Towards Zero Poaching of Tigers
Poaching is devastating the wild tiger population.
If we are ever to realize the recovery of this magnificent species, we must stop poachers in their tracks now. Zero Poaching is more than a slogan; it is a target that we have to aim our efforts towards as a vital and urgent part of the redoubling of our efforts to bring the tiger back.
WWF is looking to the global tiger conservation partners meeting to assess progress one year on from the historical Tiger Summit, to launch a joint, rapid operation to immediately propel efforts towards a zero poaching future as fast as possible.
Vietnamese Javan rhino now extinct
On 25 October 2011, WWF and the International Rhino Foundation confirmed that the Javan rhinoceros in Vietnam is extinct.
The species was initially believed to be extinct in Vietnam until 1988, when a very small population was found still clinging to existance in Cat Tien National Park. Efforts were made to save this population but poor protection of its habitat ultimately led to its demise. The last Javan rhino in Vietnam was shot and killed in April 2010 and its horn removed.
It is WWF’s highest priority to save the remaining Javan rhinos in Indonesia and the other species in Vietnam – such as the tiger, Asian elephant and endemic species like the saola – that are all at risk of extinction unless law enforcement and protected area management significantly improves.
WWF mourns forest ranger murdered by poaching gang
A forest ranger has been killed and another seriously injured in a violent clash with gorilla poachers outside a national park in Cameroon, WWF has learned.
The attack occurred on September 27 about 10 kilometres from Cameroon’s border with Central African Republic.
David Greer, WWF’s African Great Ape Coordinator:
This brutal attack was a deliberate attempt to intimidate the government. Poaching gangs are waging a war for Cameroon’s forests and sending a message that they do not respect the law.
Rangers are putting on a uniform every day to protect their wildlife, their forests and ultimately, the wellbeing of their communities from individuals who seek only to commit criminal acts such as trafficking protected species.
These brave men are going into battle underequipped and often without proper training. Law enforcement efforts at all levels need to be dramatically scaled up, especially in the typically weak judicial systems.
That is where a criminal deterrent can be established that will not only save Africa’s dwindling wildlife, but will also protect its people from lawless violence such as this.
Achille, who leaves behind five children, is the first ranger to lose his life in the line of duty in this area in recent years. His killers are being pursued by authorities from both Cameroon and Central African Republic.
