Wildlife Poaching, Farming & Trafficking

[peter]

a - Introduction

The, often illegal, trade in wildlife products is enormous. Experts think the value is about $20 billion a year. According to them, there are millions of snares in the forests in southeastern Asia. It isn't much different in many parts of Africa. 

Snares do not distinguish between animals. If an animal is caught, it's doomed.   

One direct result of poaching is empty forests. Another is some species face extinction. In one decade only, thousands of tigers have been poached in Vietnam, Laos, Cambodia, Myanmar, Thailand, Sumatra and Malaysia. In Vietnam, Laos and Cambodia, tigers are now gone. In Malaysia, tigers are severely threatened. Same for Myanmar and Sumatra.  

Poaching also affects humans in that direct contact and consumption of wild animals not seldom results in disease. In Africa, a direct connection between the consumption of wild animals and viruses affecting humans has been proven. In Asia, it isn't any different.  

b - Thread purpose

The aim of this thread is to collect good information about the connection between poaching, trafficking and disease. Anything goes, provided it results in knowledge and understanding. Reply