Mike Clinton
Introduction: Understanding Poaching
Poaching is the illegal killing of animals, usually for commercial or personal purposes. This illicit trade has been going on for decades, causing significant harm to the environment and wildlife populations worldwide. The reasons why poachers take animals out of their natural habitats are varied, ranging from economic motives to cultural beliefs, poverty, weak law enforcement, political instability, high demand, ignorance, thrill, and environmental degradation.
Economic Motives: Trade of Animal Products
Poaching is often driven by the trade of animal products, such as ivory, rhino horn, pangolin scales, and tiger bones. These items are highly valued in certain markets, particularly in Asia, where they are used for traditional medicine, ornaments, and status symbols. The demand for these products is enormous, and the prices offered by illegal traders are often much higher than what local communities can earn from sustainable wildlife tourism or legal hunting. As a result, poachers are often tempted by the profits and turn to illegal hunting to make a living for themselves and their families, without regard for the environmental consequences.