How Many Elephants believes there could be a "dramatic rise" in elephant poaching as a result of the pandemic, with lockdowns hitting Africa’s eco-tourism and conservation sectors hard.
Without tourism cash to pay park rangers and fund other conservation efforts, How Many Elephants founder Holly Budge said a spike in poaching was inevitable.
“96 elephants were killed in Africa, every single day, prior to the pandemic," she said "That number could see a dramatic rise as a result of the pandemic."
Citing WTTC figures, the charity said tourism accounted for 8.5%, $194.2 billion, of Africa’s gross domestic product in 2018; the continent was also the second-fastest growing tourism region in 2018 according to the African Travel and Tourism Association, with a growth rate of 5.6% versus a global average of 3.9%.
However, the charity says without tourism, there was little cash to manage Africa’s parks, fund its conservation efforts, and support rural communities. Reduced vigilance in tourism hotspots is also allowing poachers to "operate with immunity", according to National Park Rescue founder Niall McCann.
The charity has further warned of the lack of state subsidies and financial assistance for anti-poaching efforts. “Navigating the fundraising space is challenging right now as many people are looking inwards," said Budge.
"But the bigger picture remains; there are front line workers operating in Africa without government subsidies, making it harder for their work to continue. We, at How Many Elephants, are drawing on every available resource to try and help these workers continue with their vital work.”
Cash raised by the charity will support anti-poaching unit Black Mambas, the National Park Rescue charity, and the Victoria Falls Wildlife Trust in Zimbabwe.
How Many Elephants believes coronavirus is an opportunity to place a spotlight on the illegal wildlife trade and prove a "watershed moment" for animal conservation.
“Every single species - from the bee to the largest land-mammal, such as the elephant – plays a unique part in the ecosystem," said Budge.
"The extinction of a single species can spell havoc for the environment. As we grapple with the impact of the virus and the uncertainty of going back to life as we knew it, it’s imperative we act now to build a more sustainable future."
