Author:
Ehlers Smith David A.,Ehlers Smith Yvette C.,Davies-Mostert Harriet T.,Thompson Lindy J.,Parker Daniel M.,de Villiers Deon,Ricketts Dean,Coverdale Brent,Roberts Peter J.,Kelly Christopher,Macfadyen Duncan N.,Manqele Nomthandazo S.,Power R. John,Downs Colleen T.
Abstract
AbstractConservationists speculated on potential benefits to wildlife of lockdown restrictions because of the COVID-19 pandemic but voiced concern that restrictions impeded nature conservation. We assessed the effects of lockdown restrictions on biodiversity conservation in South Africa, a biodiverse country with economic inequality and reliance on wildlife resources. We solicited expert opinion using the IUCN’s Threats Classification Scheme to structure a questionnaire and illustrated responses with individual case studies from government parastatal and non-governmental conservation organisations. The most highly reported threats were biological resource use, residential/commercial developments, invasive species, and human intrusions. The trends reported by 90 survey respondents were supported by case studies using environmental compliance data from parastatal conservation organisations. Lack of tourism revenue and funding were cited as hindrances to conservation. Mechanisms to prevent environmental degradation in the face of global emergencies must be implemented and ‘ring-fenced’ to ensure conservation is not a casualty during future global crises.
Funder
National Research Foundation
Inyuvesi Yakwazulu-Natali
Publisher
Springer Science and Business Media LLC
Subject
Ecology,Environmental Chemistry,Geography, Planning and Development,General Medicine
Cited by
2 articles.
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