Page 36 - Gateways_Summer2023_Neat

Rescuing Animals from Wildlife Trafficking Continued

What to Know and Do About Wildlife Trafficking

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t the illegal trade in birds, reptiles, and marine life. of wild animals are illegal to have?
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A few examples:
W h a t i s i l l e g al w i l d l i f e t r a f f i c k i n g ? • Fur or skins, teeth, claws, and bones of big cats
What is illegal wildlife trafficking?
The taking, possession, sale, and transport of endangered or • Ivory from the tusks of elephants; rhino horn
protected species, their body parts, and the products made • Glasses frames, jewelry, or hair combs made from
from them. (Plants, especially trees, are also illegally bought the shells of sea turtles
and sold.)
• Folk medicines made from the scales of pangolins
Why is it Illegal? or the bodies of sea horses
Federal laws in the U.S. prohibit importing or transporting- • Shark fins
wildlife or wildlife parts in violation of state or foreign laws. • Feathers of wild birds
Generally, it is illegal to sell and buy animals that are endan-
gered or that can become endangered if trade is not monitored • Leather products that contain material from crocodiles,
and regulated. It is illegal to bring animals into the U.S. that caiman and other lizards, and snakes
can become a threat to humans, domestic animals, and • See “A Guide for Travelers” at AZA.org/wta-tips-for-travelers.
ecosystems, either by spreading disease or becoming invasive.
W h a t c an pe o p l e d o t o h e l p b r i n g an
What can people do to help bring an
Which wild animals are targeted by traffickers? e n d t o t h e t r a f f i c k i n g o f w i l d l i f e ?
end to the trafficking of wildlife?
The most popular trafficked animals include reptiles, particu- Consumer demand drives the illegal wildlife trade. The U.S.
larly turtles and tortoises. The trafficking of wild song birds Fish and Wildlife Service advises consumers to do their research
for the Asian market has been so extensive that many forests before they purchase an animal or animal product, and if in
in Asia are eerily quiet. The demand for macaws and other doubt, don’t buy.
species of parrots has always been high. Many mammal
species are targeted by traffickers, including monkeys, Report suspected poaching and trafficking activities
tiger cubs, otters, and even red pandas. to the USFWS. If you see someone collecting wild turtles
in a forest preserve or spot an online ad for exotic wild
Why is it risky to purchase wild animals as pets? animals, you can anonymously and safely report the activity
• It can be difficult to determine if an animal is legal to own. by calling 844 FWS-TIPS or emailing FWS_TIPS@FWS.gov.
• Illegally trafficked animals can be confiscated and buyers Tipsters can receive rewards.
and sellers can be fined and sometimes jailed.
• Trafficked animals are usually unhealthy because they
are stressed and haven’t received proper care.
36 GATEWAYS | WILDLIFE TRAFFICKING