Stop "Made in China" - A Global Conservation Movement

03/08/2026

https://news.mongabay.com/2026/07/report-reveals-cambodias-appetite-for-tigers-rhinos-and-other-endangered-wildlife/?fbclid=IwY2xjawTdxNJleHRuA2FlbQIxMQBzcnRjBmFwcF9pZBAyMjIwMzkxNzg4MjAwODkyAAEeBnpRcp3WR_Spppgf2oxIyTqdoiGc60NtnQLMVr4Rrze08WgaauJ9O1ZZUO8_aem_GWGWMIkA_oT2wMUSFMZspA

Tiger bone wines in exquisite bottles. Tiger cubs sold alive as pets or served as a culinary delicacy alongside pangolin and cobra meat at exclusive restaurants. Rooms filled with rhino horns and elephant ivory, stacks of freshly skinned tiger pelts and bags of pangolin scales. Jewelry made from pro...

09/07/2026

https://eia.org/press-releases/eia-calls-for-urgent-appeal-to-prevent-commercial-rhino-horn-exports/
With last Friday’s decision, a regional South African court is effectively facilitating a dangerous scheme to export rhino horn to known trafficking hotspots without effective government oversight or safeguards, and without the approval of governments that are party to CITES.

“The commercial sale of rhino horn would further endanger wild rhinos across Africa and Asia by stimulating demand, exacerbating poaching, and undermining enforcement against rhino horn trafficking globally,” said Taylor Tench, Senior Wildlife Policy Analyst with EIA US.

28/06/2026

https://mg.co.za/the-green-guardian/2026-06-24-groenewald-case-highlights-challenges-of-prosecuting-wildlife-crime-kingpins/

The conviction of hunting safari operator Dawie Groenewald in the world’s largest rhino horn trafficking investigation highlights the complexity of organised wildlife crime and the difficulties of prosecuting those higher up the criminal chain, says the Endangered Wildlife Trust.

20/06/2026

https://focusingonwildlife.com/news/two-pangolin-traffickers-in-south-africa-sentenced-to-eight-years-in-prison/?utm_source=mailpoet&utm_medium=email&utm_source_platform=mailpoet&utm_campaign=newsletter-post-title_1120

01/06/2026

https://www.timeslive.co.za/news/south-africa/2026-05-25-kruger-park-rhino-poacher-to-spend-28-years-behind-bars/

Sifiso Mbuyane was sentenced to 28 years' direct imprisonment by the Skukuza regional court on Monday.

21/05/2026

https://news.mongabay.com/short-article/2026/05/african-elephant-genomes-reveal-ancient-mixing-and-modern-pressures/?utm_source=Global+English&utm_campaign=837ce4033f-EMAIL_CAMPAIGN_2025_08_20_01_05_COPY_01&utm_medium=email&utm_term=0_940652e1f4-7512940ea4-67246971&mc_cid=837ce4033f&mc_eid=b96e45d078 The researchers also found signals of human impacts on some elephant genomes. For example, savanna elephants in Eritrea and Ethiopia have been hunted down to small population sizes and live in small, isolated habitat fragments surrounded by agriculture and human settlements, hundreds of kilometers away from other elephant populations. The study found that both populations have a high degree of inbreeding and low genetic variation. In contrast, elephants in Southern Africa are genetically diverse because their populations are connected, enabling the exchange of genes.

“The anthropogenic impact on elephant populations was really drastic in the last two decades, but due to the long life span and generation time in elephants, detecting even the steep declines, particularly in the forest elephant, can still be rather difficult,” Patrícia Pečnerová, study lead author, told Mongabay by email. “One measure that is relatively robust even within short time spans, is inbreeding, mating between relatives.”

Pečnerová added that elephants normally avoid mating with close relatives, “but if a population decline reduces their numbers, inbreeding becomes more common.”

A continent-wide genomic study of both savanna and forest elephants in Africa has found that African elephants once roamed widely, both species exchanging genes throughout their range. However, as humans decimated elephant populations for their ivory and fragmented their habitats with farms and urba...

07/05/2026

https://www.namibian.com.na/eight-rhinos-poached-in-etosha-in-four-months/

%%title%% %%sep%% %%primary_category%% %%sep%% %%sitename%% %%sep%% Poaching inside Etosha National Park remains rife, as the police have reported that eight rhinos have been killed on the Omusati side of the country’s flagship national park so far this year.

30/04/2026

https://www.algoafm.co.za/local/former-kruger-national-park-officials-sentenced-to-12-years-for-rhino-poaching
Justice

Former Kruger National Park officials sentenced to 12 years for rhino poaching

24/04/2026

"Inside job"
https://www.dailymaverick.co.za/article/2026-04-10-kruger-insiders-convicted-of-rhino-poaching-in-landmark-skukuza-case/?dm_source=blocks-category&dm_medium=card-link&dm_campaign=inform
Three former employees of Kruger National Park have been convicted of rhino poaching and conspiracy, exposing the critical role insiders can play in enabling wildlife crime. The case underscores both the scale of organised poaching networks and the profound breach of trust when those tasked with protecting wildlife become complicit.

Three former employees of Kruger National Park have been convicted of rhino poaching and conspiracy, exposing the critical role insiders can play in enabling wildlife crime. The case underscores both …

19/04/2026

PRESS STATEMENT
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
LUSAKA, 19th March 2026
Over 470kg of Ivory Seized in Major Anti-Trafficking Operation
The Ministry of Tourism wishes to inform the public of a significant breakthrough in the fight against wildlife crime following a successful intelligence-led operation conducted by officers from the Department of National Parks and Wildlife (DNPW) in collaboration with The Wildlife Crime Prevention (WCP).
Acting on intelligence from alert members of the public, Wildlife Police Officers intercepted a large consignment of illegal elephant ivory in Lusaka, dealing a significant blow to criminal syndicates threatening Zambia’s wildlife heritage.
On 9th March 2026, Wildlife Police Officers based in Chilanga acted on credible information received from members of the public regarding individuals suspected to be in possession of elephant ivory within Lusaka District.
Acting swiftly, officers carried out an operation in the Lilayi area, which resulted in the apprehension of two suspects found in unlawful possession of ninety-five (95) pieces of elephant ivory weighing approximately 471.8 kilograms.
Further investigations led to additional locations within Lusaka, culminating in the apprehension of more individuals connected to the illegal consignment. In total, eight (😎 suspects were initially detained, with six (6) suspects subsequently identified as being directly linked to the offence.
Preliminary investigations have revealed that the ivory was sourced from various parts of the country, including Western Province (Shangombo) and Eastern Province.
The operation has also uncovered indications of an organised wildlife crime syndicate with both local and international links, including a foreign national believed to be a buyer.
Notably, some of the apprehended suspects are repeat offenders who have previously been convicted for wildlife-related crimes, highlighting the persistent challenge posed by illegal wildlife trafficking networks.
All six (6) suspects have since been jointly charged for unlawful possession of a prescribed trophy, namely elephant ivory, contrary to Section 130 (1) and (2) (a) and (b) of the Wildlife Act No. 14 of 2015 of the Laws of Zambia. The suspects remain in custody and are expected to appear before the courts.
The Ministry further confirms that several mobile phones recovered during the operation have been submitted to relevant authorities for forensic analysis to support ongoing investigations.
The Ministry of Tourism strongly condemns all forms of wildlife crime and reiterates its unwavering commitment to protecting Zambia’s natural heritage. Illegal wildlife trade not only threatens biodiversity but also undermines the country’s tourism sector, which is a key pillar of economic growth and sustainable development.
Government will continue to strengthen enforcement measures, enhance inter-agency collaboration, and work with regional and international partners to combat wildlife trafficking. Additionally, efforts are being made to review and strengthen existing policies and legislation to ensure that penalties serve as an effective deterrent.
The Ministry commends members of the public for their vigilance and cooperation, which played a crucial role in this successful operation. Citizens are encouraged to continue reporting suspicious activities related to wildlife crime to law enforcement agencies.
Issued by:
Nelly Banda
Principal Public Relations Officer
Ministry of Tourism [email protected]