There is a conservation problem in some African states that no one has been able to entirely understand, except to recognize that poaching and absence of legitimate authority are working together to decimate wildlife resources. An Associated Press writer in Burundi has described what may be a critical level of poaching of hippos that live in the marshes of the Ruzizi River, which flows out of northern Lake Tanganyika.

Aloys Niyoyita reports that hippo meat can be purchased anywhere in the area of Bujumbura, near the Ruzizi National Park. Patrice Faye, president of the Herpetological and Environmental Society of Burundi, claims that poachers have killed more than twenty hippos this year and sold them to local people near the lake. A hippo is alleged to bring approximately $1000 to those who kill them for their meat and ivory. The animals are now seen in groups of only four, whereas they used to be seen in groups of twenty or so animals along the river and in the lake.

Faye and other conservation organization leaders in Burundi are concerned that both soldiers and rebel fighters in the area are operating in a lawless environment that shall soon leave the park and surrounding areas devoid of wildlife. WWF spokespersons attribute the illegal activity to local warfare, in which both soldiers and rebels are killing hippos. No government officials have been taking action to correct this sad situation.

Similar wildlife destruction for personal gain has been reported from Zimbabwe. Johnny Rodrigues, Chairman for Zimbabwe Conservation Task Force, alleges that national park officials, and Mugabe himself, all seem to be allowing and perhaps participating in, illegal hunting of elephants and rhinos, and allowing the illegal export of Sable, to countries such as the UAE.

Responsible conservation of wildlife and their habitats can not be realized anywhere unless all members of the society decide that it is worth the effort to protect the resources. When there is no recognized legitimate authority, both people and wildlife suffer the consequences.

The above examples of crimes against nature are also crimes against all people who wish to see life in Africa valued and protected, now and in the future. These are not just cases of poverty and poaching. They are symptoms of widespread demoralization in which citizens have no faith in their government or in their future. Those who govern are apparently not doing so in good faith with a humanitarian vision for their people or their environment. IWMC wishes the best for the brave people of Africa and their treasured resources. May they soon find leaders of vision and integrity with the strength to preserve their land and their heritage.