What animal is the most traded illegally?
pangolins. An estimated one million pangolins have been poached in the last decade, making them the most trafficked mammals in the world.
What countries are top importers of illegal wildlife?
The golden triangle of Laos, Thailand and Myanmar is a global hub for illegal wildlife trade and trafficking. China is the largest importer of illegal wildlife and animal products, driving demands for animals from around the world.
What items are traded in illegally?
In India, it includes diverse products including mongoose hair; snake skins; Rhino horn; Tiger and Leopard claws, bones, skins, whiskers; Elephant tusks; deer antlers; shahtoosh shawl; turtle shells; musk pods; bear bile; medicinal plants; timber and caged birds such as parakeets, mynas, munias etc.
Which animals captured and kept illegally?
As per the survey of Wildlife Protection Society of India, in 2017 the animals which are illegally traded and poached in 2015-2016 are:
- Black Bucks.
- Blue Bills.
- Chinkaras.
- Elephants.
- Tigers.
- Leopard.
- Peacock.
- Rhinoceros.
Why do people buy illegal animals?
Illegal wildlife trade is driven by high profit margins and, in many cases, the high prices paid for rare species. Vulnerable wild animals are pushed further to the edge of extinction when nature can’t replenish their stocks to keep up with the rate of human consumption.
Can I get a pet pangolin?
No, they don’t! These animals are very special in many regards, but like most wild animals, they should be left where they belong: In nature. In most countries, it’s illegal to keep this species as a pet and you would have trouble making them thrive. Sadly, most pangolins in captivity die after a short period of time.