Wildlife Conservation in the Time of COVID-19

Many conservationists have speculated on the effects that the COVID-19 pandemic, and subsequent lockdowns, would have on wildlife and biodiversity conservation. While the reduction of human activity and its consequent impact on wildlife was seen as a benefit, conservation activities were impeded by the lockdown restrictions, impacting the protection afforded the country’s biodiversity.

A research project funded by the National Research Foundation and the University of KwaZulu-Natal looked at this double-edged sword with the objective of developing mechanisms that could be implemented and ring-fenced to prevent negative environmental impacts and ensure that conservation.