SILENT ROARS AND STOLEN WHISPERS – GLOBAL ANIMAL POACHING AND TRAFFICKING

By A. Harita 

From “Life on Land” to becoming “Lifeless - on Land”, Animal Poaching and Trafficking paves a tragic journey in the existence of protected species across the globe.

© Andrew Adam Newman

Imagine a world where the pleasing whispers of nature are drowning in the silent roars of exploitation. A world where you dream of chirping birds but wake up to them screaming in pain because of their feathers being stuffed inside your pillow. Wouldn’t that be your worst nightmare? That is exactly when you are forced out of your beautiful dream to face the harsh reality of life being sucked out of animals in the form of poaching and trafficking – a multibillion dollar business. 

According to legal dictionary, “Animal poaching is the act of hunting or capturing animals illegally. Usually, this practice leads to the killing of endangered animals, which leads to their eventual extinction.” Poachers tend to target threatened species as they are more valuable and hence holds thousand-dollar business in the black market. Permission is the primary distinction between poaching and hunting. A person is considered to be hunting if they have permission to pursue a certain animal. If not then he is poaching. 

So, then what is trafficking? Poaching an animal with the intention of trading it illegally is known as wildlife trafficking, and it usually involves sneaking the animal through across city, state or country borders to reach a customer. 

Here are few examples of the most poached animals in the world and the commodity produced:

Pangolins: (2.7 million per year) 

• Pangolin scales are sought after for potential medical benefits. 
• Pangolin meat: Some cultures consider it a delicacy.

Elephants: (55 per day) 

• Ivory: The ivory trade unlawfully harvests elephant tusks. 
• Elephant Skin: Poaching for hides is a factor in certain cases. 

Rhinos: (1 rhino every 16 hours) 

•  Rhino Horns: Due to their alleged medical qualities, rhino horns are highly prized. 

Tigers: (100 every year) 

• Traditional medicine uses tiger bones. 
• Tiger Skins: Highly prized for ornamental uses. 

Sharks: (100 million every year) 

• Shark fins: Collected for the trade in shark fin soup. 
• Oil from shark liver: extracted for use in medicine and cosmetics. 

© Pangolin. Getty images

Poaching and trafficking is a highly devastating phenomenon that’s on the rise. Its impact easily baffles the basic structure of ecosystem from multiple standpoints. UNDP states “Wildlife trafficking is among the five most lucrative illegal trades globally, worth an estimated 23 billion USD annually. It is a multifaceted global threat that erodes biodiversity, ecosystems and creates insecurity that fuels conflict and corruption.” Wildlife trafficking and poaching deprive nations of their natural resources, sabotage social harmony, and erode the rule of law.

Deep wounds are caused to our natural environment by poaching and trafficking, which deprive sentient creatures of their lives and destroy the complex web of ecosystems. Visualize the suffering of an elephant devoid of its magnificent tusks, or a pangolin that was hitherto quietly coiled for protection, taken for its scales. It has a ripple effect that goes beyond numbers. This illicit activity is becoming more closely associated with networks of organised crime, which feeds instability and corruption while taking funds away from vital social and economic advancement. Apart from these poaching also poses a significant public health risk, as it can facilitate the spread of zoonotic diseases such as COVID-19.

Once we comprehend the drawbacks of this illegal trade, one can easily justify the inclusion of poaching and trafficking in the 15th Sustainable Development Goals – “Life on Land”. Clearly, multiple solutions have to be curated and adhered to in for efficiently combating this threat to our environment. Addressing the issue requires a multi layered approach. 

The fight against poaching isn't hopeless. Initiatives like Namibia's communal conservancies, empowering local communities to manage wildlife sustainably, have seen astounding success. Technology steps in too, with drones patrolling vast landscapes and DNA analysis tracking illegal ivory shipments. However, climate change throws a curveball, forcing vulnerable species towards resource scarcity, making them easier targets. Ultimately, the answer lies in encouraging a global sense of responsibility. 

There is need to enhance intelligence gathering as well as increase ranger patrols while fostering international cooperation aimed at breaking the networks of trafficking. It is very important to promote sustainable alternatives and raise public awareness about the harmful consequences of using illegal products made from endangered species because it is an effective way to reduce demand for such goods. Giving local communities a voice in conservation efforts through which they can have sustainable livelihoods that give them ownership over wildlife resources and deter them from poaching. This appeals to the ulterior motive of Sustainable Development Goals in itself. Leveraging frontier technologies like blockchain, drones and DNA analysis that would help track illicit activity, strengthen enforcement efforts, as well as monitor wildlife populations serving as the modern solution demanded by today’s world.

The fight against global poaching and trafficking is an ongoing battle, but one we can't afford to lose. Governments, communities, and people can all work together to address this complicated issue, save the planet's priceless biodiversity, and guarantee a sustainable future for future generations. Never forget that your modest action can make a big difference in the greater movement for Life on Land. 

So let us strive to prove “Only when the last of the Animals Horns, Tusks, Skin and Bones are sold, will Mankind realize that Money can never buy back our Wildlife” this false by not having to witness a day when we don’t even have wild life to be fascinated about.