Wildlife Under Siege

 

An insight into wildlife crimes in Uganda.

Wildlife crimes are illegal activities that harm or exploit wild animals plants or their habitats. Examples include poaching, trafficking of wild life and wild life products, illegal trade in exotic pets, hunting endangered species and destruction of natural habitats where these species seek refuge. 

Uganda has a rich diversity of wildlife and is home to a diverse range of species including primates, large mammals , birds and reptiles. some of the most famous wildlife attractions in Uganda include gorillas, chimpanzees, a variety of antelope and bird species. Uganda has a number of national parks and protected areas that are dedicated to conserving its wildlife and natural resources. 

However as good as this looks to any country with such assets, all is not rosy in the wild life sector as poaching has taken toll in these game parks and other natural habitats. Poaching is the illegal hunting, killing or capturing of wild animals for profit. Poaching is a serious problem in many parts of the world and can have significant negative impacts on the environment and wild life populations. poaching can involve use of trap, snares, firearms and it can target a wide range of species.

 Elephants are among the most poached animals due to the high demand for ivory tusks, Rhinos for their rhino horn other animals include pangolins which are hunted for their scales. Ivory tusks, rhino horn and pangolin scales are used in traditional medicine or as luxury goods. other animals include cobras for their skin. Cobra skin is highly valued because of their distinctive skin which is used to make bags , shoes and belts.

The illegal wild life trade is a serious problem in Uganda and efforts to combat it through law enforcement , community engagement and conservation initiatives. These bodies include Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA) which is responsible for managing Uganda national parks and wildlife reserves and plays a key role in enforcing wild life laws and regulations. The Uganda Police Force also has a wildlife crime unit that investigates and prosecutes wild life crimes while working hand in hand with UWA. 

According to UWA Uganda has seen a significant decline in the recent years. The population of elephants has gone down by over 60% since 1970 and the population of lions has declined over 90% since the 1990s. 

Wildlife crime as any other example of transnational or not type of organized crime requires a coordinated international effort involving law enforcement agencies, governments and conservation projects.

Compiled and written by 

Prima Birungi 

Project Assistant

The Initiative Against Illicit Finance 

primachante@gmail.com

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