Elephant conservationist killed in Tanzania

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In the battle to save some of Africa’s most endangered species from extinction, conservationists are part of a constant tussle with poachers, overpopulation and climate change.

Leading elephant conservationist, Wayne Lotter, was shot dead last night in Tanzania’s main city, Dar es Salaam.

A pioneer of his trade, Lotter “devoted his life to Africa’s wildlife, from working as a ranger in his native South Africa as a young man, to leading the charge against poaching in Tanzania. Wayne cared deeply about the people and animals that populate this world,” the PAMS Foundation, for which Lotter was the co-founder, said in a statement.

The conservation group was heavily involved in efforts to curb poaching gangs, and unconfirmed reports suggest that Lotter was shot by gunmen who fled with his laptop – it is not yet known who attacked, or their motive.

A vehicle drives past the crime scene marking the spot where conservationist Wayne Lotter, 51, was shot and killed in Dar es Salaam, seen on August 18, 2017. /AFP Photo

Lotter was based in Arusha city in northern Tanzania. He was believed to have come to Dar es Salaam for meetings and was on his way to an apartment when he was killed.

The South African was working to mitigate the effects of a global problem, last year in Africa up to 35,000 African elephants were killed – the majority through poaching.

Although greatly reduced, poaching still remains a major concern to conservationists on the survival of those animals listed at the bottom end of IUCN red list.

Lotter’s group also added: “Wayne’s charm, brilliance and eccentric sense of humor gave him the unique ability to make those around him constantly laugh and smile. He died bravely fighting for the cause he was most passionate about.”