African Wildlife Foundation

Even where land and habitat have been secured, certain species face unique threats and require a targeted conservation approach. Populations of rare and endangered species, such as the rhinoceros, gorilla, and all of the great cats, have been diminished due to poaching, disease, and conflict with humans. AWF uses a number of methods to monitor and protect key populations and ensure these species survive and thrive in their native habitat. One of these tactics is to provide funding to partners on the ground through the Species Protection Grants Program. The program offers a way to directly combat wildlife trafficking as it funds projects that help to stop the killing and stop the illegal trade in African wildlife.

- In Hwange National Park in Zimbabwe an elusive predator — the endangered African wild dog — faces increasing pressure from habitat fragmentation, human-wildlife conflict, and, most urgently, poaching. AWF funds Painted Dog Conservation (PDC), which has an anti-poaching unit and community outreach campaign aptly named “Zero Tolerance to Wildlife Crime.” On average, the anti-poaching patrols remove more than 100 snares per month while apprehending poachers, destroying poaching camps, and disposing of cyanide traps. Between April and December 2016, eight poachers were arrested, and, in areas with regular ground patrol presence, poaching has declined. Most importantly, the painted dog population in Hwange is stable.

- Canines for Conservation, the detection dog program AWF launched in 2015, continues to see remarkable success. Detection dog units trained and supported by AWF have been stationed at airports and seaports in Uganda, Kenya, Tanzania, Botswana, and Mozambique. Since the program started, the detection dog units have uncovered more than 180 incidents of hidden ivory, rhino horn, pangolin scales or other illicit wildlife products. Where they are deployed, the Canines for Conservation teams have served as effective deterrents for those thinking about engaging in wildlife trafficking.

- Confiscating contraband and even arresting poachers is only part of the battle. Prosecuting crimes is necessary to deter poaching. To support efforts in prosecuting wildlife trafficking crimes, AWF continued its judicial training workshops in a number of locations in Africa. The workshops target prosecutors, magistrates and law enforcement officials. Along with partner Space for Giants, AWF is developing a rapid-reference guide for prosecutors to use in trafficking hearings. It lays out the documents and procedures needed to submit evidence gathered by canine handlers and discusses how to successfully use canine-handler testimony.

AWF was founded on the belief that conservation efforts must ultimately rest in the hands of the people of Africa who, with educational support, will construct a viable platform to conserve the continent's wildlife heritage. Over the past decades, AWF has sponsored hundreds of young African conservationists to study wildlife management and to acquire higher degrees in conservation-related fields. Beyond formal education, AWF works to train local people and build the capacity of African institutions to protect and manage wildlife.

- AWF’s Classroom Africa initiative, launched in 2013, builds local primary schools in return for a significant conservation commitment from the community. Classroom African students learn about ecosystems and why it is imperative to protect wildlife and the environment for future generations. In the Sekute community in Zambia, the Lupani Community School was built as an incentive to protect almost 50,000 acres of critical elephant habitat. Student enrollment tripled and the school has become one of the region’s top performers.