• Poaching
• Exotic Species
• Habitat Destruction

Poaching

Poaching is the hunting and killing or the capturing of animals. It is illegal in most countries, however, there are no laws against it in crucial countries such as Africa and India. Because of this lack of legislation, poaching in these areas have become a huge component to driving animals into endangerment and extinction.

The effects of poaching are real and devastating. Billions of animals are hunted world wide every year and many are left to bleed to death, die of infection, thirst or starvation. Poaching leaves innocent animal babies orphaned and left to starve and die. Hunting disrupts migration and hibernation patterns and destroys families. For wolves, who mate for life and live in close family units, hunting can devastate entire communities.

The main reason for poaching is money. Poachers sell the carcasses, bones, tusks, horns and anything they can off the animal to Black Markets and make a substantial profit. The most sought after poached goods are ivory and fur which can cost thousands of dollars. However, there are other reasons people hunt vigorously, one being religion. In some religions they believe certain animals to be perts, so they hunt them to "keep their land clean."