America. Unacceptable cruelty: Despite worldwide condemnation, Iceland returned to whaling for the first time in 2006. After being hit by an explosive harpoon, whales die an agonising death which can last more than an hour.

WSPA GLOBAL REVIEW 2006 17 In focus Two WSPA-backed anti-snaring and poaching projects, carried out by Kenyan Member Societies, have saved thousands of African wild animals from cruel and lingering deaths. A five-person anti-poaching/de-snaring team and a mobile veterinary unit were funded for the Lewa Wildlife Conservancy in Kenya which is home to 33 critically endangered Eastern Black rhinos and other endangered species. By the end of 2006, 84 wild animals, including buffalos and giraffes, had been treated by the veterinary unit; the anti-poaching team had responded to 34 security alerts; seven arrests were made and the suspects handed over to the police. Funding was also given to the David Sheldrick Wildlife Trust’s de-snaring and anti-poaching projects in Tsavo National Park. Two WSPA-supported teams removed on average 156 snares, arrested 22 poachers and carried out 11 animal rescues each month. By the end of the year there was a 75 percent reduction in the number of snares collected in the park. L O B A L I M P A C T F O R A N I M A L S