How are animals smuggled?

How are animals smuggled?

Wildlife smuggling or trafficking involves the illegal gathering, transportation, and distribution of animals and their derivatives. Products demanded by the trade include exotic pets, food, traditional medicine, clothing, and jewelry made from animals’ tusks, fins, skins, shells, horns, and internal organs.

What happens if you smuggle an animal?

If the smuggler is caught transporting the live animal into the United States, the international customs agents may seize the creature and take it away from the smuggler. This is often possible if the transport is under suspicion of smuggling-related activities.

What do animal traffickers do?

Definitions. Wildlife trafficking involves the illegal trade, smuggling, poaching, capture, or collection of endangered species, protected wildlife (including animals or plants that are subject to harvest quotas and regulated by permits), derivatives, or products thereof.

Who handles animal smuggling?

The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) is identified as a lead or participating agency in all 24 Implementation Plan Objectives, reflecting the commitment and history of USFWS International Affairs and Office of Law Enforcement in the fight against the illegal wildlife trade.

Is it cruel to keep exotic animals as pets?

The journey for an animal in the exotic pet trade is cruel – and often deadly. It limits the natural behaviour of an animal and places both their mental and physical wellbeing at risk. They often lack adequate shelter, food, room to roam, and environment control to keep their body at the temperature it needs to be.

What is the most smuggled animal?

pangolins
The pangolin trade is the illegal poaching, trafficking, and sale of pangolins, parts of pangolins, or pangolin-derived products on the black market. Pangolins are believed to be the world’s most trafficked mammal, accounting for as much as 20% of all illegal wildlife trade.

Where do confiscated animals go?

Under CITES guidelines, nations must send confiscated animals back to the exporting country, or to a “government-designated rescue center,” or other places deemed “appropriate.” CITES also directs countries to ensure humane treatment of the animals.

Why is it cruel to keep wild animals as pets?

You could get hurt. Keeping wild animals as pets can be dangerous. Many can bite, scratch, and attack an owner, children, or guests. Animal owners can be legally responsible for any damage, injuries or illnesses caused by animals they maintain.

Do humans eat pangolin?

Pangolin meat is prized as a delicacy in parts of China and Vietnam. In China, the meat is believed to have nutritional value to aid kidney function.

What is the biggest pangolin in the world?

giant ground pangolin
The giant ground pangolin is the largest species of pangolin alive today. It can grow more than four feet long and weigh 70 pounds.

How many animals are trafficked each year?

Birds are the most common contraband; the State Department estimates that two million to five million wild birds, from hummingbirds to parrots to harpy eagles, are traded illegally worldwide every year. Millions of turtles, crocodiles, snakes and other reptiles are also trafficked, as well as mammals and insects.

Is it cruel to keep exotic pets?

“Large wild and exotic cats such as lions, tigers, cougars, and leopards are dangerous animals … Because of these animals’ potential to kill or severely injure both people and other animals, an untrained person should not keep them as pets. Even an animal that can be friendly and loving can be very dangerous.”

What does a pangolin taste like?

In conclusion, the pangolin is considered to be a delicacy in many Asia countries. The taste of pangolin meat is a bit hard to describe, it’s quite gamey in flavor, but the texture can be compared to veal. The meat is often considered a rare dish because it’s not available in many restaurants or stores.

Are pangolins illegal in China?

The Chinese government continues to allow the use of pangolin scales for traditional medicine despite promises to crack down on a trade that has made them the most illegally trafficked mammals in the world.

How much does a pangolin cost?

Pangolin sells for as much as $350 per kilo.