I wrote this essay for my ENG 102 class here at ASU, and since it relates to wildlife conservation, I thought I would post it here for everyone to enjoy! There is a lot of good information about wildlife trafficking, and I also propose some ways for you to help out as an individual. Thanks for reading!
Each
year, millions of animals from hundreds of different species are illegally
taken from their native environments and transported across the world, contributing
to a growing global wildlife trafficking network. Wildlife trafficking in
exchange for money or other goods has become an increasing problem, and is a
serious factor in the extinction of hundreds of species of animals. Occurring
across the globe, this form of live trafficking has the potential to greatly
harm countless ecosystems, and current conservation efforts must be
strengthened in order to stop wildlife trafficking. The conservation process
starts in the hands of the individual. Making smart decisions while travelling
and encourage others to learn about wildlife trafficking can make a large
difference in the fight against illegal trade.
Wildlife
trafficking is defined as “the unlawful harvest of and trade in live animals and
plants or parts and products derived from them” (“Illegal Wildlife Trade”). This includes the trade of animals that
are often endangered. Large international networks take animals from their
native habitats across the globe and transport them to new countries or even
new continents. Species are often not
treated well in transport, either. Specimens are smuggled roughly, drugged,
crammed into boxes, beaten and injured, and often murdered in horrific fashions
(Bergman). These animals are
then traded for money or other goods, depending on where they end up. Some
species of animals are targeted more than others for their prized qualities.
The species most impacted by wildlife trafficking are the Javan rhino, African
elephant, Amur leopard, Bengal tiger, green turtle, and countless other
elephant, rhino, and large cat species. Primates, birds, other mammals and
insects are also often a part of the illegal trafficking network (Crawford). Most,
if not all, of these species are endangered, some to the point of immanent
extinction. Illegal trafficking is the second largest direct threat to species
survival after habitat destruction (“Unsustainable and Illegal Wildlife
Trade”).
Certain parts of the globe experience a
larger volume of illegal wildlife trafficking than others. “Wildlife trade
hotspots” are areas where illegal trade is the most prominent. These areas
include Mexico, East Africa, Southeast Asia, China, the Caribbean, and Eastern
Europe. Some local communities rely on wild animals for their livelihoods. The
ability to sell wild animals for a profit encourages an increase in trade,
resulting in areas of heavy trafficking concentration. In these areas, illegal
trade is not covert: “Capturing
animals in the jungle is common. It's not the shadowy activity people might
think; it's more like an open secret” (Bergman). In countries where wildlife trafficking runs rampant,
animals are widely available. Bergman writes, “As one zoo director in Brazil told me, ‘There are no
limits. You can buy whatever you want. Every species is for sale’” (Bergman). “Wildlife is
traded as skins, leather goods or souvenirs; as food or traditional medicine;
as pets, and in many other forms,” demonstrating the variety and scope of the
trafficking agenda (“Illegal Wildlife Trade”). This illegal trade network has
vast effects on ecosystems and populations.
The capture and transport of endangered
wildlife greatly affects the balance of the ecosystem. Other species suffer as
soon as the food chain is disturbed by a species being hunted to the point of
extreme endangerment or extinction. In additional, other animals may be accidently
killed during the capture of the intended species. Species that are transported
to other environments become invasive, and often have visible negative effects
on their new habitats (Crawford). Illegal trade also negatively impacts a country’s
natural resources, and local communities that might otherwise benefit from
tourism or legal, sustainable trade become damaged and corrupted (“Unsustainable
and Illegal Wildlife Trade”). Perhaps the largest impact of wildlife
trafficking is the likelihood of overexploitation. When a healthy species is
hunted for any reason, population levels can drop exceedingly quickly and
endangerment and extinction become possible.
While the
United States has many laws in place to combat illegal wildlife trafficking,
most countries are not as fortunate. Flaws in protection in developing
countries include corruption, inadequate laws, and light criminal sentences
(Crawford). Poachers may often be caught because of their relative abundance,
but they are not the masterminds behind trafficking networks. In addition,
while big cities may have stronger laws, rural areas have little to no law
enforcement. Rural habitats are where trafficked animals most often originate
(Bergman). However, even the laws in developed countries are in no way strong
enough to put an end to the illegal wildlife trafficking business. Stopping the
trade requires the help of individuals around the world.
Public
education is one of the best ways to combat any unfavorable activity. According
to the World Wildlife Fund, education on wildlife trafficking is the number one
way to fight back against illegal wildlife trafficking. There are many ways for
individuals to start making a difference. Taking action is a necessary step in
solving the issue of wildlife trafficking.
The easiest
way to start getting involved is to educate yourself on the issue. Learning
more about wildlife trafficking from websites like the World Wildlife Fund and
the U.S. Department of Game and Fish can be interesting and highly informative.
Fully understanding the facts and impacts will give you a new perspective on
the topic. Another way to get involved is to donate to organizations like the
World Wildlife Fund, who are actively working around the world to raise
awareness, encourage better laws, and educate locals on how to take care of
their environment. However, one of the best ways for students who are studying
abroad or travelling internationally to help in the fight against trafficking
is to stay smart and aware while outside of the United States.
Many of ASU’s
study abroad and travel opportunities give students the ability to travel in or
near wildlife trade hotspots. These are areas where conservation efforts could
have a profound positive effect on the ecosystem and local villages or cities.
Often times, hotels or restaurants in these areas will be displaying live
wildlife as entertainment (Bergman). It is common to see primates or exotic
birds on display. However, this practice is almost always illegal. Try not to
support businesses that practice wildlife trafficking. Instead, when possible, stay
at a sustainable hotel or eat at a restaurant that does not practice illegal
activities. If you are travelling to areas where illegal trafficking is common,
there will undoubtedly be opportunities to purchase illegal wildlife products
from markets, shops or tourist areas. It is highly important to be informed on
the types of products that are illegally bought and sold in the area you are
travelling to. It is especially
important to know what illegal items to look for when you are travelling to South
America, Africa or Asia. While most study abroad programs do not go to the
latter two continents, there are many opportunities for students to visit. While
there, never buy any elephant products like ground tusks, tiger products like
bones or skins, and rhino horns, and stay away from stalls or markets that are
selling live primates, birds, or infant animals. While in South America, never
buy exotic bird products, rainforest products or primate and large cat
products. Often, these are warning signs for illegal trafficking
(“Unsustainable and Illegal Wildlife Trade”). Buying only legal items will
encourage sustainable trading practices and protect the ecosystem of the
environment you are in.
In conclusion,
wildlife trafficking is an unsustainable practice that leads to extinction and
the destruction of ecosystems. While conservation efforts exist, they are often
not effective and need your help. Educating yourself and others while also
practicing sustainable habits while travelling or studying abroad is a
necessary step in ending the illegal trade of animals.
Works Cited
Bergman,
Charles. "Wildlife Trafficking." Smithsonian.com. Smithsonian,
Dec. 2009. Web. 01 Dec. 2012.
Crawford,
Allan, Leigh Henry, and Richard Carroll. "Illegal Wildlife Trade." World
Wildlife Fund. N.p., n.d. Web. 01 Dec. 2012.
"Illegal
Wildlife Trade." U.S. Fish and Wildlife Services International Affairs.
U.S. Fish and Wildlife Services, n.d. Web. 01 Dec. 2012.
"Unsustainable
and Illegal Wildlife Trade." World Wildlife Fund. N.p., n.d. Web.
01 Dec. 2012.
