LESSER KNOWN SPECIES

The growing demand for wildlife products in domestic and international markets is threatening the existence of many innumerable species, pushing them towards the edges of extinction.

Credible studies indicate global illegal wildlife trade could be worth at least USD 19 billion per year! Did you know that around 3350 pangolins were poached in India between 2009 and 2013? Or that to get one kg of mongoose hair, 50 of these hapless animals are killed?

While the threat posed by illegal wildlife trade to some of India’s flagship species, such as Tigers, is highly publicised, the plight of lesser known species remains largely under the radar. As possibly the animals most heavily impacted by poaching, their future existence is uncertain. It is vital that we counter this threat to their existence.

PROBLEM

Illegal wildlife trade is the fourth largest organised crime in the world!

Lesser known species are poached and traded for various reasons. In India, pangolins are relentlessly hunted to cater to huge illegal wildlife markets in China and South-East Asia where there is a rising demand for their skin, scales and meat. Innumerable mongooses are killed, often beaten to death, to manufacture paint and make-up brushes from their hair.

Owls become the ill-fated victims of superstitious beliefs as their body parts are used for occult practices. Besides black magic, owls are also exploited for street performances, zoos and folk medicines.

These practices are claiming thousands of animals from the wild every year and putting their very existencein peril.

However, we can counter this serious threat to conservation with your help. Your support can make a significant difference and help these lesser known species resist the onslaught of illegal trade.

India is the source country for diverse wildlife products such as

  • • mongoose hair
  • • rhino horn
  • • tiger claws, bones, skins
  • • leopard claws, bones, skins
  • • sharks
  • • seashells, sea cucumbers, seahorses
  • • elephant tusks
  • • birds

THEY NEED YOUR HELP!

Your support is precious and can help protect and conserve their numbers!

Create awareness

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Don't buy

Do not buy products made protected species of wildlife. Also, ensure your friends and family don’t unknowingly buy them.

Do not tag your wildlife images

Geo-tagged photos of wild animals when uploaded on to any site of the world wide web, can be used by poachers...

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Report wildlife crimes

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