Zimbabwean wildlife authorities have suspended the hunting of lions, leopards and elephants in an area favoured by hunters following the killing of a lion popular with tourists.

Bow and arrow hunts have also been suspended unless they are approved by the National Parks and Wildlife Authority's director.

The authority said it is also investigating the killing of another lion in April that may have been illegal. It said it only received the information this week.

The announcement follows an international outcry stemming from an American hunter's killing of a lion named Cecil that was allegedly lured out of a national park.

Zimbabwean authorities said the hunt was illegal and are seeking the extradition of Minnesota dentist Walter Palmer.