Devastating Week For Conservation As Twelve Park Rangers and One Wildlife Officer Are Killed in Africa and Sri Lanka
The shocking deaths have sparked outcry and show how dangerous things can be for those working to protect wildlife.
In a devastating week for conservation and wildlife, two separate incidents of deadly attacks on conservationists have been reported in national parks across the world.
The Democratic Republic of the Congo have confirmed twelve park rangers were among 16 people killed in an ambush at the Virunga national park. The country in central Africa, reported that a group of 60 fighters from a rebel group targeted a convoy of civilians that was being protected by 15 rangers.
Virunga national park has a “reputation as one of the most dangerous conservation projects in the world” according to The Guardian, due to multiple threats that include illegal charcoal production, and smuggling and poaching. The park is home to many animals including over 1,000 mountain gorillas, and employs 700 rangers to keep the animals and visitors safe.
Meanwhile, Sri Lankan media also reported this week that a wildlife officer has died after a group of poachers opened fire at wildlife workers during a raid in the Gal Oya National Park. The 25-year-old wildlife officer was killed whilst on duty at the park, which is known for its elephants, leopards and birds.
These tragic attacks reinforce just how dangerous conservation has become, and renewed calls for more to be done to tackle the illegal wildlife trade that’s fuelling these murders. The illegal wildlife trade is estimated globally to be valued at $23 billion each year.
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