nontransferable.

"The public is cautioned to remain vigilant for any abuse with regards to hunting licenses and to report any suspicious activity to the nearest wildlife office," said the statement.

Botswana has been receiving a back lash from the international community over the country's decision to lift controlled trophy hunting ban, as part of efforts to minimize human, wildlife conflict in the country.

The decision to lift the ban was also in response to deep unhappiness about the hunting ban among rural people over the human-elephant conflicts.