How to Help Reduce Poaching

Poaching is an illegal international trade of hunting protected animals to meet a demand for various goods.^{[1]XResearch source} While poaching is a worldwide issue, there’s plenty that you can do on a day-to-day basis that can help reduce this trade. See if there are any simple adjustments you can make to your everyday life, like shopping at different stores or signing petitions to make an impact on the world of illegal animal trade.

Method 1

Method 1 of 3:

Making Informed Purchases

1
Purchase products made with sustainable materials. Shop carefully if you’re on the market for jewelry, art, or anything else that could be made with poached animal goods, like ivory, rare shells, tiger pelts, reptilian leather, or rhinoceros horns. Ask the shopkeeper where the item in question was made, and if the original country permitted it to be sold. A reputable seller will gladly tell you this information, and likely won’t be selling poached goods, anyway.^{[2]XResearch source}
- For instance, certain conch shells and clams aren’t allowed to be shipped from the country of origin.^{[3]XResearch source}
- If the seller seems evasive or dodges your questions, you may want to take your business elsewhere.
Tip: Invest in products that are certified and produced respectfully. Look for special logos on the back of your products, like the Forest Stewardship Council. While not specifically pertaining to poaching, these types of organizations promote healthy and responsible production that doesn’t hurt the environment or local ecosystems.^{[4]XResearch source}
2
Stop buying goods made with rare, animal-sourced materials. Avoid products that are crafted with ivory, shahtoosh (Tibetan antelope) fabric, wild cat furs, and sea turtle shell. These materials are illegal in a lot of countries, and help create a product demand that ultimately leads to poaching. Instead, purchase knock-offs, which won’t contribute to the poaching industry.^{[5]XResearch source}
- For instance, you can purchase a faux tiger pelt instead of a real one.
- Ask the seller before buying anything made with coral, crocodile skin, or snakeskin. A lot of these products are sourced in harmful ways.
3
Adopt local pets instead of tropical ones. Don’t purchase tropical birds or rare animals that aren’t really considered pets, like apes or monkeys. Purchasing these animals creates a demand, which causes these live animals to be forcefully removed from their natural habitat. Instead, adopt a pet from your local animal shelter instead.^{[6]XResearch source}
- Animals like apes are not meant to be kept as domesticated pets.
- If your heart is set on a tropical bird, look for one that needs to be rehomed at an animal shelter.
4
Trace the source of your seafood before making any purchases. Note that the term “poaching” applies to any type of trade that harms animals, which includes fishing. Many illegal fisheries will hunt and sell protected, endangered types of fish, or use illegal gear while they fish. Before buying any fish or seafood from a marketplace, ask an employee where the food came from. Reputable fisheries can specify exactly where a fish came from, while illegal fisheries likely won’t pinpoint the source of their seafood.^{[7]XResearch source}
- Illegal fisheries often use unlawful, cruel means to catch their fish. For instance, some fisheries will catch vaquitas with an illegal type of net.
5
Debunk false rumors spread about animal products. A lot of cultures believe that certain ingredients, like rhinoceros horn, can cure a lot of different ailments. If you see friends or family considering this type of product, nudge them in a different direction. Remind them that these rare ingredients have no real scientific basis and only add to the poaching industry.^{[8]XResearch source}
- This brochure provides a lot of insight into different kinds of poached wares: https://c402277.ssl.cf1.rackcdn.com/publications/315/files/original/Buyer-Beware.pdf?1345686864.
6
Purchase merchandise from organizations that fight poaching. Visit the website of different anti-poaching groups and see how you can make a difference. Some sites let you symbolically “adopt” a wild animal, while others let you donate money to specific issues, like coral reef damage. You can always purchase regular merchandise, like T-shirts, which can help the organization.
- For instance, you can adopt a tiger, which are often poached for their pelts.^{[9]XResearch source}
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Method 2

Method 2 of 3:

Offering Your Time and Money

1
Donate to organizations that fight poaching on a global scale. Visit the website of different anti-poaching groups, like the International Anti-Poaching Foundation. These groups help protect the habitats of poached animals and help support rangers who patrol those areas. You don’t need to give a lot of money—even small amounts, like a dollar or 2 can make a difference!^{[10]XResearch source}
- Other groups that work to prevent poaching are the World Wildlife Fund (WWF), Wildlife Conservation Society, and the WILD Foundation.
2
Give money to organizations that actively search for and stop poachers. Rangers go out of their way to survey and protect the habitats of commonly poached animals, like elephants and rhinos. You can make a difference by donating a few dollars to these organizations that help these individuals.^{[11]XResearch source}
- Some organizations, like the Global Conservation Force, have an “Adopt-a-Ranger” program, which allows you to pay for a ranger’s training.
- You can also donate to specific conservation efforts, like giraffes, pangolins, or another animal of your choice.
3
Hold a fundraiser dedicated to anti-poaching groups. Get together with some friends and plan an event or drive where people can donate to the organization of your choice. If possible, reach out to a local conservation or wildlife sanctuary and see if they’d be interested in hosting or helping out at your event. Once you’ve settled on the details, advertisement your fundraiser online and on signs, so people know when to show up.^{[12]XResearch source}
- For instance, you can host a car wash and dedicate the proceeds to the Environmental Investigation Agency.
- Contact a local petting zoo and see if they’d be willing to let you hold a fundraiser at their establishment.
4
Volunteer with anti-poaching groups to make a difference. Apply to work as a ranger or other type of volunteer. If you’re really dedicated to the cause, you may be able to travel to more affected areas, where you can protect and defend the local wildlife from poaching.^{[13]XResearch source}
- A lot of ranger programs are based in Africa, so you may have to pay for your own airfare and transportation to get there.
- Find out more volunteer ranger application info here: http://www.wildvolunteer.com/volunteer-international-anti-poaching-foundation.
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Method 3

Method 3 of 3:

Providing Legal Support

1
Report any suspected poaching operations. Take note of any sellers who seem fishy or seem to be selling questionable products. Visit your region’s Natural Resources or Fish and Game Department, then submit a report about the suspected poacher or seller.^{[14]XTrustworthy SourceThe Humane Society of the United StatesNational organization devoted to the promotion of animal welfareGo to source} You can usually fill out an online form, or you can call a specified number, depending on where you live.^{[15]XResearch source}
- For a full list of departments in the United States, check here: https://www.humanesociety.org/sites/default/files/docs/state-report-a-poacher-for-web.pdf.
2
Sign petitions that fight poaching. Search online for a digital petition started by a reputable organization. Submit your name and contact info so you can add yourself to a growing list of anti-poaching advocates. For instance, you can sign a petition to make the ivory trade illegal.^{[16]XResearch source}
- Sign petitions that are being managed by reputable organizations, like the WWF.
3
Take a stand to end poaching by signing a pledge. Pledges are slightly different than petitions—with pledges, you’re making a promise and commitment to yourself, rather than a specific organization. Submit your name and contact information to an anti-poaching advocacy group, so you can stay informed on how you can make a difference.^{[17]XResearch source}
- You can sign a pledge here: https://support.worldwildlife.org/site/Advocacy?cmd=display&page=UserAction&id=664.
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Tips

Buy from local artists who make jewelry and other products with sustainable, safe materials.^{[18]XResearch source}
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Visit local wildlife sanctuaries or conservations and see if there’s anything you can do to help.
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Share wildlife petitions and pledges with your like-minded friends!
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Warnings

For some plants, like cacti and orchids, you need a permit to own and have them around your home. Keep this in mind while you’re shopping!^{[19]XResearch source}
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