Prince William launches Angry Birds video game to protest against animal poaching

The Duke of Cambridge claims poaching plays a part in terrorism

Prince William has filmed a plea to stop illegal animal poaching as a special version of Angry Birds highlighting the issue was released (United For Wildlife)

The Duke of Cambridge has spoken once again about illegal animal poaching and has found a surprising way of combating the problem – introducing a new Angry Birds video game, entitled Roll With The Pangolin.

He also asserts that poaching “funds criminal gangs, even terrorist organisations”.

“It may sound trivial set against other world problems, but it is an important part of the jigsaw - and it is one that you can do something about,” he said.

“There is evidence that poaching funds criminal gangs, even terrorist organisations, and it deprives ancient communities of their heritage and livelihoods.”

His version of Angry Birds features pangolins as its stars – one of the rarest breeds of animals in the world, known for their flexible, armour-like skin and strong claws that are able to break through concrete.

The game is available now until 23 November, “so you can have some fun while learning more about them and the wider issue of poaching”, as the Duke says.

It was launched in conjunction with United for Wildlife, of which William is a patron with Prince Harry.

In February, Prince William and Prince Charles appeared in a video calling world leaders to go into “battle” against illegal poaching.

“We have to be the generation that stopped the illegal wildlife trade and secured the future of these magnificent animals and their habitats, for if we fail it will be too late," said the Duke.

The royals finished by saying, “Let’s unite for wildlife” in Mandarin, Arabic, Spanish, Swahili and Vietnamese.