Govt, businesses 'to blame' for threats facing flora and fauna

A conservationist says government needs to be held accountable for the continuing threat to flora and fauna by climate change and global poaching syndicates.

Friday marks World Wildlife Day. 

This year's theme is 'Partnerships for Wildlife Conservation'.

"To tackle the latter, global financing agencies and businesses that regulate serious financial flows into our country must hold our government and businesses accountable by tracking conservation targets and outcomes," says Katharina von Dürckheim, who is with the Stellenbosch University-based Wildlife Free to Roam.

 Dürckheim says Friday will also highlight the scarce availability of food, land and water, forcing wildlife into conflict with humans, especially in rural communities.