Poaching
Most countries throughout the world have made laws to stop or limit hunting of endangered species. A treaty called the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES) has been signed by most countries. Though many animals are protected from hunting, it does not stop some people from hunting them illegally. This is called poaching. Poaching happens all over the world, because poachers can get a lot of money for their illegal game. They sell the horns, ivory, body parts, and skin of protected animals. Even with game wardens hired to patrol animal preserves, poachers have the advantage. For one thing, preserves are very large tracts of land and there are not enough wardens to protect the whole area. The other problem is that poachers after big game like elephants and rhinos are armed and can be very dangerous. One warden may not be able to even try to stop six poachers. In many places poachers seem to be winning out over our vanishing species.
Keeping the Endangered from Becoming Extinct
There are many animals that are close to extinction from habitat loss. The giant panda, tiger, snow leopard, and mountain gorilla are among them. What can be done to save them from extinction?
Protect the habitats in which they live.
Ban hunting and guard against poaching.
Ban any products made from them.
Make people aware so they know not to buy products made from these animals and will want to save them.
Poaching does not just happen in Africa or Asia. There is a lot of poaching in our own National Parks right here in the United States! People steal cactuses, trees, tortoises, and even grass if they can sell it. It's a frustrating problem for those of us who want to protect our disappearing national treasures.
