Most of us have probably heard about the issues with poaching in Africa. You may have even seen some of the images in National Geographic or on the internet or television.

Illegal wildlife trade is a 19 billion dollar per year industry causing some of the most endangered species on earth to reach critically low levels.

Without action, many of these species could become extinct a lot sooner than you think!

The University of Maryland's Institute for Advanced Computer studies has taken a different approach to catching poachers.

Although many studies believe technology is the solution, they have developed an analytical model of poaching behaviour in Africa that has found it is more important to find the prey than the poachers!

Once the animals are identified in the wild, rangers can be sent to the region to protect them against poachers.

Learn more about the model and findings from the project at . . .
http://www.umiacs.umd.edu/about-us/news/research-tom-snitch-featured-uk-tel...

The issue with animal poaching is not an isolated topic. In fact, Hollywood star and environmental activist, Leonardo DiCaprio, has teamed up with Netflix to produce a film documentary titled "Virguna" to create more awareness about poaching.

The film follows a group of rangers at Virunga National Park in the Democratic Republic of Congo as they attempt to protect endangered gorillas from poachers.

photo credit: https://www.flickr.com/photos/goksanozman/9090838579/">god visual communication systemshref

"Films like Virunga are powerful stories that are a window into the incredible culture and natural diversity of our world, the forces that are threatening to destroy it and the people who are fighting to protect it", says DiCaprio in an interview with Entertainment Weekly.

Virunga was released in theatres in New York and Los Angeles on November 7th, 2014 and is available on Netflix now.

Learn more about this documentary at http://virungamovie.com

We thank Leo DiCaprio for focusing on the plight of these beautiful animals.

Zawadee - Bring Africa Home founder, Mustafa Salemwalla and his lovely wife Farhat, with Dr. Jane Goodall at a recent event.

Since 1977, renowned primatologist, Jane Goodall, has worked to empower people and make a difference for all living things.

Jane's work today focuses on inspiring action on behalf of endangered species, specifically chimpanzees. Jane's institute also includes community-centered conservation programs in Africa, including sustainable development projects engaging local people as true partners.

Please support The Jane Goodall Institute in their fight against the illegal bush meat trade and illegal poaching in Africa. Make a donation and you will help protect chimpanzees, gorillas, elephants, rhinos and more.

Please remember that we donate 2% of all sales of our African Wildlife products (carvings, sculptures, masks, etc.) to the World Wildlife Fund and to The Jane Goodall Institute to help them protect species at risk.

We hope you enjoyed our story. Please visit us at www.zawadee.com.