Wildlife crime is a significant industry. Similar to the trafficking of illegal narcotics and weapons, deadly multinational networks operate in the trade of wildlife and animal products. The illicit wildlife trade is estimated to be worth billions of dollars, despite the fact that it is nearly hard to collect accurate data because of the nature of the market. Examples of illicit wildlife commerce include the hunting of tigers and elephants for their hides and carcasses, as well as the removal of ivory from elephants. Numerous other species, including wood trees and sea turtles, are overfarmed as well. Trading wildlife is not always forbidden. Hundreds of thousands of kinds of animals are captured or taken, and they are then lawfully marketed as food, pets, decorative plants, fur, tourist souvenirs, and medicines. When a growing fraction of the trade in wildlife is unlawful and unethical, it becomes a crisis since it directly jeopardizes the future of numerous wild animal species.

The desire for animals has increased along with the expansion of the human race. People are used to a lifestyle that increases demand for animals in many different places. They anticipate having access to a range of textile materials, leather products, lumber, and fish. On the other hand, those who live in great poverty may view animals as desirable commodities for sale. Buyers continue to pay top dollar for goods manufactured from tigers, elephants, and rhinoceroses, especially in Asia. Criminal organizations may continue to loot nature with little respect for the repercussions due to corruption, impotent laws, ineffective legal systems, and cheap punishments. These elements make illicit wildlife trafficking a minimal-risk, high-reward endeavor. The true schemers and their network remain undetected and capable of carrying out future attacks since the only people who are often apprehended are the poachers, who are frequently destitute locals.

Many populations, frequently the impoverished, in the underdeveloped world view their local animals as valuable resources. Some rural homes rely on wildlife for natural remedies and nutrition. The overuse of certain species has broader effects on the earth’s natural ecosystem. Our interconnected system of life relies on the cautious and intelligent use of animal wildlife habitats, much as poaching produces problems in the entire system. By purchasing or trading animals, several invasive species have indeed been purposefully brought. The natural order is seriously threatened by these invading species, which feed on or conflict with native species. Animals are incidentally killed on land much like marine creatures are through overfishing.

To help stop wildlife crime encourage governments to uphold international agreements, apply harsh impediments, reduce demand for items made from endangered animals, and safeguard threatened wildlife populations. Take a stand for individuals who are intimidated by violent poachers who are currently on the front lines so that they can receive the right tools, training, and compensation. Urge people to research any wildlife item before buying it to lower the need for illicit animal parts and goods.

Work Cited:

Magazine, Smithsonian. “‘WildLeaks’ Is like WikiLeaks for Poaching-and It’s Working to Stop Wildlife Crime.” Smithsonian.com, Smithsonian Institution, 16 June 2014, https://www.smithsonianmag.com/smart-news/new-wikileaks-style-website-seeks-anonymous-information-help-nab-illegal-wildlife-trade-kingpins-180951747/.

no author. “Poaching.” Encyclopædia Britannica, Encyclopædia Britannica, Inc., 14 Mar. 2022, https://www.britannica.com/topic/poaching-law.