Measures to prevent poaching
Poaching is a business that has been one of the biggest threats to wildlife. This illegal activity continues to flourish despite the laws and efforts across the globe to protect wildlife. VETPAW reviews some of the efforts that conservationists and governments across the world have been taking against poaching.
1. Park rangers
Wildlife reserves and parks often have rangers who protect the wildlife and the environment against poachers. However, the poachers usually have highly advanced weapons and technology that the local rangers are no match against. VETPAW and its veterans have been working closely with and training the park rangers to counteract the poaching threat. Additionally, there is a need to hire more wildlife scouts and rangers to fight against poachers.
2. Creating a safe haven
Often the cruel activities of poachers leave behind orphaned or wounded animals that need protection. These animals are taken care of by vets and animal rescuers who nurse them and introduce them back into the wild. Moreover, there are endangered species as per the Endangered Species Act that need special protection and care to survive. VETPAW and its veterans have been protecting several such endangered species such as the rhino.
3. Tougher laws
Although the ivory trade has been illegal since 1989, it continues to be a highly lucrative business. Most African countries have massive fines and penalties for criminals but the cases of corruption within the system make it hard to implement the law. The legal system needs to be toughened to curb the demand and trade of animal parts and the selling of wildlife as exotic pets. Harsher penalties for poaching and other wildlife-related crimes need to be implemented to control this illegal trade.
4. Creating awareness within local communities
Local communities are often struggling to earn a livelihood and cooperate with poachers in hunting activities. They are usually unaware of the impact of poaching on the environment as well as the economy. Educating the local communities about the importance of the ecosystem, the illegality of poaching, and the consequences of the crime are essential to hinder poaching activities. VETPAW and its veterans have been working diligently to create legal and sustainable livelihoods for the local communities to steer them away from the illicit wildlife trade. Without the support of the local community, anti-poaching efforts are in vain. Therefore, awareness in this community is imperative for wildlife conservation.
5. Engaging the international community
The demand for most wildlife products emerges from countries such as Asia and Europe. The reason for the demand could be based on some superstition (such as the killing of tigers for Chinese medicines) or for the sake of aesthetics (elephant tusks used for ivory products). The international community needs to be made aware of the impact of these demands. Destroying and boycotting ivory products is the most effective way to stop this illicit activity and save the animals. The cooperation between international governments, NGOs, and local communities can go a long way in preventing transnational crime and protecting wildlife against poaching.
6. Technology to track wildlife
The ability to monitor and track the movements of wildlife allows rangers to protect wildlife more effectively. Simple and undetectable trackers offer accurate data to control rooms on the number of the animals, their location, and any threats.
Since the reserve areas are massive, rangers can't keep track of every animal in the wild. This technology to track wildlife is an easy way of managing poaching, logging, and other illegal wildlife activities.
VETPAW Charity Ratings
VETPAW believes in financial transparency. As a registered 501(c)(3) nonprofit, it relies on donations to fulfill its missions, but all contributions to its cause are tax-deductible as charity donations. All donations that VETPAW receives goes toward:
- Stopping illegal wildlife trade
- Protecting endangered animals
- Providing work to unemployed veterans
- Supporting African communities
VETPAW - Veterans Empowered to Protect African Wildlife
Founded in 2013, VETPAW is a non-profit organization and a community of US war veterans dedicated to protecting African wildlife and training local African rangers in the war against poaching.
