Chinese ivory demand is as large as it is famous. China has been accused of driving the dramatic increases in elephant poaching in Africa, with more than 30,000 elephants killed per year for their ivory. A less known fact is that China itself is home to over 250 wild elephants,… read more
Archives for October 2014
A new utilitarianism: Killing a few to save the many?
In direct contrast to my last blog post condemning sport hunting practices (even if the intentions were good), I’d like to present a different view. Although many researchers conclude that sport hunting has a negative impact on wildlife populations, there are still arguments that hunting is the best way to… read more
Students Explore Science and Learn What a Whale’s Snot tells about the Environment
After school in Gloucester, Mass., has become geeky cool. Instead of roaming the streets or playing video games, kids who participate in the Applied Robotics Laboratory at Ocean Alliance are learning how to fly drones and analyze whale snot to learn about the environment. Ocean Alliance, a Gloucester-based charity focusing… read more
Wildlife Crime and the Rule of Law
Though often seen as an environmental issue because of its degradation of species populations, wildlife crimes such as poaching and trafficking have ramifications beyond immediate threats to biodiversity or environmental health. Wildlife trafficking also threatens national security and can undermine the rule of law. Though the concept of “the rule… read more
Changes in the European Wildlife Trade Framework
The European Union (EU) has a well-regulated market for wildlife hunting trophies and live wildlife trade, but there are some loopholes that allow increased wildlife trafficking to enter the EU. Therefore, the EU is reviewing its regulation to combat trafficking. This reform process might influence the global status quo on… read more
Two Truths and a Lie: Campaigns to Reduce Rhino Horn Demand in Vietnam
Great news coming out of Vietnam: rhino horn demand is down more than 33% in just one year. A poll conducted by Neilsen for the Humane Society International (HSI) and the Vietnam Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (Cites) found that only 2.6% of… read more
A Rhino’s Worth: How Much Would You Pay?
How much is a rhino worth to you? A hundred dollars? A thousand? Hundreds of thousands? It’s not likely a question you are asked every day. If you are like me, you initial answer was, “a little” or perhaps even, “not much”. After all, with all the other pressing causes… read more
Zambia ends trophy hunting ban
Zambia recently announced the end of a twenty month ban on trophy hunting. This announcement came from Zambia’s Minister Of Tourism and Arts, Ms. Jean Kapata, who replaced the previous minister Ms. Sylvia Masebo after she was fired for being found guilty of abuse of power and lying under oath. As noted… read more
Mercado de Sonora: Black Magic, Black Trade
Can’t find the love of your life? Having problems with a mean boss? Trying to get a powerful lucky charm? Want to get rid of your bad luck? The Mercado de Sonora, in the heart of Mexico City, offers a wide variety of occult items to fulfill any macabre… read more
The Phragmipedium Kovachii: Is CITES guilty of over criminalization?
While reports indicate that many species of rare plants, including multiple varieties of orchids, are nearing the brink of extinction, the debate over what to do to protect them rages on. A combination of rampant poaching, greed, and habitat destruction are blamed for their destruction, and strong feelings swirl around… read more