Essay On Illegal Poaching

For years, the hunting and poaching of animals in Africa has been the source of tremendous debate and conflict among, not only the people of Africa, but entire countries world wide. Illegal poaching has been responsible for the wrongful deaths of millions of animals in Africa. Drastic instances of poaching have even lead to the extinction of certain species of animals, while other cases have led to the severe decline in the population of others. However, legalized versions of haunting these animals can actually provide numerous benefits to Africa. Benefits such as strengthening the economy and bringing in millions of dollars into the country. This money can go towards helping the people of Africa, and some of it actually ends up being used for conservation efforts.

Without question, the illegal poaching of animals has been a major problem for Africa. Poaching has led to to the drastic decline in population of numerous animals in Africa, often putting their species in danger of extinction. One example of this is the elephant, the poaching of elephants has risen dramatically in the past few years due to soaring demand for

ivory, primarily in China and Southeast Asia. Main (2013) writes, there are a total of about 300,000 African elephants left, and as many as 40,000 are killed each year. With these levels, elephants won't be around for much longer. This list of other animals in danger of extinction goes on and on, including the likes of lions, leopards, tigers, lemurs, and elephants.
The more extreme result of poaching has ultimately been the extinction of certain animal species.

Main (2013) adds, The Western black rhino was declared extinct by the IUCN (International Union for Conservation of Nature) in 2011, with the primary cause identified as poaching. Perhaps the most shocking thing of all is why these animals are being killed in the first place. These animals are being killed, often for just miniscule parts of their body that are in some cases useless. For example, the major reason rhinos are being poached is for their horn. Many countries believe that the rhino horn is an important ingredient for many medicines. This is false, there has been no medicals or scientific proof that these horns provide any medical benefit. This really forces you to ask yourself why the animal was even killed in the first

place.
Although many aspects of poaching obviously cause a great deal of harm to Africa, the legalized version of hunting these animals do provide numerous benefits to it as well. This form of hunting actually pumps millions of dollars into Africa’s economy. Pickrell (2007) writes, in the 23 African countries that allow sport hunting, 18,500 tourists pay over $200 million (U.S.) a year to hunt lions, leopards, elephants, warthogs, water buffalo, impala, and rhinos. Hunters from around the world are spending tremendous amounts of money to come to Africa so they can hunt these extravagant animals. When you take into account the money for the plane ticket, hotel, food, transportation, and other activates, these hunters are spending hundreds of thousands of dollars. This money not only goes towards the people of Africa, it can actually have a positive impact on conservation efforts as well. Pickrell (2007) adds, trophy hunting is of key importance to conservation in Africa by creating financial incentives to promote and retain wildlife as a land use over vast areas.
In conclusion, although poaching can lead to disastrous effects, such as the drastic decline in species population and in some cases all out extinction. When the legalized versions of sport hunting is properly managed, it can have quit a positive impact on Africa. Money gained from this form of hunting can strengthen Africa’s economy, thereby helping its people and it can also go towards helping conservation efforts.