While Saudi Arabia has recognized the dangers of uncontrolled hunting and has introduced conservation measures in its own territory, prominent members of that kingdom are killing large numbers of game, including endangered species, in neighbouring countries. In this report the author presents evidence of the devastation caused by Saudi hunters in the Sudan. While the latter country has outlawed hunting, enforcing the law against Saudi nationals is fraught with difficulties.

The Ethiopian wolf is a social canid endemic to the highlands of Ethiopia. Today perhaps only 500 individuals survive, making it the world's rarest and probably most endangered canid. Its range has already been reduced and it is threatened by further loss of habitat to high-altitude subsistence agriculture and overgrazing by livestock. Today it survives in only six locations, with the largest and probably only genetically viable population being found in the Bale Mountains National Park. The most immediate threats for the survival of Ethiopian wolves are disease, domestic dogs and human persecution. Improved management in Bale and Simien Mountains National Parks and the establishment of a captive-breeding programme are urgently needed to prevent the extinction of this species.

During a 4-month study in French Polynesia, the authors visited 28 islands, seven of which had never been explored by ornithologists. They collected ecological data on endemic land birds, introduced animals and habitats, focusing particularly on the factors involved in population declines and extinctions. As well as hunting and habitat destruction, it appears that introduced predators play a major role, with the roof rat Rattus rattus being the most dangerous. Rapid action to eradicate introduced predators, coupled with translocations, would be the most effective way to ensure the survival of the remaining bird species.

This paper examines the current status and distribution of primates in Gabon on the basis of data collected in the field between 1985 and 1988. There are at least 19 and possibly 21 species of primates definitely present in Gabon, making it one of the richest countries in the world for primates. Most of the species are still widespread and one, the sun-tailed guenon, is endemic. Hunting and habitat destruction are the main threats to the country's primates. The major problem at the moment is the opening up of previously inaccessible areas by logging companies and the Trans Gabon railway, which leads to an increase in hunting pressure. Several species are threatened; the mandrill/drill, the black colobus, and the sun-tailed guenon need special conservation measures. Suggestions for action are made and several new reserves have recently been proposed.