Poaching in Review

The poaching crisis in Africa is one of the greatest problems that wildlife faces on that continent. Solving the issue will take some intervention-- how can governments prevent poaching?

        Poaching can solved by thinking back to why people poach in the first place and implementing strict enforcement of laws as well as using modern technology and government help to fight the issue.

Ranger inspecting seized elephant tusks. Source: time.com

Poaching is an issue that has dated back quite a few centuries in history. There are many animals that humans seek to benefit from, and unfortunately, some people will go to great lengths to profit from what they see as resources. Horns and tusks sell for thousands of dollars a pound on illegal markets, primarily in Asian countries such as China and India, which compels poachers to continue hunting. In order to combat the issue, outside governments and modern technology as well as increased punishments to poachers will need to be used.

        The United States has taken steps to help. President Barack Obama implemented a beginning plan early in his time in office, and this plan will continue to provide increased monetary support for ranger training and technical assistance (Juliet Eilperin, article from ProQuest Research Library). Other countries will need to follow suit, however, in order to make a larger difference. Technology will also play a role in fighting poaching. Drones, as described in this article from the BBC, may be the single most important tool, as they provide an accessible view to see poachers from the skies and are usually silent so they can alert authorities without alerting poachers.

        Punishing caught poachers has also played a large role in fighting the issue. They range from light fines to no-tolerance strategies to kill poachers on the spot. In order to reduce poaching, punishments need to be tilted towards the much more severe side. It may take extreme lengths, but the crisis has reached a point where this may be necessary. For example, in February 2013, a few hundred Mozambique poachers were killed in South Africa, and the number of poachers from this country has significantly dropped (Darryl Fears, ProQuest Research Library). Poaching is a serious problem that requires a serious solution, but the end can be seen given enough effort.