This year’s session of World Wildlife Day, celebrated under the theme "Recovering key species for ecosystem restoration", is aimed at drawing attention to the conservation status of some of the most critically endangered species of wild fauna and flora. The event will also drive discussions towards imagining and implementing solutions to conserve them. This is in line with United Nations (UN) goal 15 which talks about the need to protect life on land.

Data from the ‘Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora’ (CITES) shows that between 2011 and 2015, 1.5 million live animals and 1.2million skins were exported for the exotic pet trade. Exotic pets are animals that have not been domesticated and still possess their wild traits.

Dr. Patrick Muinde, a research manager for World Animal Protection, Africa, expounds on the need to end the trading of wildlife and protect the rich habitat and biodiversity of Africa. He further warns that if the trading continues, then the situation might lead to the extinction of these wildlife stocks across the continent.

Apart from people using wildlife as food and a source of revenue, many other factors account for the trade of wildlife. Most countries import wild animals for medicinal and health values. For instance, the traditional Chinese medicine industry uses rhino horns, lion skulls among others for their products. This raises the demand for animal parts and thus promotes the trade of wildlife.

Recently, people have been engaging in illegal activities involving wildlife. A typical example is an endangered pangolin that was taken hostage by a group of rebels in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). The rebels were demanding a ransom from conservationists for the animal’s release. This sparks fear that wildlife could be used as bargaining power in the future.

 Also, people keep exotic animals in their homes for various personal reasons. While some find it fanciful, others believe they would be associated with a certain class when they have some kinds of animals in their custody. Animal skin is used for making mats, seat covers, or even hung on the wall to portray a certain belief or status.

Another driver of the wildlife trade is trophy hunting. This is when people come to Africa and pay to kill animals such as elephants, lions for selfish purposes.

The internet and social media are further fostering the trade of wild animals. People engage in online market activities by posting videos of animals and their products. Interested persons who visit these sites may like and want to buy them. 

The trade chain, from capture to transportation of wild animals is cruel. According to Dr, Muinde, animals are kept in barren and overcrowded conditions, with little or no space for movement. This leads to an increase in injuries and the death of wildlife.

Traders neglect the welfare needs of captured animals, such as providing enough food and water needed for transporting them to various destinations. Even in their destination countries, owners of these animals lack the requisite information as to the safety needs of these animals.

As part of the UN strategic goals (2021-2030) to ensure that animals live free from cruelty, the UN is working to transform the global food system. This goal is to ensure that farmed animals live good lives.

The UN is also taking steps to change the systems that promote expedition to stop wild animals from being cruelly exploited as commodities.

“Let us remind ourselves of our duty to preserve and sustainably use the vast variety of life on the planet. Let us push for a more caring, thoughtful and sustainable relationship with nature”- Antònio Guteress