The Poaching Crisis

Everyday in Africa more and more animal carcasses are being uncovered, some even in “protected” wildlife sanctuaries. During the month of July 90 dead elephants were discovered in Botswana. All brutally killed and dismembered by poachers in order to make a quick buck. Coinciding with this massacre Botswana’s rangers were disarmed. With no protection the amount of poached animals are almost guaranteed to increase tenfold. Species at risk for poaching should be protected and countries with rampant poaching need to take a stand against the genocide of nature's most beautiful creatures.

In the past decade the number of African elephants has decreased from 415,000 to less than 111,000. There is no question that these animals are endangered but what about other creatures that are being targeted? In 2018, 769 rhinos were poached in South Africa alone and since 1960 their total population is down 97.6%. Africa’s lion population has also had to bear the impact of this poaching crisis as 43% of their population has been lost in the past 21 years.

The unlawful killing of these animals is fueled by the vast market of body parts including tusks, pelts, and bones. Like other animals, when a rhino is killed their horns are cut off from their body and sold for large sums of money. Rhino horns are thought to cure hangovers, fever, impotence, and cancer. Despite the evidence against these treatment methods rhino horns are worth up to $60,000 per pound. Ivory which is harvested from elephants can go for up to $1,000 on the black market because of its ability to be crafted into jewelry, utensils, trinkets, and religious figurines.

With the high value and illegality of parts taken from these animals it is not surprising that the majority of poachers are part of large crime syndicates. The success of these groups is partly thanks to their advanced weaponry and technology. They might use high powered assault rifles such as AK-47’s, explosives and grenade launchers, night vision goggles, and even helicopters. Considering the power these poachers possess what can be done to protect these endangered animals? In some countries anti-poaching rangers are deployed, such as members of the International Anti-Poaching Foundation. Other countries are setting up large perimeter fences to house animals. These fences are part of integrated systems containing thermal cameras, scanners, closed-circuit televisions, and sensors to provide early warnings about suspicious activity. If the perimeter is broken rangers can deploy and intercept intruders more safely.

It is clear that without intervention these beautiful creatures will soon be lost to history. Countries need to stand up and protect their wildlife or poaching will increase. How would you feel if you were responsible for the extinction of a species?