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Fake news and freedom of expression | Leopard genetics

Posted by: The Conversation Global

Date: Tuesday, 12 May 2020

 

Editor's note

As the new coronavirus disrupts “business as usual” around the world, and as the death toll mounts, governments are also having to counter propaganda and disinformation about the COVID-19 pandemic. In African countries, authorities have come down hard on disseminators of “fake news”. But, as Ashwanee Budoo warns, they must not use crackdowns on false reports as an excuse to go after those who are simply holding governments to account.

Most of the leopards in southern Africa live outside formally protected areas. Not only does overexploitation reduce their numbers, but it also disrupts their dispersal behaviour. Vincent Naude, Guy Balme and Jacqueline Bishop have found that this has long-term genetic costs. Inbreeding can be a “scar” carried even by recovering populations.

Julie Masiga

Peace + Security Editor

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