ADDIS ABABA: Wildlife trafficking is one of the global challenges. It is thought to be the third most profitable illicit commerce in the world, after drugs and weapons. Illegal hunting and trafficking are serious challenges to the wildlife.
Ethiopian Wild Life Conservation Development Authority, Wildlife and Products Trafficking Prevention Director, Daneil Paulos told The Ethiopian Herald that elephants, lions, tigers and rhinoceros are targets of illegal hunting and trafficking. He also said, the demand for lions’ bone for traditional medicine is exacerbating illegal lion hunting.
Formerly it was Tiger’s bone that had been used for traditional medicinal purpose in Asian countries.
To redress the tragic scenario, the Authority is working on awareness creation.
He also said, the Authority is also strengthening its cooperation with neighboring countries and international community that stood against all forms of illegal hunting and wildlife trafficking.
“The use of sniffer dogs has proved effective in controlling wildlife trafficking. This will fill our gaps,” Daniel said. Ivory trade and others are still the problem for the wild life. As a means to protect this pressure, the Authority is also working closely with the society and concerned bodies.
Lately, the U.S. Embassy’s Regional Environment Office for East Africa had organizing a telephonic conference with media personnel at the U.S Embassy in Addis Ababa. The Ethiopia Herald had a chance to attended the conference.
According to Richard Glenn, Acting Deputy Assistant Secretary in the Bureau of International Narcotics and Law Enforcement Affairs in Washington D.C., wildlife trafficking is a multi-billion dollar organized crime activity, and obviously a critical conservation issue.
“For this reason, we certainly strive to help partner nations in Africa, Southeast Asia, and in the Americas.” There is a call for improving their enforcement, their investigative skills, their prosecution and legislative capacities.