Wildlife Crime and Degradation in Africa: An Analysis of the Current Crisis and Prospects for a Secure Future (original) (raw)

Assessing the Menace of Illegal Wildlife Trade in the Sub Saharan African Region

Over the last years, the rapid increase in wildlife trade and the continued disappearance of endangered species has reached a frightening frequency in Africa. While such practices not only undermine sustainability, biodiversity and habitat protection, environmental services provided by natural areas and the species contained therein command infinite value. In the process, the incidence of poaching and illegal wildlife trade area threatens the protection of numerous bird mammal and amphibian species with extinction. In the face of all these, the species at risk lack protection over any part of their ranges due to the costs of management and hosts of socioeconomic and physical elements. The heinous nature of these practices comes at the expense of biodiversity protection, global heritage and assets of communities endangered in different countries of Sub Saharan Africa region (SSA). Considering the gravity, illegal wildlife trade has emerged as an international development and environmental issue since it weakens security, rule of law, and any initiatives to boost biodiversity and eradicate acute deprivation. In these nations, various individuals depend on forests, wildlife and fisheries for their survival. When people loose wildlife access and security because of organized criminals involved in the illicit trades, society gives up the critical apparatuses essential in the eradication of impoverishment and sustenance of biodiversity. Just as the disappearance of biodiversity and the presence of violent elements linked to trafficking, reduce the prospects for sustainable development and the stability of environmental systems, including eco-tourism. Protecting wildlife from poaching and illegal trafficking in that setting, helps secure our global heritage in the fight against criminal networks that exploit humans and nature by threatening national security and rule of law. Due to these lapses, there has been a growing interest in highlighting the experience of nations in SSA region known for abundant wildlife and species diversity. Accordingly, this paper assesses the menace to endangered wildlife in the SSA region. With emphasis on the issues, ecological analysis, impacts, the factors influencing it and mitigation efforts, the paper uses a mix scale methodology of descriptive statistics and GIS to analyze the trends spatially. While results point to declines in wildlife species among these countries and spatial diffusion of the trends and the role of several factors, the study recommended several measures ranging from education to the strengthening of policies through a coordinated global action plan to stem the savagery.

Wildlife Crime: Changing the Narrative

2019

The classic detective novel sets a scene of criminal intrigue, introducing a hapless victim, the fallible but noble detective, and the scheming, villainous perpetrator. But that isn't the story of Wildlife Crime, where the role of defender and offender are blurred, with right or wrong a matter of ethical perspective. Following the IUCN Beyond Enforcement Symposium in South Africa (February 2015), the no-nonsense IIED Brief "Beyond enforcement: engaging communities in tackling wildlife crime", made three bold statements: tougher law enforcement measures do not prevent poaching; militarised law enforcement can harm the communities who live alongside wildlife; and local communities must be allowed to benefit from conservation efforts as an equal partner in the fight against wildlife crime. Therefore, in the context of Sub-Sahara Africa, this paper briefly examines the role and impact of: wildlife law enforcement, affected communities, and the poachers, recommending alternate frameworks to prevent and counter poaching through integrated policing methodological approaches, further complemented by inclusive community-orientated partnerships and stewardship.

Editorial: Wildlife crime poses unique challenges to protected areas

PARKS, 2013

Wildlife crime is the fifth largest international criminal activity worldwide. Wildlife and timber poaching is becoming increasingly organised, increasingly global and more ruthless. Protected areas are suffering most acutely from this crime wave. They frequently contain the richest biodiversity and many species valued by poachers are now virtually or completely confined to protected areas. Managers, rangers and their families are intimidated, attacked and killed. Local communities suffer threats, disturbance and loss of natural resources from community reserves. Protected areas are further exposed in many countries by weak judicial processes that fail to prosecute wildlife traders even if they are caught. These developments signal the need for long-term changes in management in protected areas containing species sought by wildlife traders; more emphasis on patrolling and enforcement along with efforts to address corruption, strengthen the judiciary and improve enforcement along the rest of the trade chain. Many of these changes are unwelcome in institutions that have spent decades developing softer approaches to management. Addressing wildlife crime without losing the benefits of more transparent, consultative and participatory approaches is a challenge that requires concerted efforts by all those affected.

Effects of wildlife crime on wildlife populations and the society

2024

An analysis on the effects of wildlife crime on wildlife populations and the society. A case of Hwange National Park CHAPTER 1: INTRODUCTION 1.1 Overview and background Wildlife crime presents a pervasive global challenge, undermining conservation efforts and eroding the economic and social benefits derived from healthy wildlife populations. Across continents, the illegal killing and trafficking of wildlife threaten iconic species and disrupt fragile ecosystems. Bennet et al. (2019) are of the notion that wildlife crime represents a pervasive global scourge, posing a complex and multifaceted threat to biodiversity conservation efforts worldwide. Across continents, the illegal killing and trafficking of wildlife species undermine decades of progress, jeopardize fragile ecosystems, and erode the potential economic and social benefits derived from sustainable wildlife management practices (Duffy et al. 2019). Iconic species face increasing pressure from poaching driven by persistent demand for their parts and products. The resulting disruption of ecological processes has cascading effects on entire ecosystems, while communities dependent on wildlife-based economies suffer from lost revenue and diminished livelihoods (Mkonyi et al. 2022). In the United States, poaching continues to threaten wildlife, despite a robust framework of conservation legislation. Diverse targets of poaching range from charismatic megafauna like bears and wolves to commercially valuable species like abalone and ginseng (Duff et al. 2019). Duff et al. (2019) asserts that the illegal demand for bear parts, particularly gallbladders and paws, fuels poaching that destabilizes populations across the country. A 2018 report by the National Wildlife Federation estimated that more than 40,000 bears are poached annually in the U.S (National Wildlife Federation, 2018). Laws like the Endangered Species Act (ESA) and the Lacey Act provide legal tools for prosecution and trade regulation, but their effectiveness is hampered by several factors. According to Ripple et al. (2019) porous borders, particularly with Canada and Mexico, facilitate cross-border trafficking of wildlife products. Budget constraints for enforcement agencies like the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service limit the number of officers on the ground, making it difficult to patrol vast areas effectively. Furthermore, the lure of lucrative black markets, where wildlife products can fetch high prices, incentivizes poaching activities despite associated legal risks (Ripple et al. 2019). For example, in Yellowstone National Park, more than 260 poaching incidents involving bison, elk, and other ungulates have been reported between 2012 and 2020, highlighting the persistent threat even within protected areas (Yellowstone National Park, 2021). These challenges highlight the need for a multifaceted approach that addresses not only enforcement but also reduces demand for illegal wildlife products, and tackles the socioeconomic factors that may drive individuals towards poaching. According to a survey by the Boone and Crockett Club (2021), only between one and five percent of poachers in America are caught and convicted, indicating the need for more effective detection and deterrence measures. Other countries such as India also grapples with a severe poaching crisis fueled by the persistent illegal trade in tiger parts, rhino horns, and other wildlife products. Despite the landmark Wildlife Protection Act of 1972 and the establishment of dedicated anti-poaching units, the country continues to witness alarming poaching incidents (Lemieux and Clark, 2019). Rhino poaching remains a significant concern, particularly in the northeastern state of Assam, home to a major population of the greater one-horned rhinoceros. According to a 2022 report by TRAFFIC (2022), a wildlife trade monitoring organization, over 100 rhinos have been lost to poaching in India since 2018. A media-reported analysis by WCS-India (2022) found that at least 222 rhinos were poached in India between 2011 and 2020, with Assam accounting for 90% of the cases (WCS-India, 2022). According to Ogutu et al. (2020) the illegal trade in tiger parts presents another grave threat. While conservation efforts have led to a modest increase in tiger populations in recent years, poaching remains a persistent challenge. Criminal networks with sophisticated operations exploit gaps in enforcement, porous borders, and inadequate penalties to continue their illicit activities (Ogutu et al. 2020). Moreover, limited resources for frontline forest staff, a lack of sophisticated technology, and insufficient community engagement in conservation efforts hinder India's ability to fully eradicate poaching, putting the long-term survival of its iconic species at risk (Ripple et al. 2019). According to the Hindu (2021), 141 tigers died in India in 2020, of which 38 were due to poaching or seizures. Another study by Springer and Singh (2021) estimated that more than 70,000 native as well as exotic species weighing 4000 kg were trafficked from 2011 to 2020 in India, with tigers being one of the most targeted species. African countries such as South Africa also face a relentless poaching onslaught driven by persistent demand for rhino horn in East Asian markets. The country has become the epicenter of the rhino poaching crisis. Despite significant legislation, including the National Environmental Management: Biodiversity Act (NEMBA), and intensified anti-poaching efforts, the number of rhinos killed annually remains alarmingly high. According to the South African Department of Forestry, Fisheries, and the Environment (2021), a staggering 451 rhinos were poached in 2021, a 13% increase from the previous year. This is the first time in six years that poaching has increased in the country, a worrying change. Highly organized and well-equipped poaching syndicates pose a formidable challenge to conservation efforts. According to Schlossberg et al. (2019) these criminal networks often utilize sophisticated technology, exploit gaps in law enforcement, and sadly, even engage in corruption to facilitate their operations. The complex interplay of poverty, limited economic opportunities in communities surrounding protected areas, and the vast profits generated by the illegal rhino horn trade continue to fuel poaching despite concerted countermeasures (Schlossberg et al. 2019). This multifaceted threat undermines conservation efforts in South Africa and puts the region's remaining rhino populations at grave risk. According to Save the Rhino International (2021), more than 9,400 African rhinos have been lost to poaching in the last decade, and South Africa accounts for 80% of the world's rhinos. The country's rhino population has declined by more than 50% since 2012, and some experts warn that the species could go extinct by 2030 if the current trend continues (Rhino International, 2021). Zimbabwe also experiences escalating wildlife crime that directly threatens biodiversity. Elephant poaching for ivory remains a significant concern, with transnational trafficking networks driving this illegal activity. According to a 2023 report by the Zimbabwe Parks and Wildlife Management Authority (ZIMPARKS), over 50 elephants were confirmed poached throughout Zimbabwe in 2022. Additionally, the poaching of other species for bushmeat or for the wildlife trade endangers a wide range of vulnerable populations (Mkonyi et al. 2022). While the Parks and Wildlife Act (Chapter 20:14) provides a legal foundation for combating these crimes, several factors hinder its full effectiveness. Limited resources for ZIMPARKS make consistent patrols and anti-poaching operations in the vast landscapes of Hwange and other national parks a significant challenge. Moreover, efforts are further complicated by porous borders, facilitating the smuggling of wildlife products (Musengezi et al. 2021). A media report by Rhino Review (2020) indicated that a total of 1,150 snares were recovered and 75 local poachers were arrested between March and April 2020, showing the scale of the problem.

Book Review: Exploiting the Wilderness: An Analysis of Wildlife Crime

African Studies Review, 2018

Aggarwal, L. (2018). Greg L. Warchol. Exploiting the Wilderness: An Analysis of Wildlife Crime. Philadelphia, Pennsylvania: Temple University Press, 2017. 208 pp. Tables. Halftones. Maps. $28.95. Paper. ISBN: 978-1-4399-1367-3. African Studies Review, 61(2), 250-252. doi:10.1017/asr.2018.35

Exploiting the wilderness. An analysis of wildlife crime

International Journal of Environmental Studies, 2018

Hardly a week goes by without illegal perlemoen (abalone) consignments being intercepted by the police reacting to tipoffs by the public either in the suburban hiding places where they are dried before shipment [1] or in transit on the N1 or N2 highways around Cape Town between the coast and such ‘factories’ and points of egress to international markets. Neighbours in the suburbs are usually alerted by the rank odour while the perlemoen are being dried. The giveaway smell of the product is counteracted by packing the dried perlemoen in sealed, plastic bags before shipment. In spite of this apparent success in apprehending suspects, the illegal activities have greatly increased since the 1990s coinciding with increased demand from China, Taiwan, Hong Kong and Japan and ‘inefficiencies’ (p. 48) caused by the change of government in 1994 South Africa according to Warchol. One can only speculate about the tonnage that escapes detection, by extrapolating from that intercepted by the auth...

Wildlife Trafficking and Organised Crime

British Society of Criminology Annual Conference 2002, 17-20 July, Keele University, 2002

Reporting findings from two recent multi-disciplinary studies of wildlife crime 1 , this paper will explore the patterns and extent of trafficking in wildlife, and locate the different modes of wildlife trafficking within the wider framework of organised criminal activity.

The Security Implications of the Illegal Wildlife Trade

2013

National security is a continuing topic of concern and part of that is the growing understanding of the connection to global crime. Often though only traditional national security issues, which are conceptualized around state sovereignty and military capability are addressed, and when exploring the criminal nexus only traditional or mainstream crimes, such as drug and weapons trafficking are analyzed. This article departs from this in two ways. First, it centers on the illegal wildlife trade, which consists of both animals and plants, and is an often overlooked green crime outside of mainstream criminological studies. Second, it argues that the illegal wildlife trade is not only a threat to national security, but also threatens other equally important non-traditional aspects of security. This article demonstrates that non-traditional security concerns and the marginalized crime of wildlife trafficking should be the focus of more research and government focus as it poses significant ...

Wildlife crime promoted by weak governance

African Journal of Ecology, 2017

Wildlife crime such as illegal hunting of elephants and rhinos is currently one of the major issues in conservation. In order to combat poaching, law enforcement is essential. Here, we reviewed wildlife cases from the Northern Zone Anti-Poaching Unit, Arusha, Tanzania (APU-Arusha), focusing on the types of wildlife offence committed, prosecution outcomes and the sentences awarded to the offenders who were found guilty by the courts. Eighty-two registered cases were thoroughly reviewed. The majority of wildlife offences committed were unlawful possession of, and failure to report, government trophies. It was found that only 16% of the accused were found guilty, 6% were acquitted, 30% of the charges were withdrawn, and 48% of the cases were discharged by the director of public prosecution (DPP) or magistrate. The poor conviction rate was attributed to weak evidence, failure of the prosecution to prove cases beyond reasonable doubt, lack of cooperation between the zonal game office and the DPP, and in some cases, the accused jumped their bails. Understanding the factors which allow individuals to continue to engage in poaching and the factors that promote the practice of good governance is vital in trying to stop wildlife crimes.