Introduction
Officials examine the body of a rhinoceros killed by poachers in Kaziranga National Park in India's northeastern Assam state on Feb. 24, 2010. Rhinos are killed for their horns, which some cultures believe have medicinal or magical properties. (AFP/Getty Images/STR)
|
Traffickers are slaughtering some of the world's most beloved endangered or threatened animals for their body parts — including elephant tusks, tiger penises and bear gall bladders — to supply the booming black market in souvenirs, trophies and traditional Chinese medicine. Other animals are shot by African hunters to meet the burgeoning demand for “bushmeat,” both to feed the hungry in refugee camps and to satisfy the tastes of city dwellers. Thousands of other animals, including exotic birds and rare monkeys, are trapped to meet the growing demand for exotic pets. Using satellite phones, helicopters and the Internet, the increasingly sophisticated smugglers — often part of organized crime syndicates — generate up to $20 billion annually, making wildlife trafficking the world's third-most-lucrative illegal trade. Experts suggest two controversial solutions: banning all ivory trade and “farming” tigers and other exotic species to supply the seemingly insatiable demand for their body parts. While international conservation treaties have slowed the carnage, experts say tougher enforcement is needed before some of the Earth's last wild creatures disappear forever.
|
|
Wildlife and Endangered Species |
|
 |
Dec. 15, 2017 |
Species Extinction |
 |
Feb. 17, 2012 |
Invasive Species |
 |
Oct. 2010 |
Wildlife Smuggling |
 |
Jun. 03, 2005 |
Endangered Species Act  |
 |
Sep. 15, 2000 |
Mass Extinction |
 |
Oct. 01, 1999 |
Endangered Species Act |
 |
Apr. 19, 1996 |
Protecting Endangered Species |
 |
Aug. 28, 1992 |
Marine Mammals Vs. Fish |
 |
Jun. 21, 1991 |
Endangered Species |
 |
May 24, 1991 |
Animal Rights |
 |
Feb. 12, 1988 |
America's Biological Diversity |
 |
Aug. 02, 1985 |
Wildlife Management |
 |
Sep. 16, 1977 |
Protecting Endangered Wildlife |
 |
May 10, 1967 |
Wildlife Preservation |
| | |
|