Prince William Defends And Supports Africa's Wildlife At Tusk Conservation Awards: "Rangers Face Grave Danger, Time Is Running Out"

Soon-to-be father for a second time around, Prince William, has been one busy man. He and his wife, Kate Middleton plan to head to the US in December, but took care of some business defending wildlife in African jungles earlier this week.

"Rangers face grave danger every day," William to the attendees during a speech at the annual Tusk Conservation Awards in Claridges, London. "We live in a sorry world when an elephant requires the sacrifice of a human being for its own survival."

Tuesday's event was hosted by Kate Silverton, as The Duke of Cambridge talked about the issues wildlife rangers are facing as rhino horns and ivory continue to be on the rise as a high demand, resulting in animals being killed by evil poachers and gangs in Africa.

"These are the men and women at the frontline of the battle to save some of the world's most iconic species," the prince said. Prince William made everyone aware that at least 1,000 rangers have "given their lives in the name of conservation."

William will change the way the awards are done in 2015 and wants to give out a new award that will be awarded to the "bravery and commitment of wildlife rangers."

So far, William has made efforts to raise awareness of wildlife crime, and plans to continue talking about the topic when his and his expecting wife visits NYC, and Washington, D.C. in a couple of weeks.

Like we said, the prince has been busy, he established an umbrella campaign, United for Wildlife, and named David Beckham the ambassador.

William has also been working with Angry Birds on an app to help make people, and the younger generation aware of poaching.

During his speech at Tuesday's event, William reflected on a story about how he and brother Prince Harry went to Botswana a while back and noticed the decrease in wildlife.

"All I encountered was an empty crisp packet left by a tourist and a blip on a radar showing that out there, somewhere, was a lion," the expecting father said. "That morning's outing did at least highlight, quite starkly, how empty even the beautiful African landscape would look without its inhabitants. ... As I've said before, time is running out."