Poaching’s Devastation
Only four percent of the mammals in the world are wild. And their existence is threatened by poachers every day.*
According to the United States Fish and Wildlife Service, illegal wildlife trafficking is a $20 billion business annually. And for this, three species are being driven to extinction every hour (Harvard University), 96 African elephants are killed every day (Wildlife Conservation Society), Africa’s lion population has almost halved in the last 20 years (African Wildlife Foundation), and the number of African wild dogs have dwindled from 100 to 10 in their packs in the last century (American Museum of Natural History). And, two rangers are killed every week while protecting animals (International Ranger Federation).
Charles Kiviu of Classic Journeys Africa, who offers safaris and beach holidays in Kenya and Tanzania points out that most poaching is unfortunately spearheaded by international cartels with the help of government employees. He says, “Communities understand that wildlife is a part of their heritage and that the tourism business provides jobs, schools, hospitals, and more. It is employees (few of course), living on salaries funded by taxpayers, and who are therefore not dependent on wildlife for their livelihoods, who participate in poaching.” Charles believes the only answer is to eliminate demand through education.
* United States National Academy of Sciences