THE SIXTH MASS EXTINCTION: AFRICA’S BIG FIVE

Abstract

Africa has been home to some of the biggest and most iconic animals on the planet. For thousands of years these animals have been hunted down and killed for a number of reasons such as food, sport, tradition, etc. Nonetheless, Africa’s “Big Five” are now some of the world’s most vulnerable animals to extinction. Trophy hunting has always been a game of sport but now is a controversial topic among conservationists. Will hunting and killing an endangered animal actually help aid the species in the long run? This article will explore the laws set into place to protect these animals or lack thereof and the variables that contribute to these rulings.