Prince William: We must take action to prevent extinction of 'iconic' animals
Duke of Cambridge says tackling 'pernicious' illegal wildlife trade is 'key test' of humanity’s ability
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.Tackling the “pernicious” illegal wildlife trade is a “key test” of humanity’s ability to battle any global challenge, the Duke of Cambridge has said.
If we let these animals vanish on our watch, the impact will be devastating
He is urging governments and business leaders to take action to prevent the extinction of “iconic” animals such as elephants and rhinos.
Combating ivory poaching is a matter of “urgency” he said, adding it “demands a coalition of politicians and business leaders” to take steps to confront the “crisis”.
“If we let these animals vanish on our watch, the impact on our collective confidence to tackle any other global issue will be devastating,” Prince William wrote in the Financial Times.
“I cannot imagine what it would feel like if the last elephant or rhinoceros in the wild died – and I then had to explain to my children how we let it happen,” said the Duke of Cambridge, who in May became a father for the second time.
“In national capitals, in corporate boardrooms and on the ground momentum is building,” he concluded. “This is a battle we can win.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments