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Elephants, lions and rhinos will be the epicentre of a powerful debate on conservation, wildlife trade and hunting, supported by the Endangered Wildlife Trust, and hosted at the Johannesburg Country Club (CCJ).
Respected conservationist, economist, and co-founder of Wilderness Safaris, Great Plains Conservation and Natural Selection, Colin Bell will be curating a pivotal discussion on the current conservation state of these three species, looking at the link between the three and why have been – and are still being – poached over the past decade.
“There is a poignant threat to the existence of lions, rhinos and elephants, with floods of reports of poaching across southern and East Africa making the industry hyper-aware of the dire situation we are in with regards to protection and conservation of these three African great,” says Bell. “We will unpack why these animals, in particular, have been so targeted for poaching over the past decade; and from there, look at solutions to addressing these poaching issues. We believe that once this is sorted out, the impact and effect on their habitats and the surrounding wildlife will be massive.”
Bell looks to the past, where he witnessed a rhino species extinction in Botswana in the mid-’80s, and rallied with a group of colleagues to reverse the situation. The group’s efforts now see a thriving sanctuary for elephants and both black and white rhinos in Botswana – providing an inspiring story and role model for the continent.
Source: tourismupdate.co.za