Focused Conservation

A huge thank you to investigative reporter Chris M. for continuing to shine a light on judicial decisions against wildlife traffickers in Africa. Sadly, as highlighted in his recent article, the Kenya Wildlife Task Force (KWTF)—which our team at Focused Conservation helped establish and mentor—was disbanded in 2024 due to a lack of funding. However, the impact of their work lives on. Many major investigations conducted by the KWTF—including cases involving sandalwood, ivory, and other illicit wildlife products—are still moving through the Kenyan courts, seeking justice. Established in 2021 through a partnership between Focused Conservation and the Kenya Directorate of Criminal Investigations and the Kenya Wildlife Service KWS, the Kenya Wildlife Task Force (KWTF) was instrumental in dismantling wildlife trafficking networks for three (3) years. Drawing on decades of law enforcement expertise, our team remains dedicated to supporting wildlife crime units across Africa through specialized guidance, mentorship, and technical assistance. With renewed funding, there is hope that units like the KWTF can be reinstated or that new wildlife crime units can be established, following the proven model developed by Focused Conservation. Learn more about our work at https://lnkd.in/gW2bZXH #StopWildlifeCrime #EndWildlifeTrafficking #JusticeForWildlife #FocusedConservation #WildlifeCrime #KenyaWildlife #IllegalWildlifeTrade #Poaching #Ivory #Conservation #ConservationHeroes

Since 2018, Focused Conservation has been on a mission to close critical gaps in the fight against Illicit Wildlife Trafficking (IWT)—combining best-practice law enforcement techniques with hands-on, on-site mentoring. We remain the only organization in Africa providing direct support and mentoring to dedicated wildlife crime units. Now, our updated website makes it easier than ever to explore our impact. Dive into the "Action from the Frontlines" video series to see firsthand how our teams are dismantling trafficking networks and bringing wildlife traffickers to justice. Join us in the fight. Visit https://lnkd.in/gW2bZXH to learn more! #StopWildlifeCrime #ConservationInAction #FocusedConservation #Conservation #IllegalWildlifeTrade #EndWildlifeTrafficking #WildlifeCrime #SaveOurWildlife

Today, we celebrate the incredible wildlife that makes our planet so extraordinary! At Focused Conservation, we’re dedicated to protecting endangered species and ensuring a future where wildlife thrives by bringing wildlife traffickers to justice. Join us in making a difference—support conservation efforts, spread awareness, and take action to protect the wild places we all love. Together, we can create a future where wildlife and people can live in harmony. #WorldWildlifeDay #FocusedConservation #ProtectWildlife #ConservationMatters #IllegalWildifeTrade #Conservation #EndangeredSpecies

Protecting endangered species like chimpanzees takes a global effort—one that requires collaboration, dedication, and action. That’s why we at Focused Conservation are proud to have partnered with the Pandrillus Foundation's Drill Ranch in Nigeria and the Wildlife Justice Commission to disrupt the illegal wildlife trade and take down traffickers exploiting great apes in Nigeria. When these magnificent animals are rescued, they need a safe place to heal—true sanctuaries committed to their well-being and, hopefully, their eventual return to the wild. The team at Pandrillus are among the very best, and we are grateful for their tireless work. Let’s hope that Mili and all the chimps and gorillas Focused Conservation has rescued over the years get the chance to live free in their natural habitat once again. #WildlifeConservation #EndWildlifeTrafficking #GreatApes #IllegalWildlifeTrade #ConservationHeroes #FocusedConservation #Chimpanzees #Pandrillus #TogetherForWildlife

Celebrate World Pangolin Day! For years, our team at Focused Conservation has been raising the alarm about the pangolin crisis, yet these incredible creatures remain the most trafficked mammals on the planet—over a million poached in the last decade. Despite the tireless efforts of organizations like ours, the illegal trade continues between source and user countries. Just last month, alongside the Uganda Wildlife Crime Unit, we conducted 7 operations, arrested 10 traffickers, and rescued 6 live pangolins from the illegal trade. Many of these pangolins have been safely returned to the wild. If we want to save pangolins, it will take a global effort. Let’s turn awareness into action! #WorldPangolinDay #SavePangolins #EndWildlifeTrafficking #FocusedConservation

Thank you to everyone who supported John Jurko II and the Justice for Anton campaign. Our team at Focused Conservation remains committed to assisting the SAPS-HAWKS investigation in pursuit of justice for the Mzimba family. We ask for your continued support in this case and in our global fight against wildlife trafficking. #JusticeForAnton #FocusedConservation #EndWildlifeCrime #IllegalWildlifeTrade #Rangers #antonmzimba #rhinomanpodcast

In just the last eight (8) days, Focused Conservation and the Uganda Wildlife Crime Unit (UWCU) have carried out seven (7) successful law enforcement operations, leading to the arrest of 10 wildlife traffickers and the rescue of six (6) live pangolins from the illegal wildlife trade. Additionally, officers seized two pangolin carcasses and 13 kilograms of scales, disrupting criminal groups profiting from this critically endangered species. Pangolins, often called "scaly anteaters," are the most illegally trafficked mammals in the world—hunted relentlessly for their scales and meat. With all eight species at risk of extinction, time is running out to protect them. Without intervention, we could lose them forever. The rescued pangolins are receiving critical care and, once stabilized, will be released back into the wild within the National Parks in Uganda where they were taken from—a small but significant victory in the fight to save this species. The brave men and women of the UWCU, with the expertise and mentorship of Focused Conservation, are making a difference in the battle against wildlife crime. Every arrest, every rescue, and every pangolin saved brings us one step closer to ensuring these remarkable creatures have a future. Learn more about our work at https://lnkd.in/gW2bZXH and follow us to stay updated on the fight to protect pangolins and other threatened wildlife. #SaveThePangolins #EndWildlifeTrafficking #ConservationHeroes #FocusedConservation #WildlifeCrime #PangolinRescue #Wildlife #UgandaWildlife #IllegalWildlifeTrade #EndangeredSpecies

It’s been over two years since the tragic murder of Ranger Anton Mzimba, a true wildlife hero who dedicated his life to protecting Africa's endangered species. As previously mentioned, John Jurko II, the award-winning producer of "The Rhino Man", is leading the "Justice for Anton" campaign to bring those responsible to justice. Focused Conservation is proud to stand alongside John and support this vital effort by providing investigative assistance to find these murderers. Our team, working with South Africa’s Directorate for Priority Crime Investigations (HAWKS), brings hundreds of years of combined international law enforcement experience to this mission. Together, we aim to ensure justice is served and send a powerful message that such heinous crimes will not go unanswered. If you’d like to support this important campaign, learn more at: https://lnkd.in/eQsEpPm9 #JusticeForAnton #RangerHeroes #WildlifeConservation #RhinoMan #FocusedConservation #ConservationHeroes #EndangeredSpecies #rangers #wildlifecrimes #StopWildlifeCrime #southafrica #krugernationalpark

At Focused Conservation, we are deeply committed to fighting the illegal trafficking of wildlife, especially great apes like chimpanzees, gorillas, and the others. Despite protections under CITES and other laws, these awesome creatures continue to be exploited by organized crime networks fueled by greed and corruption. Every year, over 3,000 great apes are illegally trafficked, pushing these endangered species closer to extinction. For traffickers, the profit outweighs the cost —but for us, every great ape lost is a devastating blow to the future of these iconic species. Through efforts like Operation Quinn and Operation Cantona in Nigeria—where a baby gorilla and baby chimpanzee were rescued—our team at Focused Conservation is proving that enforcement works. By investigating trafficking networks, exposing corruption, and holding criminals accountable, we can continue to disrupt this horrific trade. But we can’t do it alone. Your support is critical for our work and helps us continue the fight for these incredible creatures. Together, we can protect great apes and secure a future where wildlife thrives. Learn more about our mission and how you can make a difference: https://lnkd.in/gW2bZXH #StopWildlifeTrafficking #GreatApeProtection #FocusedConservation #EndWildifeCrime #IllegalWildlifeTrade #WildlifeConservation #EndangeredSpecies

With a remarkable 42-year career in federal law enforcement and as the Founder/Director of the National Computer Forensics Laboratory for the U.S. EPA, William Fortuno is one of the extraordinary experts on the Focused Conservation team. At Focused Conservation, we believe in real-world training that lasts. Our specialized programs empower officers, rangers, prosecutors, and others on the front lines of nature crime. What sets us apart? Mentorship is the cornerstone of our mission. From being embedded with Wildlife Crime Units 24/7 to offering multi-year train-the-trainer programs, our approach ensures long-term success. Just look at the impact of our Digital Evidence Exploitation Specialist (DEES) program—a 3-year initiative that has developed experts in countries like Colombia, Peru, Uganda, South Africa, Kenya, Nigeria, and Liberia. Our mission is simple but vital: to provide training, equipment, and mentorship by seasoned experts like Willie to increase the rate of successful prosecutions and protect our natural world. Meet Willie and learn more about our unique approach to conservation at https://lnkd.in/gW2bZXH #FocusedConservation #NatureCrime #ConservationTraining #WildlifeProtection #FocusedConservation #PartnershipsMatter #EndWildlifeCrime #ProtectEndangeredSpecies #WildlifeTrafficking #ConservationHeroes #LawEnforcement #StopWildlifeTrafficking #StopPoaching #SavePangolins #SayNoToIvory #CombatWildlifeCrime #Wildlife #Conservation