It is the illegal capturing or hunting of wild animals, usually associated with land use rights.
In the beginning, poachers did it with the motive of extending land for human use. Currently, they do so for illegal reasons and personal gain. These include killing wild animals for their unique parts like ivories, tusks, skin, bones, and even teeth.
With the belief that their parts are useful for medicinal purposes, many animals get killed. Some of these animals include the Rhino and Tiger, which appear to be one the most endangered species on earth. The black rhino has reduced its numbers by a 97.6% rate leaving the animal in an extinct state. The tiger gets hunted for its pelts, bones, and body organs.
Effects of Poaching
No doubt, poaching results in grave consequences for wildlife. One of the main reasons why wildlife faces risk is because of the risk of extinction. Most of these animals suffer most especially when Trade season is about to start. The great numbers of poached animals transported to a new environment undergo suffering as they experience a different life outside their natural habitat.
Whereas in their natural habitat, they acquire the necessary nutrients, freely move and mate, it is difficult to say they will experience the same conditions outside it.
In this situation, not only do wildlife suffer but also people. Between 2009 and 2016, poachers gunned down approximately 500-600 rangers in charge of protecting wildlife in Africa.
Efforts Applied to curb poaching.
Protection provision for our wildlife is key to a country’s reputation and interest since they act as a source of revenue when tourists visit the country’s national parks and touring sites to see them. Some of the efforts that can help stop poaching include:
- Smart collars for the endangered species
- Use of remote control for sampling
- Remote monitoring for wildlife
- Remote controlled video and photography
- Better visualization and mapping
- Texting elephants
- Use of very high tech hooks for the endangered fish
- Gene sequencing
- Eating sustainable seafood
- Reporting any illegal wildlife operations that might be taking place in your area, for example, smuggling of hunted animal products like ivory, fur, or even horns.
Compiled by Sunday Jomba,