Taming illicit wildlife trafficking

Illegal wildlife trade has been going on for many years in Pakistan, especially Karachi where animals, including rare species of birds, are sold openly in markets without a proper licence. This also gives a chance to the public to buy the protected and endangered species whenever they want.

Such illicit trade runs into millions of rupees, and is an even greater threat to wildlife than the loss of their habitat. I went to two of Karachi’s bustling markets, the Empress Market and the Birds' market in Liaquatabad. These markets have sections dedicated to the sale of animals, but they also support the illegal trade of wildlife. There are a number of wild animals and birds, many of them protected under the Sindh Wildlife Ordinance, which are on sale.

These animals include peacocks, falcons, flamingos, hawks, kites, partridges, green turtles and tortoises, foxes, monkeys and mongooses. These are not the only animals that are impacted by the illegal wildlife trade. Some species are sold because they have become popularised as pets, such as different breeds of cats and dogs that are also available for sale. The most worrying fact is all these animals are kept inside a locked closet or cage in miserable conditions. The traders keep them in isolation and do not feed them properly. Most animals that I witnessed were infected with diseases and the shopkeepers were least concerned in providing them with treatment and medication.

When I spoke to one of the traders, he said that at times, the shops are raided, but after a while, the business resumes. He commented that trade permits, both fake and genuine, could be obtained easily by greasing the palms of the relevant officials but mostly these are not needed as no one demands or bothers to check them. I wonder if the authorities ever physically enter the hard end of the wildlife trade to witness, let alone control, the menace.

Their commitment is reflected in the weak political will to combat the crime. In some instances, wildlife officials and law enforcement officers lack a thorough understanding of the laws that protect wildlife. The illegal wildlife trade is rapidly increasing and it violates laws concerning the ecosystem. This practice must be firmly curbed. Perpetrators of the crime are aware of the laws protecting these animals but it does not seem enough to deter them.

Sustained awareness campaigns to educate people would help to eliminate the suffering of these protected species and animals. The government should make efforts to highlight this critical issue and stamp out the illegal trade. Stepping up enforcement in active wildlife trade hubs can help.

Published in The Express Tribune, February 6^th, 2016.