54. The practice of illegally hunting wild animals continues to cause concern in many countries, particularly developing countries.

What are the causes of such hunting? What are the effects on the animals, and on the wider human society in these countries and beyond?

Sample Answer 1

Band 8.5

The practice of illegally hunting wild animals continues to cause concern in many countries, particularly developing countries. Illegal hunting, also known as poaching, is the killing of animals without a license or permission, often for commercial purposes. This essay will discuss the main causes and effects of this phenomenon, and suggest some possible solutions.

One of the main causes of illegal hunting is the economic benefit that it brings to the hunters and the traders. Many wild animals are hunted for their valuable parts, such as ivory, fur, horns, or organs, which can be sold for high prices in the black market. According to WWF, the illegal wildlife trade is worth up to $23 billion per year, making it one of the most lucrative criminal activities in the world[^1^][4]. Some people also hunt wild animals for food, especially in poor and remote areas where other sources of protein are scarce or expensive.

Another cause of illegal hunting is the weak enforcement of the laws and regulations that protect wildlife. In many countries, especially developing ones, the penalties for poaching are low or rarely imposed, and the authorities lack the resources and the capacity to monitor and prevent illegal hunting. Moreover, some hunters and traders have connections with corrupt officials or powerful groups, who can help them evade justice or bribe their way out of trouble. As a result, many poachers operate with impunity and little fear of consequences.

One of the main effects of illegal hunting is the extinction of many animal species, or the reduction of their populations to critical levels. Poaching has driven some animals, such as the rhino, the tiger, the elephant, and the pangolin, to the brink of extinction, as their numbers have declined dramatically in recent years. According to Mongabay, illegal hunting is a greater threat to wildlife than forest degradation, as it targets the most vulnerable and endangered species[^2^][2]. The loss of biodiversity has negative impacts on the ecosystem and the balance of nature.

Another effect of illegal hunting is the environmental and social problems that it causes for the countries and the communities involved. Poaching can damage the habitats and the resources of the wildlife, such as water, food, and shelter, leading to soil erosion, pollution, and desertification. It can also affect the livelihoods and the culture of the people who depend on the wildlife for tourism, education, or conservation. Furthermore, illegal hunting can fuel conflicts, violence, and crime, as it is often linked to other illegal activities, such as arms trafficking, drug smuggling, or terrorism.

In conclusion, illegal hunting is a serious issue that has many causes and effects, both for the animals and the humans. To address this problem, there is a need for more effective and coordinated actions from the governments, the international organizations, the NGOs, and the public. Some possible solutions include increasing the penalties and the enforcement of the wildlife laws, raising the awareness and the education of the people about the value and the importance of the wildlife, and providing alternative and sustainable sources of income and food for the poor and the rural communities.

Difficult Words/Phrases with Example Sentences:

Poaching: (Meaning: The illegal killing of wild animals)

Example: Poachers often target animals with valuable parts like ivory or fur.

Black market: (Meaning: An illegal market where goods are traded without regulation)

Example: Poached animal parts are often sold on the black market for high prices.

Impunity: (Meaning: Freedom from punishment or legal consequences)

Example: Many poachers operate with impunity due to weak law enforcement.

Brink of extinction: (Meaning: On the verge of disappearing forever)

Example: Illegal hunting has pushed several species, like the rhino, to the brink of extinction.

Biodiversity: (Meaning: The variety of life on Earth)

Example: Poaching negatively impacts biodiversity by reducing animal populations.

Desertification: (Meaning: The process whereby fertile land becomes arid and desert-like)

Example: Poaching can contribute to desertification by damaging wildlife habitats.

Livelihoods: (Meaning: Ways of making a living)

Example: Poaching can harm the livelihoods of communities who depend on tourism or conservation.

Coordinated actions: (Meaning: Actions that are planned and carried out together)

Example: Governments and NGOs need to work together to address illegal hunting.

Awareness: (Meaning: Knowledge or understanding about something)

Example: Raising awareness about the value of wildlife can help combat poaching.

Sustainable: (Meaning: Able to continue for a long time without damaging the environment)

Example: Providing sustainable sources of income can help reduce dependence on poaching.