The researcher who took this image is a gutsy, courageous, passionate conservationist. Just a few weeks before he made this shot he confronted an angry mob, standing his ground in his fight against bird trafficking, one of the many elements of the illegal wildlife trade. One day I'll be able to identify this brave operative and tell his compelling story but right now he is out there ... and making a big difference.
Earlier today I tweeted that tiger numbers in Nepal are on the rise. I can also report that while the bird trade is still a big problem some real inroads are being made. It's very naive to think that illegal wildlife trade will be completely wiped out. It's a bit like saying drug trafficking will one day cease. However I can say in all honesty that massive gains are being made, we aren't winning yet but we are certainly fighting hard.
Bardia National Park in western Nepal is looking at a zero poaching year ...yes, that means no loss of endangered species including tiger, rhino and elephant.
I personally want to express my thanks for the many messages of support and to those who have visited the JaiBagh Shop (www.wildtiger.org/jaibaghshop) and pre ordered the world's coolest shirt (some other great items coming up). Your support makes a difference to many people as well as wildlife. Social entrepreneurship benefits all involved.
The tiger, rhino, elephant and many other species can be saved, the people living in those areas can have good lives as long as we all do this together.
Thanks again,
Jack
We saw this kind of thing all too often at the open-air markets in Indonesia when I was young. I had no idea the birds were kidnapped from their homes in the wild back then. Now, it's something that angers me on one hand, and saddens me on the other - the people who traffic these birds are just trying to make a living for themselves and their families. But they are doing so at a high cost to the birds (and other wildlife) they sell. The answer to this problem goes beyond halting demand and stopping poachers in their tracks. Part of the solution is to give them an alternative livelihood so that they don't think this is their only means of survival.
ReplyDeleteI'm sharing this. The world needs more unsung people all over the world.
ReplyDeleteThat very solution is being played out Sarah, it takes time, resources and commitment but it is happening. The fight is far from lost. Thanks Jen, it all helps.
ReplyDeleteSo true Sarah! I have also read some articles recently on the rise of illegal wildlife trafficking via the "deep" web, through sites very difficult to detect unless you're in the know. Even so, wildlife still needs fearless people on the ground like the person in Jack's post.
ReplyDeleteI recently watched a TV program where there was filming in a market in Indonesia. To see the many species of wildlife openly on sale was a shocking sight.
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