Wildlife conservation has never been more significant.
Populations of all kinds of animal species are declining at an alarming speed. Wildlife conservation is not about simply saving every endangered species for the sake of it. Humanity relies on wildlife in more ways than we know. Animals and plants benefit us just by being there from insects that pollinate to trees that release oxygen for us to breathe.
For us, letting species decline and go extinct and wilderness be bulldozed is truly devastating to comprehend. So we like to think we can play a part in making a difference even if it’s only one safari at a time.
Wildlife conservation in Africa
There are multiple wildlife conservation efforts because many of the continent’s wildlife residents are facing extinction including, certainly not limited to the mountain gorilla, elephant and rhinoceros to lion, wild dog and even giraffe. Other critical species include gravy’s zebra, hippopotamus, leopard, chimpanzee, cheetah and even wildebeest (African Wildlife Foundation).
Wildlife is at risk for numerous reasons, human poaching or wildlife attacking livestock and then being shot by farmers in defence. The challenge for us is how can we play a role in reducing conflict between people and wildlife in Africa. The African Wildlife Foundation has a number of solutions it is working on in the bid to find balance between the needs of Africa’s people and African wildlife. These projects range from sniffer dogs as anti-poaching units, community conservancies to implementing community projects that benefit both parties (like rainwater tanks to deter people from going into the forests to collect water and thus contributing to deforestation).
Wherever there are species of endangered animals, we identify partners and ensure they get our support. Conservation in Africa – partnerships is what makes the biggest difference. Collaboration, communication = great conservation success.
Endangered species in Africa
We’ve collated this list to give you an idea of the massive diversity of animals under threat. It’s important to note this is not a complete list.
Black Faced Impala – Endangered since 1970
Brown Hyena – Endangered since 1970
Cheetah – Endangered since 1970
Leopard – Endangered since 1970
Chimpanzee – Endangered since 1976
African Wild Dog – Endangered since 1984
Grevy’s Zebra – Endangered since 2008
Rothschild’s Giraffe – Endangered since 2010
African Penguin – Endangered since 2012
African Pangolin – Endangered since 2008
Black Rhino – Critically Endangered since 2008
Western Lowland Gorilla – Critically endangered since 2008
Mountain Gorilla – Critically Endangered since 1996
Eastern Gorilla – Endangered since 2008
Northern White Rhino – Critically endangered since 1996
Riverine Rabbit – Critically Endangered since 2008
Pickergill’s Reedfrog – Critically Endangered since 2010
Ethiopian Wolf – Endangered since 2004
Beira Antelope – Endangered since 2008 (Ethiopia)
African Lion – Endangered since 2008
Multiple lemur species listed Endangered since 2008
African Elephant – Endangered since 2008
