Poaching Endangered Animals

Poaching is an illegal act of hunting and killing of wild animals for monetary gains. It is the greatest threat to many endangered animals. Violations of wildlife regulations and laws are an offence, and punishable under the laws of the land.

Animals like tiger, elephant, rhinos, olive ridley turtle, sturgeon or paddle fish, and musk deer are the main endangered animals poached. The body parts of these animals are in huge demand in the international market for their medicinal properties, or for having an aesthetic value.

Tiger bones have a medicinal value in traditional medicines. Powdered tiger bones are widely prescribed for strengthening muscles and treatment for rheumatism. Some ascribe the penis of tiger to be effective in solving the virility problem in males. Skin of tigers is used for making bags and coats.

Elephants are poached in Africa and Asia for their ivory tusks, which have a great aesthetic value in the market. They are driven into trap nets and pitfalls using spears and intimidation by the poachers. The ivory tusk is brutally detached from the main body, and the poor elephant is left in blood and pains.

Indian One-horned Rhinoceros is another endangered animal poached. They are often driven into traps for their horns. Horns of these endangered animals are believed to possess aphrodisiac properties, which is widely used in traditional medicines.

Tibetan Antelopes, also called Chiru, are poached for their fur, which is known as "Sahtoosh". Sahtoosh is a type of light wool, which is in great demand worldwide. A shawl made from sahtoosh may cost $ 16,000. To make one sahtoosh shawl, five Chirus are killed, and, on an estimate, 20,000 Chiru's are killed every year.

In the same way, Olive ridley turtle and Musk deer are other endangered animals poached for their body parts. Poaching of Sturgeon or Paddle fish is done on a large-scale for its eggs to make caviar.

The present rate of decreasing number of animals is alarming. At this rate, one-third of all animals on earth will become extinct in twenty years. Recently, 200 nations participated in the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species (CITES) at Doha, Qatar to discuss the gravity of the situation.

The Convention at Doha, Qatar debated the role of Internet in "Illegal wildlife poaching through Internet trade". The wide use of Internet has made it easy for the poachers to find customers who are ready to pay the asked prices.

Poachers are better armed with sophisticated weapons and latest equipments than the authorities responsible for safeguarding the endangered animals. This has made the situation of safeguarding more difficult for the caretakers. Some of them have even lost their lives while on duty.

Fight against poaching endangered animals, and saving these animals is an ongoing battle. The poachers are not going to surrender before the authorities because a lot of money is involved in this business. Therefore, we have to face this challenge with a strong determination to win the battle.