A Proposal to Stop the Poaching of the Siberian Tiger
One of the world’s most beautiful creatures, the Siberian tiger, has been roaming earth for many years. The Siberian tiger subspecies has been subjected to many obstacles, which make it very difficult for it to survive. Their main threat is not lack of food, but “man,” one of God’s most fierce and cruel species. Because of man the tiger population has reduced to approximately 400 in the wild, and restricted their remaining habitat to the Russian Far East (Field Projects). Man has done many things to destroy the Russian Siberian tiger. They have cut down forests and moved in on the tiger’s territory, causing them to flee and become fragmented throughout Siberia making it hard for
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The Amba organization says, “their rangers know the environmental legislation, and are trained in the use of firearms and can handle criminals” (Field Projects). Amba rangers try to stop poaching by searching vehicles on secluded forest roads and looking for firearms, animals, or any other item that may be suspicious. This project of anti-poaching teams has proven to be successful, but it only stops some of the poachers. Until they stop the main cause of poaching, which is trade, the killing will still go on (Field Projects).
Poachers know they will always make money on tiger derivatives, because of Traditional Chinese Medicine. The World Wildlife Fund (WWF) and TRAFFIC, the wildlife trade monitoring program of WWF, are trying to find ways to discourage the use of tiger parts for medicinal purposes and encourage the use of effective substitutes. TRAFFIC has significantly extended its operation in Asia and Russia. According to researchers, “Russia has become the biggest supplier of Traditional Chinese Medicine trade and exports” (Field Projects). TRAFFIC investigations have led to numerous seizures such as, “tiger bones and skins, the arrest of an important smuggling gang, and the uncovering of illicit trade routes between India, Nepal, Bhutan, and East Asia” (Field Reports). WWF is also campaigning for strengthened national legislation to ban imports and sales of these medicines in
The prices of tiger pelts continue to go on the rise because “as the destruction of tigers decrease supply, the price of their parts rises further, creating even greater incentives for poachers to kill the remaining animals” (Linden). These innocent animals are in danger in both unsecure and secure places. Poachers will not hesitate to go into zoos and kill an animal. Recently, zoo veterinarian Eric Miller talked about an incident that happened in France. Miller said, “we were shocked last week by the news that a white rhinoceros was killed when poachers entered Thoiry Zoo” (“A Critical Time for Saving Rhino Species”). The prolonged war against poaching is not promising for the future of some animal species. Animals are being driven to endangerment and even close to extinction. A recent extinction in the wild happens to be the white rhino. In 1960 white rhinos numbered more than 2000, but now they are extinct in the wild (Miller). The few white rhinos that are alive, in the world, are kept in areas such as zoos.
In America, deer are an animal hunted widely throughout our country. Each winter citizens have mixed emotions about the sport. Some say its barbaric and cruel, while others argue that it’s beneficial and useful. Although people may say hunting is cruel and barbaric, have they ever thought about the upsides to be gained from hunting? While this is a topic that can be argued viciously back and forth, I believe hunters win the argument. Deer hunting keeps the population down, protects farmers’ crops, boosts economic sales, betters a person’s mental health, and teaches lifelong lessons on respect. These are just a few of the amazing benefits that can be gained from hunting.
Anybody feel like voluntarily waking up at the crack of dawn just to sit in the middle of the woods in a blind and probably see nothing for hours on end? Wait, what if I add that it’ll be in the middle of winter so the temperature will not only be freezing, but you’ll also have a frost bite approved wind slapping at your face? No takers? I figured that would be the response. You’d be surprised though, because when I was around five or six years old freezing temperatures and being stranded in the woods sounded like paradise, especially with my best friend, my Dad, was right there with me.
Hunting is the practice of pursuing wildlife in order to kill it. Individuals who hunt do so for a variety of reasons while wildlife activists oppose hunters’ views and practices. Many people in rural areas of the United States hunt in order to harvest lean, organic, healthy meat for personal consumption. Some individuals hunt because it is tradition and a significant part of their heritage. Others choose to hunt as a means to escape the ins and outs of a chaotic society while taking in the serenity of the great outdoors in a therapeutic manner. Some hunters enjoy hunting for the thrill and the challenge of the chase. Other reasons people hunt include trophy hunting, travel to exotic locations, spending quality time with family and friends, and wildlife conservation. Individuals who are against hunting typically argue that hunting is inhumane and is considered cruelty to animals. Due to the benefits of properly managed ethical hunting, hunting should be legal within the United States.
In 1973, Congress passed the Endangered Species Act. The Act was passed in response to findings by Congress that growth and development were responsible for the extinction of species of fish, wildlife and plants.
Every 60 seconds an animal is abused. Dogs, cats, horses, and many other types of animals are being neglected and tortured everyday, yet resulting in few and minor consequences for the perpetrators. Animal abuse is prevalent in the United States and has been an ongoing issue since the 1970's, and prior to. Society as a whole has chosen to avoid the facts and arguments about animal cruelty, because to some it is seen as acceptable and typical. It becomes much more frowned upon when people actually see the results of the cruelty, especially in the media.
H.R. 2494- Global Anti-Poaching Act interests me since I am a strong animal activist. California Representative Edward Royce introduced this bill earlier this year with hopes of getting it approved. The purpose of this bill is to support global anti-poaching efforts, strengthen the capacity of partner countries to counter wildlife trafficking, and designate major wildlife trafficking countries. I want you to vote for this bill because as an animal activist and believer in animal rights I have confidence that by getting this bill passed, the deaths of animals due to poaching and trafficking will
Hunting is an adventure outdoor activity that makes a person to get more happiness. Those who want to perform hunting in private forest lands should get permission from concerned owners for making a comfortable trip. Colorado ranches serve as a prefect destination for tourists to hunt elks and other wildlife animals with ease. They cover a wide area (18,000 acres) which make hunting a spectacular one. The private land owners assist guests to identify elks with expert teams to experience pleasure. Apart from that, they also help them to become a better hunter by imparting their skills. Guided elk hunts in Colorado provides excellent choices for travelers to execute the tasks with enthusiasm. Moreover, they show ways for learning about the game with latest devices to improve their capabilities.
The dispute of a ban on trophy hunting has always found its way to the surface. Scrolling through social media and viewing a picture of a trophy, especially of one enrolled on the endangered species list, brings outrage to those observing. Those who come across the news are quick to show their lack of agreement, for it could drive the wildlife into further extinction. Despite the fear of loss proceeds to wildlife habitats and local communities, trophy hunting should have a ban because it has been proven that species decline is a direct impact of trophy hunting.
It is early in the morning; the majestic Elk bugles in the distance. The sun is kissing the tops of the peaks with the most beautiful gold, and painting the clouds rose red. The men and women who enjoy the outdoors whether it is hunting or just hiking help make these types of moments possible. Hunting and the ecosystem is tied closely to conservation of land and animals. The articles of “Hunting and the ecosystem” written by the South Dakota Game Fish and Parks Department (SDGFP), and “Facts and statistics on wildlife conservation” written by Roger Holmes, director of the Fish and Wildlife, touch on how hunting is important in the environment to keep a good balance in the ecosystem. They also point out how hunters do more than any other
Although poaching is an illegal act, it is still a growing problem in the world because it is making the extinction of various animals more probable. Not only it cruel, but it affects the environment and ecosystem where these animals reside. Although various people, usually trophy hunters or those uninformed, argue that it isn’t that big of a problem, there are realities to it that won’t be stopped unless we act upon it and bring awareness of the situation.
Tiger bones are supposed to cure arthritis, while pangolin and turtle shells are other classic remedies. Even the United State has seen the use of these treatments up close. Surprisingly, traces of tiger bone in medicine can be found in about 40% of small medicine stores (Congressional). However, not all consumers of a poached animals are seeking a healthier lifestyle. Some of the younger upperclass Chinese use tiger bone in products such as shampoo, wine, and soup as a declaration of their wealth. They buy expensive these products simply because they can afford to buy such expensive products. This certainly makes a statement, seeing that the bones of a Tiger can cost up to $7,000 in US dollars (Endangered). Nevertheless, the flaunting of status shouldn’t justify the murder of these elegant creatures. In the article “Endangered and in demand” the author explains:
Animal poaching has a bigger price tag than the trophy sitting on the shelf. Poaching is causing iconic animals of many continents and of our oceans to become endangered or even extinct. These animals that people have come to love and fantasize over may be gone before we are (Africa). Elephants, rhinos, lions, and zebras are the animals thought of the most when it comes to animal poaching, but many animals are poached. They are killed for only one quality, like their horns or skins and the rest of the animal is left behind. Poaching is a massive business that is ran by international networks, it’s estimated to make hundreds of millions of dollars (World). Not all wildlife trade is illegal, but it becomes a crisis when an increasing amount of illegal poaching is done and it directly threatens the survival of species in the wild (World). Since 1960 97.6% of the Black Rhino population in Africa has been poached and lions are extinct in seven African countries (Africa).
“We are experiencing what is likely to be the greatest percentage loss of elephants in history,” said Richard G. Ruggiero, an official with the United States Fish and Wildlife Service (Ney York Times; December 3, 2012). The poaching of elephants started in the late 1800’s and is still happening today. People are slaughtering these majestic animals for their ivory tusks. Ivory has been sold on the black market for millions of dollars. Before the start of ivory poaching there were millions of elephants in the world in both Africa and India, but today because of the hunting for ivory, there are barely any of these giants left in the wild. Throughout history Europeans have been moving in on central African states to make
Studies have shown in recent years that the amount of problems for game wardens has increased dramatically. In an article by the New York Time’s, William Dicke states that in previous years, economic issues have caused an uptick in poaching (Dicke, para. 7). Due to the sheer number of unemployed and the rates going up, crime is rising as well, and it shows in abnormal crimes like poaching. Since the unemployed have nothing to do, and they have too much time on their hands, the act of poaching is becoming more common. Often the animal is not harvested for its food products, but instead for its antlers or skin. This goes to demonstrate one of the various problems that game wardens often face, poaching.