Lives of animals and those of people matter

Rural people live in the same ecosystem with wildlife. Unless they are involved in conservation, all conservation efforts are in vain. Help African Animals is determined to travel to rural areas in Uganda and educate rural people about conserving wildlife in their communities. We are driven by the belief that unless rural people understand the importance of the wildlife with whom they live, they will not care to conserve them.

How many pangolins were killed?

These are scales of pangolins seized in Uganda. Pangolins have to first be killed in order to get their scales off their bodies. Can anyone guess how many pangolins had to be murdered to get all these scales? Are the individuals that were murdered replaceable? The answer is NO.

Of the eight species of pangolins in the world, Uganda is home to all the four pangolins native species to Africa. However, there is a huge knowledge gap across Uganda about pangolins and their importance. As a result, Ugandan pangolins are seriously threaten by poaching and illegal hunting which are driven by illicit international trade. Pangolins are murdered for their meat and scales which are on high demand especially in China and Vietnam.

It has become increasingly necessary to protect pangolins. This calls for taking deliberate steps to end the impunity. There is need to raise awareness about pangolins and their importance which includes both their extrinsic and intrinsic values. The legal system should also be properly used to protect pangolins.

World Rhino Day

Today around 27,000 rhinos remain in the wild. Very few rhinos survive outside national parks and game reserves. Some species of rhinos are among the world’s most endangered animals. Rhinos are threatened by habitat loss and poaching. However, poaching which is driven by consumer demand for the rhino horn primarily in Asia, is the biggest threat to rhinos. Rhino horns are used as symbols of pride and high-value gift items by wealthy individuals in Asian nations.

Despite, the ban on international trade in rhino horn under the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Fauna and Flora (CITES), the demand for rhino horn has remained high. Rhino poaching levels hit a record high in 2015 when poachers slaughtered over 1,000 rhinos in Africa.

It is up to us to save the rhinos! Let’s speak out for them.

The plight of homeless animals

The number of homeless animals increases every day. In Africa, millions of dogs and cats are forced to stray every year because of their owners’ inability to provide for them, lack of sympathy for animals, and ignorance of the laws protecting animals.

Stray animals are subjected to harsh weather conditions, they go without food and shelter, are sick, and cruelly treated whenever they are seen. They reproduce uncontrollably thereby increasing the number of animals on the streets.

The dogs in the photograph were found loitering in Kampala Capital City. They looked hungry, unhealthy, and are homelessness. What is heartbreaking is the way humans just pass by them paying no attention at all.

There is need to raise awareness about animal protection in all communities in Uganda. Help African Animals is committed to saving the lives of animals by influencing the human mindset. We travel village to village and raise awareness about animal protection.

Animals do not speak. Let’s speak for them.