The discovery of 40 frozen tiger cubs in a freezer in a Buddhist temple in Thailand is a shock to many around the world. While circumstances of their death remain unclear, sadly, 40 tiger cubs represent only a tiny proportion of the enormous extent of an illegal trade in wildlife that is pushing species to the brink of extinction. Indeed, only around 4,000 tigers are left in the wild. Until the illegal trade in wildlife is stopped, we are only likely to see more of these types of situations.
The extent of this illegal trade and the urgency needed to end it is why the United Nations recently launched the Wild for Life campaign, an appeal for everyone to act to stop wildlife trafficking, be they governments, civil society, businesses or individuals. World Environment Day on June 5 is also themed this year on the illegal trade in wildlife in a bid to raise awareness of this severe problem. Tigers are one of the key species in the campaign.
The illegal trade in wildlife, estimated to profit criminals to the tune of $23 billion annually worldwide, comprises everything from the lucrative trade in tiger parts in East Asia to ivory from poached African elephants. It undermines our environment, economies, communities and security.
Action against the illegal wildlife trade has become a high global priority with the United Nations General Assembly adopting a resolution last year urging all countries to make this a serious criminal offence. The second United Nations Environment Assembly held in Nairobi, Kenya last month reaffirmed the urgency of stepped up efforts to combat wildlife crime through concrete actions at national and international level.
Southeast Asian nations are also taking notice with the last ASEAN Ministerial Meeting on Transnational Crime adding wildlife trafficking to the list of priority transnational crimes.
The commendable action by Thailand’s Department of National Parks, Wildlife and Plant Conservation leading to discovery of the frozen carcasses, highlights the need for constant vigilance by wildlife authorities to the threat posed by traffickers.
In April this year, Thai customs confiscated more than three tonnes of African elephant ivory valued at US$6 million, the second largest seizure in the country’s history. Last year, Thailand’s Anti-Money Laundering Office was among Asia-Pacific organizations honoured by the United Nations for its role in combating wildlife crime.
Given the extent of the illegal wildlife market in Asia it is important for all countries to unite and eradicate these illegal practices.
