Armed Conflict Catches Animals in the Crossfire

Dec 7, 2016 | Kaitlyn M Gaynor
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When people make war, wildlife often becomes a casualty. Explosives and war materials kill living things that are not their targets. Valuable wildlife products, like ivory, finance militias. But the most devastating effects of conflict on wildlife are driven by societal upheaval. War triggers a domino effect of institutional, economic, and social changes that can wreak havoc on the environment. During wartime, law enforcement breaks down, food security is compromised, and livelihoods are upended. This upheaval can drive the exploitation of wildlife and other natural resources.