Source: BBC News, “Warning over wildlife souvenirs,” BBC News, August 16, 2007. (accessed: August 16, 2007).
Category: Environmental Threats
News and information on various environmental issues Provides data and statistics on illegal wildlife smuggling, poaching, gas and oil smuggling and other illegal markets.
Illegal elephant ivory trade sources
The Democratic Republic of the Congo, Cameroon and Nigeria are considered to be key sources of the elephant ivory trade.
3 ivory seizures a day worldwide
According to a report by TRAFFIC, “Worldwide, the number of ivory seizures averages 92 cases a month – or three per day.”
Hammerhead shark population fell by 98 percent due to poaching
Between 1970 and 2005, the number of hammerhead sharks in the Atlantic Ocean fell by 98 percent due to fisherman killing the shark for its fins.
Impact of poaching on tigers in Asia
Due to poaching, there are an estimated 3,500 tigers left in Asia. Back in 1997, 5,000 tigers were in the wild.
Losses to Iraqi Government from Oil Smuggling in 2008
An Iraqi Parliamentary Committee stated that the country faces $5 Billion in losses to oil smuggling.
Orangutan for Sale by Wildlife Traffickers
To international black market price to purchase a juvenile orangutan was reported to be $45,000.
Illegal Trade in Caviar
The illegal trade in caviar is estimated to be worth $495 Million (250 Million pounds) per year.
Bolivia Tax Loss From Gas Smuggling
Gas smuggling causes the Bolivian Government to lose $55 Million a year.
Komodo Dragon for Sale on the Black Market
The price to purchase a Komodo Dragon on the black market is reported to be $30,000.