Saving Species On The Brink

There are two primary reasons underlying threats to wildlife in Southeast Asia: illegal wildlife trade resulting in population declines and rapid deforestation leading to large-scale loss of habitat.

- Dr Madhu Rao , Dr Will Duckworth

THREATS TO WILDLIFE IN SOUTHEAST ASIA

Over the last 40 years, overharvesting of wild species to meet the escalating demand caused by an explosion in urban markets for wild meat and medicinal products has been the primary threat that has either extirpated several species or led to rapid population declines in the wild.

There are two primary reasons underlying threats to wildlife in Southeast Asia: illegal wildlife trade resulting in population declines and rapid deforestation leading to large-scale loss of habitat. Over the last 40 years, overharvesting of wild species to meet the escalating demand caused by an explosion in urban markets for wild meat and medicinal products has been the primary threat that has either extirpated several species or led to rapid population declines in the wild.

Increased affluence and access to global markets has placed tremendous pressures on the region’s wildlife. The illegal and unsustainable commercial trade in wildlife represents the most urgent threat to many of the region’s “Critically Endangered” species. Corruption, complacency and lack of general awareness pose some of the greatest obstacles to be overcome in the effort to reduce levels of illegal trade. Inefficient enforcement efforts and low levels of political will further hamper these efforts.