1.Humans and animals are two seemingly disparate beings whose fates have been linked since the dawn of human history. To ensure their survival in a hostile environment, the first
humans were quick to exploit wildlife resources. However, the metre began to spin out of reach, as over 7 billion people now rely on natural resources to meet ever-increasing demands. Today’s wildlife hunters are motivated by a very different goal: profit! The wild animal trade has turned
into a veritable gold mine, endangering global biodiversity. There are two forms of wildlife over- exploitation: over-harvesting and poaching. Poaching occurs when a species is hunted or fished illegally, violating the law that protects it. Over-harvesting occurs when there is uncontrolled hunting or fishing of a species. Wildlife trafficking is the most lucrative illicit trade on earth, ranking just behind drugs and weapons. It is the second most lucrative trade in the world, after drugs.
2.Some species are used to make tourist souvenirs and trophies. Others have origins dating back over 3000 years in traditional Asian medicine. Leopards, chinchillas, and Tibetan antelopes,
for example, are admired for their clothing-making fur. Many end up on a tray, whether to please the refined palates of discerning customers or to ensure the survival of entire villages. Even the Internet, unfortunately, has become an ally in the commercial exploitation of wildlife. Stocks of the ocean’s largest fish have declined by 90% thanks to over-fishing. Drastic measures are
essential to enable the populations of affected species to renew themselves, authors say. Alternative solutions must be offered to human populations who depend on poaching to survive
or who exploit wildlife in one way or another.
3.Poachers face severe fines, but they are a drop in the bucket compared to the profit made from illicit cargo. Five Newfoundlanders were fined between $1000 and $3500 for catching
salmon outside of the fishing season. While authorities track major poachers, it is the responsibility of each person to adopt a responsible attitude toward hunting and fishing practises
in order to conserve our unique wildlife heritage.