Written by Peter Chadwick_African Conservation Photographer
Poaching is an unrelenting threat that is impacting on numerous species and not only upon the iconic species such as the elephant and the rhino. The onslaught of this wildlife crime is having a hugely destructive impact on wildlife populations with many already being near the point of total eradication and this in turn will lead to the collapse of the healthy functioning of habitats and ecosystems. Urgent action is needed if there is to be any possibility of regeneration. This image highlights a very small selection of home-made illegal firearms that have been recovered by the excellent counter-poaching units on one reserve in southern Africa.
