Endangering wildlife: Poaching can lead to the decline or even extinction of wildlife species, as animals are hunted for their fur, skin, meat, tusks, or other body parts.
Disrupting ecosystems: Poaching can disrupt the natural balance of ecosystems, as it affects the populations of different species and can have cascading effects on the entire ecosystem.
Fuelling criminal networks: Poaching is often linked to organized criminal networks, which profit from the illegal trade of wildlife products. This can contribute to corruption and other criminal activities.
Undermining conservation efforts: Poaching undermines conservation efforts and makes it more difficult for governments and organizations to protect wildlife.
Threatening human health: Poaching can also pose a threat to human health, as it can lead to the transmission of diseases between animals and humans.
Encouraging illegal trade: Poaching fuels the illegal trade in wildlife products, which can have negative impacts on the economy, local livelihoods, and tourism.