Black rhinos and African elephants: Lessons for conservation funding

Abstract

In theory, large reserves or parks reduce the risk of extinctions because they contain sizeable populations of endangered species of plants and animals. In practice, however, most developing countries do not have the resources to protect large areas and economically valuable species from illegal exploitation. This paper, modified from one published elsewhere (Leader-Williams and Albon, 1988) shows that the rates of decline of black rhinos Diceros bicornis and African elephants Loxodonta africana are related directly to conservation effort and spending. The author concludes that, if local extinctions are to be avioded, conservation schemes must be funded adequately or resources must be concentrated in small parts of large reserves. © 1990, Fauna and Flora International. All rights reserved.