Wildlife trafficking & wildlife products
Wildlife trafficking is a growing and lucrative trade. The value of rhino horn exceeds the value of both heroin and gold with little or no legal repercussions, this illegal trade is far exceeding the natural resources available.
Rhinos, pangolins and elephants, are just a few of the big names on the critically endangered hit list. Aside from the increasing demand for wildlife products that act as status symbols (largely catering for a specific Asian demographic), medicinal cures for cancer or food delicacies (like shark fin), wildlife is also being trafficked for a large and increasing demand of exotic pets. The exotic pet trade has sky rocketed in the last decade with rare tortoises being shipped in tons from Madagascar to orangutans being transported across Asian borders for private collectors. The demand is growing and the trade increasing (scroll down for images on pet trade).
My experience in Asia has taught me, that one of the biggest issues we face in behaviour change and demand reduction, in wildlife crime, is the lack of understanding, awareness and socio-cultural relevance. We also lack availability and understanding of alternative solutions, to counter the demand.
For example, a group of people may be told that the ivory they are going to purchase is from dead elephants and that no elephants were killed and that the purchase, trade and transport are completely legal. This is, of course, not the case.
There are no easy solutions; this is a lucrative criminal network, some call it a war! Reducing the demand is an important step, awareness is key, but exposing and combating the criminal networks that support, supply and fuel this trade is the only way we can truly end this. Developing and enforcing laws that protect wildlife - that is the key in this war.
Pet trade
The legal and illegal pet trade industry is expanding as the demand for exotic pets increases. With the Internet and online platforms like Instagram, Facebook, Whatsapp and WeChat, people can easily access images and contact dealers worldwide. This online presence also makes locating and tracking illegal activity increasingly more difficult.
Many local markets in countries like Asia and Africa still sell a great deal of critically endangered and vulnerable wildlife in open sales or in the back of their shops.
Poaching & trophy hunting
There are distinct differences between poaching and hunting, however the latter is under particular scrutiny especially when it comes to endangered wildlife, such as elephants and rhinos.
There are occasional loopholes with wildlife such as elephants. In some African counties (countries) for example, they can be labelled as critically endangered and in other countries on the same continent they are not, so it is still possible to hunt them for a price
Poaching is not limited to wildlife, many plant species and rare timber, like rosewood, are listed as critically endangered and are poached in great quantities from countries like Thailand and Cambodia.
Poaching is illegal; trophey hunting is legal (in some cases). Albeit, a practice I am against, despite some organisations arguing that, if monitored, it can support wildlife conservation. Out of principle, I don't believe this to be the case (especially when it comes to protected species such as lions, elephants and rhino etc.
