Article: It’s time we put a stop to wildlife trade

Monday March 30, 2009

THE recent swoop on a house in Padang Besar, Kangar, by the Wildlife Enforcement team that led to the confiscation of dead leaf monkeys, civet cats and wild boars is commendable.

Frequent reports of such raids are indications that trade in wildlife is on the rise.

It is regrettable that there are unscrupulous and despicable people who make good earnings off the sufferings of animals.

It does not help that there are gullible and ignorant customers who are under the illusion that consuming meat of such exotic animals would benefit them in a variety of ways, and thus further endangering the wildlife population.

Sahabat Alam Malaysia (SAM) is alarmed at the number of animals seized as these animals are not easily detected in the wild, yet the ability of poachers to capture them in such large numbers is amazing.

This is the work of wildlife syndicates who engage the help of villagers to poach wildlife. These criminal groups have established international networks to carry out their activities more effectively through sophisticated technology and by exploiting today’s open borders.

SAM has often called on the wildlife authorities to adopt strict measures to deal with the poaching menace.

The law and its implementing authorities should have more bite, and modern technology should be made available to detect and prevent cruelty to animals.

Jail terms should not only be imposed on poachers but also on transport providers, operators working for syndicates and those who bring in the animals.

Wildlife authorities should also work closely with Customs from Asian countries as this would help to identify the syndicates in Malaysia.

Villagers should be made to feel responsible for preserving their wildlife. One way is to reward informants so that they find it more lucrative than poaching or trading in animal parts.

It’s a shame on our part that we are losing such fantastic creatures to human greed. It’s not just the authorities, but everyone must strive to build an appetite for conservation, not consumption, and inculcate an appreciation of wildlife for what they are, not for what use they are to us.

S.M. MOHD IDRIS,

President,

Sahabat Alam Malaysia.

This article was taken from: The Star Online: News: Opinion 30 March 2009