Some of the practices associated with capturing wild animals for the illegal pet trade are inherently destructive, and may result in the wiping out of entire habitat systems.
Poachers looking to make money by selling high-demand illegal animals are often willing to obtain them by any means possible; that includes chopping down trees where birds nest to capture nestlings (such as wild-caught macaws), or spraying small amounts of cyanide over sections of coral reefs to temporarily stun fish and allow for their capture, killing the coral in the process. These practices disturb and degrade natural habitats for these animals, and undermine the survival of those individuals remaining in the wild.
In addition to habitat loss and destruction, deplorable living conditions suffered by some animals while in the process of being sold and smuggled is a serious concern. One report states that as many as 75% of parrots smuggled out of Mexico die during transit as a result of inhumane treatment. Other wildlife species are sometimes inadvertently caught by traps that have been set for target exotic pet species, similar to the way in which dolphins can become entangled in tuna nets. These non-target animals may be killed by the poachers, who did not intend to catch them but who take advantage of the opportunity to make a profit on their capture through the bushmeat trade.
Issues such as habitat loss, inhumane transport and living conditions and indirect threats to non-target species are the common result of activities associated with collecting wild animals for the illegal pet trade. They are important aspects of a process that frequently causes more damage than removing the target species alone.
You Can Help
Illegal logging also contributes to the illegal pet trade. Roadways built by logging companies into otherwise inaccessible areas of the forest are also used by poachers to explore new hunting grounds; while opportunities for loggers to collect wildlife for the pet trade or the bushmeat market increase as habitat is destroyed and animals are displaced. To make sure your wood purchases aren’t contributing to the illegal pet trade, look for wood certified by the
Forest Stewardship Council as coming from sustainably managed forests. Consumer demands for these types of products will help reduce the illegal logging industry. Go to
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