The dynamic natural environment and abundant wildlife are the most prominent features of the African continent. Thanks to its wide variety of biomes ranging from tropical forests to arid deserts, Africa is characterized by an abundant diversity of wildlife. However, due to environmentally damaging human interactions, the diversity of biomes is shrinking to historic lows, causing wildlife to become extinct. These harmful human interactions, particularly livestock overgrazing and desertification, occur in part because native populations who depend on the land for daily life do not realize the potential benefits of wildlife and the unsustainability of their current habits . Poaching for horns and other valuable animal parts has also contributed to the decrease in the amount of species found in nature. However, methods for conserving wildlife environments differ in how they address the problem of declining wildlife populations. The conventional method of conservation modeled after the Convention relating to the Preservation of Fauna and Flora in their Natural State (also known as the London Convention) provides for the complete centralization of natural resources with the government. The newer and more effective method called the Sustainable Use Approach makes drastic changes to the principles of the London Convention by decentralizing ownership of wildlife and allowing small communities and villages to manage it themselves. Grazing or raising livestock is a human activity carried out by thousands of people. of years in Africa. Pastoral lifestyles emerged in Africa about nine thousand years ago with the arrival of domesticated herbivores such as goats, sheep and aurochs from Asia. Pastoralism thrived in its early stages in Africa because these... middle of paper......and enhance, protect wild species. By creating this mutual relationship between the African people and their environment, both sides can thrive. References Dregne, HE "DESERTIFICATION OF DRY LANDS". Physics of Dersertification (1986). Ciesin.columbia.edu. Network. November 16, 2013. Child, Brian. "Physical environment". Lesson in class. November 16, 2013Child, Brian. “Sustainable use approach could save South Africa's rhinos.” S Afr J Sci. 2012; 108(7/8), Art.#1338, 4 pages. http://dx.doi.org/10.4102/sajs. November 17, 2013Child, Brian. “Wildlife, environment, agriculture”. Lesson in class. Nov. 17 2013 "Convention relating to the conservation of fauna and flora in their natural state." The Faculty of Law. Np, nd Web. November 16, 2013."Socioeconomic consequences of desertification." Learn to fight desertification. UNESCO. Network. November 16. 2013.