Illegal Wildlife Trafficking

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I’ve written several posts in the past regarding illegal wildlife trafficking, including a post on ivory, protection of pangolins and lions, as well as reviews of books written about illegal trade of reptiles (plowshare tortoise photo from newyorker.com) and butterflies.  Biodiversity conservation is a critical environmental and social issue.  The illegal trade decimates wildlife populations, but also harms human communities.  As stated by Jim Leape, Director General of World Wildlife International, “It is communities, often the world’s poorest, that lose the most from this illicit trade, while criminal gangs and corrupt officials profit. Frontline rangers are losing their lives and families that depend on natural resources are losing their livelihoods.” (WWF 2012)
This week we have three new sources of information on the topic.  Both are worth watching if you’re interested in the topics of illegal wildlife trade and biodiversity conservation.   60 Minutes this week presented a fascinating piece on reptile conservation.  Arkive also provided a great overview of the illegal trade issue on their blog today.  Additionally, The World Wildlife Fund recently posted all presentations from a symposium on illegal wildlife trade – definitely worth a view to learn more about this important issue.
If you’re interested in helping to stop the international illegal trade in wildlife, check out how you can participate through World Wildlife Fund.
Source:
World Wildlife Fund.  2012.  “Illegal wildlife trade threatens national security, says WWF report”  Accessed 12/12/12.  http://wwf.panda.org/?207054/Illegal-wildlife-trade-threatens-national-security-says-WWF-report