27 - Endangered Species Markets

Summary

THE TRANSNATIONAL CRIME OF ILLEGAL TRAFFICKING IN ENDANGERED SPECIES

Approximately 50,000 species of wild fauna and flora become extinct each day. In large part, they reach this status because of human being’s illegal activities. In addition to habitat destruction, species are illegally hunted, harvested, and transported for sale, either for personal consumption or for profit in international illegal market structures. These illegal activities are partly due to the extreme scarcity of food in some areas; therefore, endangered fauna and flora, including those protected by international conventions, are sacrificed for human survival. Illicit markets have increased the speed at which various species reach such critically low numbers. The loss of species has long-term, negative consequences on ecosystems worldwide. We must keep in mind that it is not just the plight of the majestic tiger or magnificent elephants about which action is necessary; rather, there are less well-known species, including the rarely considered algae that are critically endangered due to human activity and whose demise has negative effects on other plant and animal populations. We must keep in mind that the elimination of a given fish species can have devastating effects – for example, if particular algae-eating fish become extinct, the fate of an entire coral reef could very easily come into question. Some of the end effects of the various ecosystem-chain reactions are simply yet to be known.

Historically, conservation agency reports have provided much of what we know about the plight of endangered wild animals and plants. Despite the illegal nature of the activity, the topic has not been one of particular importance or interest to traditional criminologists. Given the consequences associated with endangered species markets, criminologists seem negligent in their lack of attention. Reasons for this disregard are complicated. Perhaps because poaching is seen to take place in faraway lands, it seems irrelevant to those so far removed. Or perhaps it is because competing areas of study, such terrorism or human trafficking, are seen as far more important or prestigious to pursue. Furthermore, criminologists seem to be rooted firmly in their own country’s domestic crime issues, and most are reluctant to enter into the realm of international criminology, thus leaving widespread international crime to spread without fear of intervention.