Zimbabwe's president Robert Mugabe has condemned foreign "vandals" amid the ongoing fallout from Cecil the lion's death.

He has also taken aim at Zimbabweans, telling them they failed in their duty to protect the much-loved animal from an American hunter.

Mr Mugabe made the comments as Zimbabwe lifted a ban on big-game hunting that was imposed in the days after Cecil's death.

He said all Zimbabweans should protect their natural resources from those he described as "vandals".

"All the natural resources are yours. Even Cecil the lion is yours. He is dead but yours to protect, and you failed to protect him," Mr Mugabe said in a public speech on Monday.

"There are vandals who come from all over. Some maybe just ordinary visitors, but there are others who want to vandalise, to irregularly and illegally acquire part of those resources.

"All this wildlife is yours, we should protect them. They should not be shot by a gun, it's a sin."

Despite Mr Mugabe's public condemnation, the hastily imposed ban on lion, leopard and elephant hunting appears to have been lifted across most of the country.

African media reports say the Zimbabwe Parks and Wildlife Management Authority agreed to remove the moratorium following discussions with hunting groups.

There is a continuing push within Zimbabwe for American-based hunter Walter Palmer to be extradited and charged over Cecil's death.

Authorities say the lion was killed "illegally", although Dr Palmer insists he was relying on the advice of local hunting guides.

Two Zimbabwean men - a professional hunter and a farm owner - have both been charged over the animal's death.