The Greatest Onslaught on the Wild Kingdom; How Long Must This Go On?
by Slaughter at the hands of poachers, in the African, New Guinea, and the Asian jungles has reached an unprecedented height. Several species are already on the extinction list in some countries and many others are fast approaching that list. These killings are generated by sheer greed and frivolity. But before long, the wild life population will be annihilated unless these wanton killings cease.
http://images.shopnbc.com/is/image/ShopNBC/a16218?DefaultImage=1&$350×350_jpg$
Merchants on the poachers’ market are willing to pay the price that the poachers demand, and consumers are equally willing to purchase these commodities at any cost.
http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/a/ac/Cheetah_in_Kenya.jpg
On the poachers market, one cheetah could earn a poacher $8,000.00, so the slaughter continued throughout the years until it has reached the extinction mark today.
http://i20.ebayimg.com/05/i/001/40/a0/ab80_3.JPG
The yellow background sprinkled with black polka dots makes the cheetah fur very much like that of the leopard: They make the so- called attractive designer coats. These are highly prized, and could cost the owner $4,000 to $6,000.00
The lives of the tigers are also claimed so that fashion can prevail.
They are the largest member of the feline family, but no match for the pistols, poison, and traps that their smartest predator, man has used to bring them down. While the predator is hunting and savagely killing the tiger, their population has dwindled down drastically. There are only 5,000 tigers remaining around the world today.
http://www.costume-shop.com/images/products/80302.jpg
Man’s crave for novelty intertwined with his taste for exotic fashion have put the tiger on the critical extinction list as well.
On the ivory market, a poacher could easily make $8,000.00 from the sale of the tusks of one elephant. Some poachers are even willing to risk their own lives, fighting with other poachers or rangers, to bring in this profitable kill.
http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/3/35/Walrus.jpg/800px-Walrus.jpg
They have gone all the way into the Arctic ice to seek out the walrus. The walrus are wanted for their teeth, which are made of ivory.
http://adn.is.bluefly.com/mgen/Bluefly/prodImage.ms?productCode=301460101&width=157&height=188
http://www.zappos.com/images/742/7425618/7769-659273-4.jpg
Ivory products are highly desired. They help to define who you are. This definition of their wealth, status, and prestige are the main cause that generate this big taste among the ivory seekers. So 5,000 walruses are exterminated each year for the sake of something as frivolous as the showy display of one’s means of life.
http://biology.ucf.edu/~pascencio/images/rhinoceros-picture.jpg
The rhino’s horn is in great demand for its “quote unquote” medicinal value. Superstition has it that this is an excellent aphrodisiac. So this huge animal is taken down to get its little horn to make a sexual potion. Yet, there is no evidence (research, studies) to support the claim that it is an aphrodisiac. However, eating more nutritious foods may prove to be a better aphrodisiac, and far less expensive than the powdered rhino’s horn. Besides there is no guarantee that it will deliver the sexual prowess they are looking for.
http://adn.is.bluefly.com/mgen/Bluefly/prodImage.ms?productCode=301460101&width=157&height=188
But when will it end?
Only when the consumers refuse to purchase these goods made from the animals’ skin, tusks etc. With no market for these products, poachers will have no economic gain. It is not difficult to refrain from purchasing poachers goods, because no-one’s life is dependent on these goods. They are mainly used as a symbol of one’s status- quo, wealth, and prestige. There are no intrinsic benefits to be derived from them.
While exotic fashion may be a matter of personal taste and freedom of expression, or freedom of choice; shouldn’t this freedom be exercised with a sense of responsibility and the respect for life? Isn’t that how the giver of life expect us to view it – With respect? But as long as the sellers and the buyers continue to show this lack of respect for life, and onlookers have a nonchalant attitude towards this practice the extermination will continue, and it will become the greatest onslaught of all times.
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Post CommentEvelyn Moore
On April 25, 2009 at 7:47 am
Totally support your position with this. Nothing at all exotic about my fashion.
Christine Ramsay
On April 25, 2009 at 9:18 am
If we all refuse to buy the goods there would be no problem. It is good to be made aware of the damage we are doing. Thank you.
Christine
CHAN LEE PENG
On April 25, 2009 at 10:43 am
It’s sad to learn that many animals extinct due to the desire of humans to use more animal-based products. We should curb this purchasing pattern, or else, one day, we won’t see animals wondering around its respective habitats. Thanks for raising the issue.
Mark Gordon Brown
On April 25, 2009 at 10:51 am
Excellent link – good ideals. BEAUTIFUL pictures!
Make tourism to see wild animals pay more than poaching!
Brenda Nelson
On April 25, 2009 at 11:02 am
I am adding this to Stumble Upon.
I often think about all the confiscated illegally poached tusks and furs sat in some government room – if the government sold them regulary CHEAP.. it would put the blackmarket out of business.
Glynis Smy
On April 25, 2009 at 11:03 am
This is a good article, highlighting a dreadful thing.
Betty Carew
On April 25, 2009 at 12:18 pm
I get so depressed when I read the toll that mankind has wreaked on nature. I can’t see how they can continue to do this unless they have no conscience at all. Don’t they realize they are just hurting themselves in the long run. Excellent article Monica more voices should be raised about this issue. Great write and great read
Kate Smedley
On April 25, 2009 at 5:57 pm
Excellent article Monica, I am in total agreement with you; it is quite worrying.
The Quail
On April 25, 2009 at 8:15 pm
Excellent article Monica, I am in total agreement with you.
chromo75
On April 25, 2009 at 8:24 pm
Les riches ont une conscience endormie ; il ne faut pas compter sur eux… Ils continueront à acheter n’importe quoi : il suffit qu’il leurs apporte du plaisir ou chatouille leur vanité. Reste le braconnage… un fléau qui n’est pas moins funeste que le premier mais il est le seul que les responsables peuvent axer dessus… Cependant à savoir s’il y a volonté et moyens. En général ces animaux sont hôtes des pays pauvres… Le malheur ferme la boucle.
dds
On April 25, 2009 at 9:04 pm
The wanton killing of the animals so that man can have his desired taste for the unique or exotic fashion fulfilled is very, very selfish, cruel, frivolous and shows a lack of respect for life; and a lack of appreciation the marvellous creation of our heavenly father and grand creator.
In fact, this is called the ruinning of God’s creation, and remember, all those who are doing this will have to give an account to him for it.
Mr Ghaz
On April 25, 2009 at 10:49 pm
Excellent article..I agree with you 100%..Thnx for sharing
Olivia Reason
On April 26, 2009 at 12:19 am
You are so right…I would never wear fur & I have trouble respecting a person who does- these creatures are a vital part of our planet & they serve a purpose!
egypt33
On April 26, 2009 at 6:46 am
I totally agree with your point of view.
Eunice Tan
On April 26, 2009 at 10:57 pm
Concern about this. I think we should seriously think about environment instead of fashion.
nutuba
On April 28, 2009 at 6:07 am
This is a wonderfully written and thoughtful article. Excellent points, you are absolutely right.
Uma Shankari
On April 30, 2009 at 1:30 am
Well done, Monica. We don’t own every life on this planet. By the way, what is the first picture on the article?
Bo Russo
On April 30, 2009 at 2:07 am
Good job I don\\\\\\\’t buy or wear fur of animals.
OhSugar
On April 30, 2009 at 10:59 am
Such beautiful animals enduring such horrible cruelty, is just an abhorrent act.
Ruby Hawk
On April 30, 2009 at 8:10 pm
Why do we feel we have the right to take the lives of animals for adormment? It is horrible and stupid. I would never wear animal skins. I don’t even eat meat. But if my children were hungry I would do what I had to.
monica55
On May 3, 2009 at 10:08 pm
I like this very perceptive point made by dds he said it shows “a LACK OF APPRECIATION FOR THE MARVELLOUS CREATION OF OUR HEAVENLY FATHER AND GRAND CREATOR. In fact, this is what the scriptures called the ruinning of God’s creation, and remember, all those who are doing this will have to give an account to him for it”. some day.
Can anyone translate the the french written on April 25, by chromo75?
Please translate it here or send it to my inbox message. Thank you friends for your support on this issue. God bless you all.
Monica.
cleblanc
On May 4, 2009 at 11:51 am
I couldn’t agree with you more. It’s horrible what they do to these animals. Great write!
swatilohani
On May 25, 2009 at 5:00 am
great info