The SARS-CoV-2 virus and COVID-19 illness are driving a global crisis. Governments have responded by restricting human
movement, which has reduced economic activity. These changes may benefit biodiversity conservation in some ways, but in
Africa, we contend that the net conservation impacts of COVID-19 will be strongly negative. Here, we describe how the crisis
creates a perfect storm of reduced funding, restrictions on the operations of conservation agencies, and elevated human
threats to nature. We identify the immediate steps necessary to address these challenges and support ongoing conservation
efforts. We then highlight systemic flaws in contemporary conservation and identify opportunities to restructure for greater
resilience. Finally, we emphasize the critical importance of conserving habitat and regulating unsafe wildlife trade practices to
reduce the risk of future pandemics.
