Conservation union releases report on vulnerable species
The International Union for Conservation of Nature has released a report highlighting - among other findings on protected flora and fauna globally - five species of African antelope that are likely to be endangered.
The world's largest antelope, the Giant Eland, which is native to central and western Africa, is now listed as vulnerable.
Its estimated global population is between 12 000 and 14 000 at most, with fewer than 10 000 mature animals. The Common Eland - found in the lower Drakensberg and also known as the southern eland or eland antelope - is a relative of the Giant Eland.
The Mountain Reedbuck has seen at least a 55% decline in its population in South Africa over the last 15 years. It was once listed as Least Concern and now is endangered.
The group's David Mallon says poaching, and the destroying of natural habitats has threatened the conservation of these species.
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“Antelopes have been declining as human populations continue to grow, clearing land for agriculture, unsustainably harvesting bushmeat, expanding their settlements, extracting resources and building new roads.
"To reverse this dangerous trend, conserving biodiversity must be given much higher priority as part of efforts to achieve sustainable national economic development. Existing laws protecting wildlife must also be much more effectively enforced.”
Other endangered species include the Heuglin's Gazelle while the Southern Lechwe and Grey Rhebok are now in the near threatened category.