14 Important Facts To Know About Wildlife Trafficking Right Now
The federal government has recently spoken out against wildlife trafficking, taking measures to end the criminal network that supplies illegal goods to thousands around the globe. The US is one of the main consumers of these products.
1.On Monday, September 9, White House panelists announced that the US will destroy six tons of ivory that has been confiscated by American officials over the past 25 years.
2.According to Reuters, Interior Secretary Sally Jewell stated that this is an important step toward ending animal trafficking across the globe.
3.The Wildlife Conservation Society sent out a statement today explaining, "When countries destroy their ivory stockpiles, it eliminates opportunities for corruption and guarantees the ivory doesn't land back on the black market. "
4.There is no way to obtain the ivory of an elephant without killing them. Elephants are often shot before their ivory tusks are removed with a machete.
5.An Executive Order was established July 1, 2013 by President Obama that outlined the US's plan to end wildlife trafficking at home and abroad.
6.According to Interior Secretary Jewell, wildlife trafficking has doubled since 2007.
7.Reuters states that the global demand has increased for the products made from endangered animals, their prices rising dramatically.
8.And it's not just elephants that are affected by the trade. Rhinoceros horns are now worth twice their weight in gold!
9.Tigers, apes, and other "iconic animals" are targets of the trafficking as well.
10.Carter Roberts, head of the World Wildlife Fund, describes the traffickers as using sophisticated technology with great funding.
11.Through education and discussion of wildlife trafficking, the public can become more informed of its effects, and they can avoid supporting the ivory trade.
12.The World Wildlife Fund has created a series of videos explaining the dynamics of wildlife trafficking and what you can do to help.
13.Thanks to Monday's announcement, the federal government is more proactive than ever in stopping the poaching of endangered animals.
14.According to Reuters, the US plans to crush the confiscated ivory on October 8. The stash is estimated to be worth a total of $12 million.