NEXT UP! 3 90 Stop illegal wildlife trade! Every day, poachers in Africa kill more than 100 elephants. The elephants are killed for their tusks and other body parts. Over the last decade, the number of elephants in the wild has dropped by 62 per cent. If this continues, African elephants will die out. Why does poaching exist? More importantly, what can we do to stop this? Poaching is the illegal hunting or capture of animals. One reason elephants are hunted is the great demand for ivory. Ivory is rare and sold at a very high price. Both the elephant’s tusks and the rhino’s horn consist of ivory. Sadly, both animals are endangered because people want items made of this rare material. These items are symbols of wealth. Another reason poaching exists is the belief that certain body parts have healing powers. Scientists tell us that “medicine” made from, for example rhino horns have no effect. Still, many people do not listen to real facts. If we do not put an end to illegal wildlife trade, some species will die out. Political leaders should destroy illegal networks of smugglers and importers. Also, it is crucial to provide poachers with an alternative livelihood to keep them from illegal hunting. I hope that all animals will be able to live safely in their habitat. Let us work together to stop illegal wildlife trade once and for all! Sarah (16) Sources: World Elephant Day: http://worldelephantday.org/about/ elephants World Wild life: https://www.worldwildlife.org/our-work/ wildlife/wildlife-crime/stop-illegal-wildlife-trade-online/ Before reading What do you see in the photo? Why do you think rhinoceroses need protection? easy read a poacher – veiðiþjófur a tusk – vígtennur a decade – áratugur poaching – ólögleg veiði to exist – vera til illegal – ólöglegur hunt – veiði capture – fanga a demand – eftirspurn ivory – fílabein rare – sjaldgæfur to consist of – samanstanda af endangered – í útrýmingarhættu an item – hlutur wealth – ríkidæmi a belief – trú healing – græðandi a scientist – vísindamaður an effect – áhrif wildlife – villt dýralíf a trade – viðskipti to destroy – tortíma a smuggler – smyglari crucial – afgerandi to provide – útvega a habitat – búsvæði a livelihood – lífsviðurværi
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