Keep commercial value of species under wraps

The skull of a spotted deer, which was seized last month from three men who were attempting to sell the rare item

Wildlife trafficking is amongst the top illegal activities done both, globally and locally. When animals or articles derived from them are given price tags or their monetary value is declared in the mainstream or social media, it does harm.

A senior official for wildlife welfare has written to principal chief conservator of forests (wildlife) and chief wildlife warden, Maharashtra, to have certain regulations with regard to the disclosure of the commercial value of a species or articles derived from it while busting illegal wildlife trade.

This is an important observation. Divulging value of a certain species or what can be obtained from them, just for an example, ivory as in elephant tusks, is an invitation for poachers and wildlife traffickers.

We need to up our climate consciousness. Dire warnings about global warming, ecological imbalances are not just on paper or speeches. We are seeing the real effects now, on weather, living conditions and natural disasters. Wildlife is part of the ecosystem and it is important we all play a part in preserving a healthy balance.

There is logic in what he says that there is a pressing need for guidelines for disclosure of information regarding the commercial value of live animals or articles derived from them as it [disclosing figures] has the potential to do more bad than good.

The letter states that mainstream and social media has been reporting raids and seizures in various parts of the state, country and world where species or their articles are overvalued or black-market rates are mentioned, which is harmful.

Sound points all, and at this stage, we can still reverse the situation or stem the menace, so that the lure of easy money for potential hunters is lessened. This red flag needs to be heeded.