While big obstacles remain, there are many conservation success stories proving we can make progress protecting African wildlife. Let’s highlight some uplifting examples:
- Mountain gorilla population bounces back: After years protecting mountain gorillas, the 2018 count found over 1,000 exist now, up from only 620 in 2008. This shows anti-poaching patrols and habitat protection are working.
- Rhinos return to Rwanda: Rhinos were wiped out in Rwanda during past civil conflicts. But in 2019, 19 eastern black rhinos were flown to Akagera National Park, bringing back rhinos after they disappeared locally.
- Desert lions aided by conservation groups: With under 250 desert lions left in Namibia and Angola, groups like the Desert Lion Conservation Project are tracking and protecting these unique big cats from dangers.
- Zakouma elephant herd grows: In Chad’s Zakouma National Park, elephant numbers dropped from 4,000 to 450 due to poaching between 2002-2010. Tough anti-poaching efforts helped the herd recover to over 600 by 2016.
- Newly identified gorilla subspecies: Genetic analysis found a new subspecies called the graueri gorilla with under 4,000 left in Congo. Identifying this special subspecies allows targeted conservation plans.
- Gabon burns ivory stockpiles: To deter poachers, Gabon has burned its ivory stockpiles and will destroy all confiscated elephant tusks. Many countries keep destroying stockpiles to cut ivory supplies.
- Community conservancies assist rhinos in Kenya: Black rhinos dropped to under 400 in Kenya in the 1980s. Today over 700 black rhinos live there, helped by community conservancies owning and protecting rhino habitat.
Success is obviously possible, even for critically endangered species. We should feel hopeful that smart conservation tactics can work to preserve Africa’s awesome biodiversity. Now is the time to take action.
Our Shared Duty: Joining Forces for Africa’s Wildlife
Saving African wildlife is a huge task, but not a hopeless one. With strategic teamwork, we can slow habitat destruction, curb poaching, better manage ecosystems facing climate change, reduce human-wildlife conflicts, and build sustainable safari tourism models. There are reasons to be optimistic.
This is the chance for all of us to get involved in this major mission. Picture a world where elephants, rhinos, gorillas, lions and endless other creatures thrive in the wild for future generations to enjoy. That inspiring future is possible – if we work together.
Africans have a deep connection with and awareness of the continent’s animals. Partnering with local communities will be vital, ensuring they benefit from wildlife protection efforts. We can join forces with conservation groups using successful strategies on the ground. As consumers, our voices and wallets matter, sending the message endangered species must be protected. Even small daily choices can make a difference.
The fate of Africa’s one-of-a-kind wildlife may never depend more on our combined efforts. But this is a challenge we can totally handle. We each have a role to play in writing the next chapter of this conservation story – a chapter with a happy ending for all wildlife. Our creativity, passion and dedication can get us there.
You with us? Will you help spread the word? If we unite, we can ensure amazing wild places – and the incredible animals who live there – survive for generations. The wildlife of this mind-blowing continent is relying on us. Let’s do this for them and the planet!