The slaughter of rare animal species is taking on increasing proportions due to the globally operating wildlife mafia. A ruthless overexploitation of nature!
For real caviar from poached sturgeon species, more than 1700 euros per kilo are currently being paid. If a commercial fisherman catches a large hause or other endangered fish from this family, he can carve out large quantities of caviar. Neither toothless protection measures nor threats of punishment will help,” says internationally recognized Viennese aquatic ecologist Helmut Belanyecz.
But animal dramas like this one at the Danube floods also take place on land – in the jungles of Asia or the vast savannas of Africa, etc. The United Nations Environment Program estimates the value of the illegal wildlife trade at up to 20 billion euros per year. year! Along with other environmental crimes such as illegal logging, wildlife crime is the fourth largest crime in the world (after drug, arms and human trafficking).
On average, three rhinoceroses and 55 elephants are poached every day. For the internationally organized animal mafia, this is a business that generates huge profits. Because only the horns of the “rhinoceros” have a black market value higher than that of gold. The appalling over-exploitation of nature and extremely rare fauna also affects pangolin stocks: it is estimated that more than a million pangolins have been illegally traded in the past 16 years alone.
Poaching – the prohibited hunting of strictly protected species – has increased over the past decade. The main reason for this is the increased demand in the customer countries in East and Southeast Asia. Poachers have killed some 20,000 elephants in recent years. WWF expert Scatollin: “It is not only the loss of individuals and biodiversity that is particularly painful, but also the fact that poaching and wildlife crime are destabilizing entire states. Problems in the homelands of affected animals – such as high levels of poverty or corruption – promote cruel illegal killing!”
More than 37,000 endangered animal and plant species are protected by the Washington Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species. Its importation is either completely banned or allowed only with complicated permits. Travelers risk confiscation of banned memorabilia, fines of up to €80,000 and, in extreme cases, five years in prison.
Crocodiles sacrificed for the fashion industry
But that does not stop the internationally organized ecocriminals! Every year, 25 million seahorses are killed for the production of souvenirs or for use in traditional Chinese medicine. Every year about a million crocodiles and monitor lizards lose their lives for the fashion industry!
“We fight against wildlife crime in the habitats of Africa and Asia along the entire trade chain and against the illicit trade in products that spans half the world. The focus is on reducing the demand for ivory or rhino horn in target countries such as China and Vietnam,” Scattolin assures.
When it comes to souvenirs, look twice
A keychain with a shark tooth, a beautiful shell, jewelry made of turtles or just a small, inconspicuous wooden figure – tourists like to take a souvenir home from their trip. But if you mindlessly hit the souvenir stall, you could quickly find yourself in legal trouble.
Imprisonment is even possible for the import or export of endangered animal and plant species. Think, for example, of products made of ivory or tropical wood. The ÖAMTC warns that there are also rules within Europe. According to Italian shipping law, it is forbidden to carry sand and shells.
Croatia does not like protected mussels and sea snails being taken out of the country. And the Greek authorities are annoyed when tourists help themselves to excavations or archaeological objects. A Carinthian family was recently able to sing a song about this.
As reported, the children of a 58-year-old from Villach discovered parts of an ancient amphora while snorkeling, which eventually found their way to Austria in their luggage. The Greeks got wind of it and sent the police to the family’s house. The artifacts have now been returned, but the Villacher faces criminal charges in Greece – up to ten years in prison!
Source: Krone
I am Wallace Jones, an experienced journalist. I specialize in writing for the world section of Today Times Live. With over a decade of experience, I have developed an eye for detail when it comes to reporting on local and global stories. My passion lies in uncovering the truth through my investigative skills and creating thought-provoking content that resonates with readers worldwide.
