It is with a heavy heart that we announce the disbandment of the Special Wildlife Investigation Unit (SWIU) in Liberia due to a lack of continued funding for Focused Conservation. Despite this setback, we celebrate the incredible achievements and dedication of our Unit as well as colleague, Danny Murphy, whose impact has been profound.
Last week, as SWIU was being disbanded, Danny was introduced to Joseph Boakai, the President of Liberia. The President was advised that Danny was the “Wildlife guy making a difference in this country,” a fitting tribute to his tireless efforts as an expert, mentor and friend to the SWIU and people of Liberia.
Since the MOU was signed in March 2023, Danny and the SWIU have made remarkable strides in wildlife protection. From May 2023 to July 2024, over 1.4 tonnes of pangolin scales were seized, along with numerous endangered species, including 12 dwarf crocodiles, 3 critically endangered slender-snouted crocodiles, 27 African grey parrots, 3 Sooty Mangabey monkeys, 3 pangolins, and 3 chimpanzees. These operations led to 13 arrests and 11 convictions, a significant improvement from the past when arrests and convictions were rare.
Michael McCarthy, the US Ambassador, praised the SWIU in 2023, saying, “This is the kind of steady, time-consuming, rule-of-law police work that often goes unnoticed and underappreciated. It is also the kind of consistent ground-level law enforcement activity that can begin to change attitudes about impunity regarding those who think they are above the law. We applaud the outstanding coordination involving all members of the security sector and public prosecutors…the security forces working with USAID-funded Focused Conservation project that seized a shipment of pangolin scales – the largest interdiction ever in Liberia…”
Additionally, Focused Conservation facilitated 8 international training events, providing constant mentorship and working closely with partners such as the Liberia National Police, Forestry Development Authority, Liberia Revenue Protection Customs Department, and organizations like the Wildlife Justice Commission.
While it is sad to no longer be part of the effort to protect Liberia’s beautiful wildlife and habitats, we take comfort in knowing our efforts were not in vain. We hope our work has sparked a passion and interest in Liberia to continue protecting its precious wildlife species.
Thank you, Danny, the SWIU team, and all who work in the conservation sphere in Liberia for your unwavering dedication. The impact of your work will be felt for years to come.
