By Anne Nyambura
Africa’s wildlife is facing growing threats that could lead to devastating consequences if urgent action is not taken, warns World Animal Protection. The organization is calling for increased funding and stronger policies to combat wildlife exploitation, habitat destruction, and illegal trade.
Africa is home to some of the world’s most unique and diverse species, but their survival is now under threat due to underfunded conservation efforts, poaching, human-wildlife conflict, and the growing industry of wildlife captive farming for commercial gain.
According to Edith Kabesiime, Wildlife Campaign Manager at World Animal Protection, thousands of wild animals are poached, trafficked, bred, and farmed under cruel and inhumane conditions each year. She emphasized the urgent need for policy changes and funding to protect these species in their natural habitats.
“Our wildlife is under immense pressure. We must put an end to this model that prioritizes profit over animal welfare and champion for wildlife protection in their natural environments. Wildlife conservation efforts should be properly funded, regardless of their revenue-generating potential,” Kabesiime stated.World Animal Protection is advocating for long-term solutions and is urging governments, conservation organizations, and communities to:
- Allocate sufficient resources in national budgets for wildlife conservation.
- End the exploitation of wild animals by banning their farming, sale, and use in entertainment.
- Promote coexistence between communities and wildlife through conservation programs.
- Encourage ethical tourism that does not exploit animals.
- Strengthen wildlife protection laws with stricter penalties for crimes against wildlife.
This call to action comes on World Wildlife Day, observed annually on March 3rd. This year’s theme, “Wildlife Conservation Finance: Investing in People and Planet,” highlights the need for financial investment in protecting the planet’s biodiversity.
With Africa’s wildlife at a crossroads, conservationists warn that without urgent intervention, future generations may only know some of these species from history books.
