World Wildlife Day is observed on March 3 every year to raise awareness among people about endangered animals and plants, and ways to fight against the wildlife crime. The theme for 2017 is ‘Listen to the young voices’. Each year, while countless species are driven closer to extinction, criminals make billions from the sale of protected wildlife products. Not only does this senseless crime have a devastating impact on ever decreasing numbers of wild animals, it funds organised criminal activities and undermines national and regional political and economic security. Wildlife trade is one of the most profitable illicit trades in the world, estimated at up to $10 billion annually. Illegal wildlife trade of elephant ivory, rhino horns and tiger products is widespread in many countries, particularly in Asia and Africa. It is controlled by dangerous crime syndicates that traffic wildlife like drugs or weapons.
Pakistan is rich in biodiversity and is a home to some of the world’s rarest wildlife but this great genetic, species and ecosystem diversity provides greater opportunities for poaching and their illegal trade. The destruction caused by illegal wildlife trade around the world is also extending to Pakistan where biodiversity and ecosystems are already at a high risk with a number of endangered species being targeted for this illicit trade. The nation should observe World Wildlife Day to protest against the wildlife crimes in an attempt to end this illegal and unethical trade.
Arsalan Ullah Khan
Hyderabad
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