Poaching has long been a problem all over the world, but it has been particularly bad in Africa. Now, the nation of Kenya is making a move to stop poaching once and for all by imposing the death penalty on anyone who is caught doing it.

Poachers have always flocked to Africa because the continent is home to many rare and endangered species. Many of these animals now live in sanctuaries in the hopes of keeping them away from poachers, but unfortunately, this does not always keep them safe.

Since sanctuaries are typically very large, it’s impossible to patrol them at all times, so poachers have been sneaking onto them to kill the animals who live there. They hunt elephants and rhinoceroses for their tusks and horns that are made of ivory, which is very valuable.

Now, however, the Kenyan government has cracked down to impose harsher punishment on those who are caught poaching.

“We have in place the Wildlife Conservation Act that was enacted in 2013 and which fetches offenders a life sentence or a fine of U.S. $200,000,” explained Cabinet Secretary for Tourism Najib Balala, “However, this has not been deterrence enough to curb poaching, hence the proposed stiffer sentence.”

In 2017, poachers killed 69 elephants and nine rhinos, and this was the last straw for the Kenyan government.

“Not only can Kenya Wildlife Service catch wildlife criminals but now they have the capacity to ensure those criminals are convicted under Kenya’s robust laws, a ranger in the field should not have to experience the frustration of confronting a wildlife criminal they arrested a week earlier walking free again because of an acquittal,” said Max Graham of Space for Giants. “This is a critical step up in the battle against the illegal wildlife trade.”

This decision has been a controversial one, as the United Nations opposes the death penalty. Do you think imposing the death penalty on poachers is a good idea? Let us know in the comments section.