John Waggett

Mr. Mikhaylova

English 102

11/10/11

The Sides of Animal Poaching and Possible Extinction

            The hunting and harvesting of animals for food and resources has been going on since the beginning of time. Ancient civilizations have relied on animals and the trade of animals for profit. Although hundreds of years ago no one believed that these animals would ever become extinct. This is an ever present issue in today’s world where poaching has drastically grown and species are not able to sustain a high enough number to protect them from becoming endangered, and as a result some species are on the brink of extinction. There are those whose civilization has been hunting indigenous species unique to their area for centuries, and they have used these animals as a means of life, food, and profit. Therefore, the aspect of not hunting specific animals is hard to fathom. There then are those who believe that many species are becoming extinct due to poaching, lack of care or protection, lack of natural habitat, and hunting for food or clothing purposes. These people are trying to raise awareness and stop poaching or hunting of certain species in order to preserve them on this planet. Some people are indifferent to the issue and continue to live their lives as if this is not an issue for them; however, they still may show some interest or sympathy for the animals that are on the verge of extinction.

            The thought of animal cruelty and poaching is abstract for most African cultures because many were founding and sustained by hunting, and this worked out peacefully for centuries until people began hunting more than was produced. Some cultures were only able to survive through the killing of animals, and that is still true with many tribes or indigenous tribes around the globe. People argue against organizations they are trying to protect certain animals because these groups of people need these food and resources that come from these certain animals in order to maintain a productive and stable way of life. So these people feel it is unjust for them to be outlawed from the hunting of these animals. It is also true that the same people who rely on these animals for fundamental materials believe that poaching just for the soul purpose of money is unethical. All in all the people who do not think that hunting some close to extinct species is all that bad because it is what they know and in most cases it is tradition in the older cultures of the world.

            There in then the people who strive daily to protect the magnificent creatures on the earth who face extinction in the near future. Organizations, groups, website, charities, and all sorts of funds have been put in place in order to protect the animals which face this threat.

            Poaching seems to be one of the keys issues concerning extinction around the globe. Poaching is the hunting or killing of animals for trade. Trading includes selling these animals to buyers through various black markets. Some people kill animals just to obtain a part of that specific animal. Animals such as the rhino, which are sometimes killed solely for their horn, are under this category along with elephants that are hunted for ivory. There are some companies in Asian countries that trap and kill animals such as dolphins and whales, and the United Sates has no control over international affairs of this nature.

            Excessive hunting is also a primary cause in the recent number of animal species that are becoming extinct. Animals are not able to produce as fast as humans are able to kill. Animals such as whales, rhinos, elephant, lions, tigers, bears, and all sorts of big cats are under this category and these are some of the main animals on the planet that would be detrimental to lose. These predatory animals help keep the other animal populations in order and in turn keep those animals away from peoples crops. Animals such as turtles are becoming extinct through all sorts of factors such as oil spills, loss of habitat, fishing nets, and even poaching. Many countries have started trying to outlaw poaching and hunting of endangered animals. It just is a matter of time before we find out if these laws and regulations were made too late.

            As in most cases or issues in today’s world, there are those who are indifferent to the topic. They know it is present but would prefer to ignore what is going on. These people usually are for species not being endangered, but they also can sympathize with the side that needs these animals in order to maintain a functioning society in which to live and grow. Most people these people usually would suggest that laws be put into place and people who are poaching these animals or causing populations to decrease do to question reasons. They also feel that the people who need to continue to hunt animals be able to do so. These people also have little affect or anything to do with the topic which makes them fairly irrelevant to the subject of extinction or endangered species as well as poaching.

            The topic of extinction and endangered species is sure to arouse people for some time to come. There will always be those to fight for these animals, and there will continue to be people who poach and hunt down species regardless of if they are endangered or not. It is also true that some cultures and tribes still live off of these animals, and there will surely be those who find the topic meaningless. Either way certain animal groups and species are diminishing. Some are dying off at a quicker rate than others. There are species that are even down to the hundreds in overall population. Poaching will continue to happen. So it is up to organizations or people who are dedicated to protecting these animals in order to save them from extinction. Same goes for people who rely on certain animals. In the end only time will tell what is to become of the issue and until then it is up to the people of the planet to pick a side and take a stand.