World Animal Protection has called for urgent measures to safeguard Africa’s wildlife from escalating threats. 

In a statement on Monday, the animal rights organisation noted that wild animals across the continent face unprecedented challenges that threaten their survival, from underfunding of wildlife conservation efforts, exploitative wildlife policies, habitat destruction, legal and illegal wildlife trade to poaching and human-wildlife conflict.

Africa is home to some of the world’s most unique species. 

“However,” said the organisation, “this may be history in a few years.” 

“The tickling time bomb that needs to be addressed is the emergence and expansion of wildlife captive farming for commercial gains,” it added. “This is an industry that not only compromises animal welfare but also accelerates species decline. Resources need to be mobilised to protect wild animals in their natural habitat.”

Edith Kabesiime, wildlife campaign maanager at World Animal Protection, said, “Our wildlife is under immense pressure. Every year, thousands of wild animals are poached, trafficked, bred and farmed in inhumane and cruel conditions. We must put an end to this model that prioritizes profit over animal welfare and champion for wildlife protection in their natural environments. 

‘This definitely requires adequate resourcing. Wildlife conservation efforts should be properly funded, regardless of its revenue-generating potential. The ecological balance that wildlife sustains is far more valuable than any immediate financial gain, yet this immense contribution is often overlooked.”

The statement advocated a long-term solutions to curb these threats, urging governments, conservation organisations and communities to step up in setting aside sufficient resources in annual budgets to safeguard natural wildlife ecosystems.

The organisation asked for ending the exploitation of wild animals by raising awareness and pushing for policy changes that prevent wild animals from being farmed, captured, sold, or used for entertainment.

It also called for the promotion of coexistence between wildlife and communities by implementing community-based conservation programs that reduce human-wildlife conflict and ensure local populations are at the forefront of protecting wildlife.

This appeal came amid the marking of the World Wildlife Day set aside by the United Nations, every March 3 to raise awareness on the importance of wildlife conservation.