As we humans expand in population and hence, land use, we push native wildlife species further and further from their natural habitats.  This is happening all over the world.  Because wildlife is then regarded as a threat to property and livelihood, it is not uncommon for some to kill them because they are regarded as pests, or to kill them for sport or money as a way to survive.

In Africa, this is happening on a large scale because wild animals like the elephant and rhinoceros have tusks and horns that, although they have been outlawed, are still poached because it is big business.  Villagers who poach may find it the only way to make a living in an area where jobs are scarce and they are no longer able to live off the land.

Elephants and rhinoceros are not the only wild animals poached in Africa, but the focus today is mainly on them.  Poachers take the tusks of elephants, cutting as far up the face of the animal where the ivory runs, and some elephants, still alive, are left that way to die.  

Now organized crime has gotten into the business.  They arm men with automatic weapons and helicopters and slaughter whole herds in a matter of minutes.  This fact has put more game wardens’ lives in more jeopardy than ever before.

If you are interested in helping, contact the World Wildlife Fund on the web.

FYI: 

There are now only about 300 lions in the wild left in Africa.  They, among others, are going extinct at a rapid rate.