200 Species Go Extinct Every Day, Why Isn’t This A Bigger Concern Yet?

''One comes across a variety of species of animals on a visit to the pet store. In addition to the various breeds of dogs and cats that are made available, one can find Cockatoos, Finches, Love Birds, Parakeets, Munias, Hill Mynahs, African Parrots and Star Backed Tortoises as well. A pair of love birds sells for Rs. 250 each, the African Parrot can be sold for an amount anywhere between Rs. 30,000 – 35,000 and the Star Backed Tortoise can fetch around Rs. 1,000 – 1,500 each. Wildlife Trade is a multimillion-dollar industry that has its network spread all over the world.

In India, a wide variety of wild animals are poached and their products traded. Elephants are poached for ivory; Rhinos for horns; Tigers, Leopards and Lions for their skins, claws, and penises which are in high demand because of their alleged value in traditional Chinese medicine. Migratory birds like the red crested Poachard and Pintails are hunted for sport mostly in the northeastern states of India...''

by Radhika Jhaveri