In an earlier post we explored how tourism in Africa can transform poachers into wildlife guardians. Here we look at a citizen-driven network for nature, providing an anonymous platform for people to report Illegal wildlife trafficking and other wildlife issues. It is important to value the power of people (local and global) who bear witness to crimes against wildlife, explains conservation consultant, Patricia Tricorache.
For thousands of years, humans have had a fascination with cheetahs. Cheetahs have been revered as protectors and companions of pharaohs; their goddess Mafdet was believed to be part cheetah. Kings and nobles favoured the sport of coursing, or using cheetahs to hunt. Kings and nobles gave cheetahs as gifts, sometimes to places beyond their natural range, as China and Europe. Akbar, the great Mogul emperor, is said to have owned up to 9,000 during his reign; all females taken from the wild, as they were believed to be better hunters than males. Their cubs were left to fend for themselves, which forebodes death in most cases as cheetahs normally spend 18 months with their mothers before they can learn how to be wild and survive.
This enormous demand for cheetahs is believed to have led to the near extinction of cheetahs in Asia. The last two cheetahs of India were shot in the 1950s, and only a small population of ~60 remains in Iran. As cheetahs became scarce in Asia, they began to be sourced from Africa. Today, the International Union for the Conservation of Nature (IUCN) estimates that only 6,700 cheetahs are left in Africa. This number is alarming when considering that the cheetah population at the beginning of the 20th century was estimated at 100,000.
The cheetah not only has to face loss of habitat and conflict with humans. The very qualities that make it the fastest land hunter on earth, speed and elegance, are the qualities that have make this cat be loved to near extinction.
In addition to cheetah skins, claws or teeth being traded illegally in some parts of Africa, the illegal removal of cheetahs from the wild for the pet trade is of great concern to conservationists. Cheetahs, like chimpanzees, tigers, lions or orang-utans, are popular pets in some countries, particularly in the Arabian Peninsula, where ownership of exotic animals appears to convey status. Unfortunately, this practice has devastating consequences for wild populations. It is believed that an average of 300 wild cheetah cubs are smuggled out of eastern Africa to satisfy the demand. The majority die due to inadequate care in the hands of their smugglers, and even of their owners.
Since 2005, the non-profit Cheetah Conservation Fund (CCF) has been monitoring cases of illegal cheetah trafficking, and organising confiscations with the help of governments, NGOs and individuals. We compile every instance of illegal trade in cheetahs that we come across, and even though the nature of this illicit activity makes it difficult to collect information, our records now include ~1,000 cheetahs or cheetah products between 2005 and 2015.
In addition to direct action, CCF participates in international forums at national and international levels to promote increased awareness, enforcement and collaboration. A major event was the inclusion of this issue by CITES (Convention on International Trade of Endangered Species) in the agenda of their 16th Conference of the Parties (CoP16). A major study ensued, and in November 2015, a group of concerned countries and NGOs, including CCF, came together in Kuwait to develop recommendations that will be considered at the upcoming CITES CoP17 to be held in South Africa in September 2016.
The recommendations call for improved enforcement and collaboration between the relevant countries, as well as increased efforts to reduce demand. A month-long analysis of social media advertisements of cheetahs as pets resulted in nearly 130 dealers, many of whom displayed groups of 3, 4 or even 11 small cubs being offered for sale. CCF works closely with international enforcement authorities in an effort to stop this cyber trade.
Many of the animals confiscated from the pet trade were taken at very young ages, and thus cannot be returned to the wild. Ensuring that these animals are properly cared for is also a priority for CCF. Consequently, CCF has led training workshops for facilities holding cheetahs in countries where the demand for pet cheetahs is high. CCF has also begun collecting genetic samples of confiscated specimens in an effort to begin building a genetics database that might eventually provide enforcement authorities with evidence of origin.
Addressing human needs in countries where cheetahs are sourced is also important. NGOs like the Rangewide Conservation Program for Cheetah and Wild Dog (RWCP), the International Fund for Animal Welfare (IFAW) and the Born Free Foundation develop programmes to raise awareness and build enforcement capacity in those countries, while CCF continues to train stakeholders on ways to resolve human-wildlife conflict, which often results in the opportunistic taking of wild cheetahs for the trade. IFAW also develops awareness campaigns in the Gulf States, where some countries are in the process of enacting legislation to prohibit the import and/or ownership of dangerous pets, cheetahs included.
Unfortunately, the road to success is long and uncertain as the trade continues. It is important to raise awareness and encourage people to ensure that the wild animals or products they are buying are not from endangered species. Similarly, tourists and volunteers visiting places that offer photo ops or walks with wild animals like cheetahs or lions, should ask questions such as: where is the mother or what will happen with the cubs when they grow up. Keep in mind that in most cases, orphaned cheetahs or lions cannot be released into the wild, and that the money they pay for that quick moment of excitement might not be going to legitimate conservation efforts. Make sure that the place you are visiting is a legitimate zoo, sanctuary or conservation centre, which usually house non-releasable animals, whether captive-born or rescued, and provide them with life-long care while educating the public about their natural history and conservation.
To report cases of illegal wildlife trafficking, please email: patricia@cheetah.org.
