Poaching

What is Poaching?

·     Poaching is the illegal hunting, killing, or capturing of animals

·     Failure to comply with regulations for legal harvest

·     Illegal taking of wildlife

·     Can also refer to the taking of animals from a gazzetted wildlife sanctuary, such as a national park, game reserve, or zoo

Reasons for Poaching

·     Animals are poached for game meat

·     Some animals have religious value and are used as totems

·     Many animals are killed for ceremonial purposes, such as cleansing a bad omen

·     Animals are also believed to have medicinal value

·     It is believed by some Lendu in Eastern Congo that the lion’s liver cures skin diseases

·     To kill the animals and stop them from encroaching on farms.

Reasons Poaching is Illegal

·     Game or fish is not in season

·     Hunter does not have permission to hunt on the land

·     Hunter does not possess a valid permit

·     Illegal selling the animal for profit

·     Hunting outside of legal hours

·     Bait is inhumane

·     The animal or plant is protected by law

·     It has been listed as extinct or endangered

·     The animal or plant has been tagged by a researcher

Solutions

·    Greater consequences if you get caught poaching

·    Better surveillance on land that people do not have permission to hunt on

·    Hunting is permitted in some game reserves under specific regulations

·    Countries enforce bans, restrictions, and monitored trade