Between the 1960s and 1970s, jaguars were heavily hunted, with as many as 18,000 killed every year to feed the trade in their skins. In 1975, the trade in jaguar hides was halted thanks to CITES (the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora), and populations began to stabilize. This week marks the 50th Anniversary of CITES and the 10th edition of World Wildlife Day, whose theme this year celebrates the power of Partnerships for Wildlife Conservation.

This year’s World Wildlife Day theme of ‘Partnerships for Wildlife Conservation’ highlights the many ways in which people can make a positive difference for wildlife. Wildlife is a key part of natural ecosystems and broader landscapes. Wildlife is also a valuable natural asset which has economic, social, and cultural values from local to international levels. But it is disappearing at a rapid pace. Partnerships are essential to reverse the decline of wildlife and sustain all life on earth.

Migratory wild animals need to move freely across their habitats in order to survive but are increasingly hindered by linear infrastructure on their migration routes.  Elephants, Leopards and Mongolian gazelles are examples of animals that cover large distances in order to feed, find water, breed, or escape unfavorable weather conditions. The highly mobile Mongolian gazelles have adapted to the continental climate of Mongolia by moving hundreds of kilometers to avoid deep snow and cold in winter and drought conditions in summer.

IUCN Africa Protected Area Congress: Kigali, Rwanda, 20th July 2022 - Experts from around the region met today at the