This archive report was first published on 18 September 2019.
As we reflect on the state of Kenya's wildlife, it's clear that the past decade has been marked by unprecedented threats. Between 2005 and 2017, a staggering 2,140 elephants were killed by poachers, with half of these deaths occurring in just three years.
But the impact of poaching extends far beyond elephants. Rhinos are on the brink of extinction, while giraffe populations have declined by 40% over the past three decades. Grevy's zebras, once a common sight, are now down to just 8% of their former numbers.
Plants have not been spared either, with 79 species facing extinction. Sandalwood, a highly trafficked plant, is a prime example, with its population in Kenya dwindling to alarming levels.
The consequences of inaction are dire. Without a rich wildlife, Kenya's tourism industry would collapse, leading to economic hardship and job losses. Moreover, the illegal wildlife trade presents an immediate danger to Kenyans, with reports suggesting that Al-Shabaab is involved in poaching and international trafficking.
It's imperative that we take immediate action to protect our wildlife heritage. Cognisant of the seriousness of wildlife crime, various organizations, including the WWF, Basel Institute on Governance, and Save the Rhino, have established anti-poaching initiatives. However, more needs to be done to combat this complex issue.
Understanding and terminating illicit financial flows is critical in fighting wildlife crime. The Financial Action Task Force (FATF) has recently expressed interest in countering money laundering from wildlife crime, but Kenya can take proactive steps to enact laws, establish institutions, and collaborate with willing partners to study, understand, and detect financial flows from wildlife crime.
Kenya should invest heavily in the United for Wildlife campaign's Illegal Wildlife Trade Taskforce, which aims to develop strategies for fighting wildlife crime. Ultimately, it's our responsibility to protect our wildlife, and we must act now to ensure its survival.
