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Notable deaths in conservation in 2020

Sunset over a tributary in the Amazon rainforest. Photo by Rhett A. Butler

  • It is impossible to capture all of 2020’s losses.
  • Every death is of course notable, but this list acknowledges a few of the 2020 deaths that carry special significance to the conservation community.
  • The list is grouped into three categories: murders and killings, reportedly COVID-19-related, and other deaths.
  • Note: this list only includes deaths that occurred in 2020.

It is impossible to capture all of 2020’s losses between the global pandemic, the impacts of natural disasters often exacerbated by human activities, and the atrocities committed against environmental defenders.

Every death is of course notable, but this list acknowledges a few of the 2020 deaths that carry special significance to the conservation community.

Pine forest in the Sierra Nevada
Pine forest in the Sierra Nevada

Murders, assassinations, and other killings

Rainforest in Sarawak, Malaysia. Photo by Rhett A. Butler.
Rainforest in Sarawak, Malaysia. Photo by Rhett A. Butler.

Reportedly COVID-19-related

Sunset in the Amazon. Photo by Rhett A. Butler.
Sunset in the Amazon. Photo by Rhett A. Butler.

Other causes

Sunrise in the Amazon. Photo by Rhett A. Butler.
Sunrise in the Amazon. Photo by Rhett A. Butler.

Groups like the The Thin Green Line Foundation, The International Ranger Federation and The Game Rangers’ Association of Africa keep tallies on conservation and wildlife rangers who have died, including the Ranger Roll of Honour.

Did we miss a notable death? Please reach out via this form

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Rainforest in Indonesian Borneo. Photo credit: Rhett A. Butler.
Rainforest in Indonesian Borneo. Photo credit: Rhett A. Butler.

Mongabay’s year-in-review series:

Oceans | Environment | Indonesian palm oil | Notable conservation deaths | Rainforests | Indonesia’s environment | Madagascar’s environment | Notable conservation books | Mongabay’s most popular

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