How Animal Conservation Protects Biodiversity

Poaching (the act of illegal hunting) typically involves setting snares to trap the limbs of mammals. Some animals can escape and survive with a stump but in many cases the snare will become stuck inside the bone of the animal and cause an infection. As a result, the animal will walk for weeks in agony and stress, hampering its immune system. Immunocompromised animals are more likely to fall ill and become contagious and these animals are the most at risk of spreading zoonotic diseases that can spread to humans. Protecting species in their natural habitat is good for the animal's concern, good for the ecosystem’s concern and also vitally important at preventing the next pandemic. 

We think animals and nature are beautiful and their beauty inspires us to protect them. But this means we perceive nature and wildlife as ornamental. If there aren't many species left, it heightens our desire to protect them which in turn endows a rare status to the likes of trophy hunters. This drives much of the illegal wildlife trade. Whilst it's inspiring to think animals are beautiful, it's more important to think of them in terms of ecological value and the work they do to protect biodiversity.  

When governments and organisations make major decisions about protecting nature, it is left to park rangers to execute this. However, park rangers are often poorly trained, poorly equipped, poorly paid and poorly motivated - despite having one of the most important jobs in the world. Many do not have first aid training and yet face armed militias. It is crucial that we elevate the status of these rangers who risk their lives by providing them with training and equipment.