What 30 Years Has Done to 3 Endangered Animals

I recently stumbled across an article that was speaking out against animal activists for not truly understanding how trophy hunting affects African communities. (I can't find the article now, otherwise I'd link it for you guys) In the article, the authority speaking, claimed that activists have blinders on and don't truly understand how African wildlife is managed nor do they understand how trophy hunting aids in both community support and conservation efforts. Activists were blasted for drawing attention to matters that not only did not concern them, but that they did not wholly understand. The authority claims that only African authorities truly understand about the country's wildlife management and that trophy hunting is a vital part of their conservation.

Instead of arguing, let's take a look at the statistics in this case. What is the current population of 3 of Africa's most endangered animals versus 30 years ago. 
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ELEPHANTS

Population in 1990: Approximately 600, 000
Population in 2021 - Approximately 415, 000

In 30 years, we have seen a population decrease of nearly 200, 000 elephants in the wild. Using this trajectory, elephants will be extinct in the wild within the next 60 years. Perils include habitat loss, human-conflict, illegal poaching, and trophy hunting. 

Evidently, trophy hunting doesn't seem to be doing much in terms of helping keep elephants alive if we're going solely by their numbers. This indicates that along with other perils, trophy hunting is in fact aiding in the decimation of wild elephants.

LIONS

Population in 1990 - Fewer than 100, 000
Population in 2021- 20 - 30, 000

Stats don't lie y'all. In 30 years, wild lion populations have dropped by over 70%. In fact, lions have lost approximately 95% of their once historic range throughout Africa. How can we even begin to argue that trophy hunting has somehow helped conserve lions when their numbers indicate that we are actually helping along their extinction?

Every single lion left in the wild matters and regardless of the money that supposedly funnels in to conservation, lions are on track to be extinct in the wild within 30 years. Evidently, those trophy hunting funds aren't doing much to save lions.

GIRAFFES

Population in 1990 - Over 140, 000
Population in 2021 - Fewer than 65, 000

In 30 years, wild giraffe populations have literally been slashed in half. Perils for giraffes include fragmented populations, habitat loss, poaching, and trophy hunting. When we are talking about extinction, every life matters, so one who argues that putting a bullet into one of these beautiful animals helps with their conservation should be reminded of just how many giraffes we've lost in 30 years. At this rate, giraffes will be extinct in 30 years.

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The proof is in the numbers y'all, each of these species has seen their populations sharply decline in the past 30 years despite international efforts to aid in their conservation. It's time to stop arguing in defense of trophy hunting like it's some kind of saviour for the survival of endangered animals in Africa. Shooting and killing endangered animals DOES NOT aid in conservation. Should I repeat that?

Enough with the trophy hunting nonsense. These animals are being shot for sport while they continue to fight for survival, plain and simple. The only living creatures benefitting from trophy hunting are the wealthy folk shelling out tens of thousands of dollars for the opportunity to slaughter one of these animals. How can we argue that our efforts are working when the facts tell us that these animals are headed towards extinction in our lifetime?

We need a ban on trophy hunting.

HAPPY VEG