Hard Evidence | Wildlife Photographer of the Year

Marcus Westberg’s Image

Marcus Westberg (Sweden/Portugal) documents the stark reality facing zebra populations in the shadow of the bushmeat trade.

Marcus was on assignment when this zebra was brought before a magistrate as evidence, along with the suspected poachers.

It had been caught in a snare and killed inside a protected area.

The illegal trade in wild-caught meat has led to declining wildlife populations in Zambia.

The issue is complex.

Wild meat is in demand as a luxury product, with over 1,034 tonnes (1,140 tons) consumed annually in the capital, Lusaka.

At the same time, many local communities rely on it for subsistence.