You may think that we as consumers are an insignificant contributor to the endangerment of animals and poaching of these animals. However, consumers are actually one of the major contributors as we provide the demand and to meet these demand, poachers are increasing the number of animals they poach.

One reason why we as consumers want exotic animals as pets or to showcase vary in reasons. It is only in human nature that we want things that not everyone can have, things that are rare. Also, having exotic animals could be a showcase of one’s wealth. In many wealthier countries, many of these poached animals are being eaten as delicacies. For example, “Sharks are used to make shark’s fin soup , a Chinese delicacy. Shark fishing is banned in the territory where the poaching took place, although Indonesia still boasts the world’s largest shark fishery, according to Conservation International.” 

Cruel act of killing sharks for their fins.

Another reason is that body parts of these poached animals are being used for medicinal purposes. Popular “medicinal” tiger parts from poached animals include tiger genitals, culturally believed to improve virility, and tiger eyes. While there have been evidence that many of these medicinally believes do not actually work, however many of the older generation do believe strongly in this. Thus, they are contributing to the demand for these animals parts. In many villagers, these animals  are highly sought after as hearing stories from others will lead them to want to try it for themselves. Observational learning is learning that occurs through observing the behavior of others. It is by observational learning that these consumers are in increasing demand of poaching animals , for example if someone you know used this animal product which had shown drastic improvements be it in health or beauty, you would want to try it for yourself too. This has led to a never ending cycle of many wanting to try these products thus increasing demand. 

Many also collect these exotic animals as a hobby or a showcase of their wealth. However they do not think about the process of how they were able to attain these animals, only concerned about showing off these exotic animals. Animals fur are also used as a way to show wealth, many of the wealthy carry fur bags, wear fur coats and have fur carpets or rugs at home. Although they may look appealing, but the number of animals that had to suffer and be killed is not worth it.

A tiger being killed for its skin and other body parts.

Therefore as consumers, we too have a part to play in the poaching of these animals. If we don’t start doing something, animals which are close to extinction will continue to be poached and our future generations will not have a chance to see these animals.