The growing market in China for rare animal parts is destroying ecosystems throughout the world. China's wildlife industry has an estimated value of over $500 million USD, and it is the largest market in the world for illegal trade in wild animal parts like tiger bone, leopard skins, and rhino horns. Some of these contribute to Traditional Chinese Medicine, but many of these animals find their way into the hands of curious tourists in the form of matted butterflies, ivory jewelry, turtle shells, and furs and skins transformed into hand bags and shoes.
The Chinese government is working hard to protect wild animal species and has signed on to many important international wildlife protection agreements. However, the overwhelming market for these animals makes enforcement very difficult. Through your choices, you can do your part to help bring relief to animals and ecosystems around the world.
While in China, do not purchase souvenirs and other products made from animals – treat yourself, not traffickers. That peacock fan, ivory-studded necklace or snake skin bag not only create dangerous ecological instability and threaten the continued existence of these species, but also often involve brutal, inhumane, and unsanitary handling of the animals involved.
Purchasing wild animal products directly contributes to wide-scale destruction and suffering; you also risk fines and confiscation at customs. Find out more about the products and problems associated with the illegal wildlife trade in China by clicking on the animals outlined in red.
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Some Chinese menus offer dishes like shark fin, turtle soup, bear paw, snake and lizard. While these may sound exotic, they are obtained by a network of black market profiteers who have been ravaging the forests and ecosystems of Asia to profit off of your consumption. Tragically, these dishes may mean the end for some of nature's most unique creatures. The animals outlined in red are also hunted for other products they can provide to shopping markets. You can help stop this inhuman and illegal trade with your pocketbook. By reducing the demand for these animals, they may yet have a chance to survive in the wild. Click on the animals to learn more.
The Hidden Health Risks of Eating Wild Animals:
Because these animals were hunted illegally, they do not pass through important quarantine processes. Eating these animals could expose you to infection or disease from serious viruses and parasites. Many animals are also caught using dangerous poisons or have high levels of toxins, making their consumption even riskier.
Legal Tip:
Consumption of wild life supports illegal poaching and gathering. It may also violate national and international laws. If you suspect that a wild animal or plant was illegally obtained, the easiest action to take is to not purchase it.
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