Wednesday, August 17, 2005
eBay Used to Sell Endangered Species
An International Fund for Animal Welfare (Ifaw) probe found 9,000 live animals or products for sale in one week on trading sites like eBay.
Ifaw claims many traders are taking advantage of the internet's anonymity.
The UK Government says it takes wildlife crime seriously, but Ifaw urged it to act urgently.
During a three month investigation, Ifaw found some of the world's most endangered species for sale online - almost all being traded illegally.
These included a live gorilla for sale in London and a Siberian tiger and four baby chimps on US websites.
Animal body parts included hawksbill turtle shells, shahtoosh shawls from the Tibetan antelope and taxidermy specimens of lions, and peregrine falcons - protected by British law.
Ivory items and traditional Asian remedies containing parts of endangered tigers and rhinos were common place.
Ifaw claims many traders are taking advantage of the internet's anonymity.
The UK Government says it takes wildlife crime seriously, but Ifaw urged it to act urgently.
During a three month investigation, Ifaw found some of the world's most endangered species for sale online - almost all being traded illegally.
These included a live gorilla for sale in London and a Siberian tiger and four baby chimps on US websites.
Animal body parts included hawksbill turtle shells, shahtoosh shawls from the Tibetan antelope and taxidermy specimens of lions, and peregrine falcons - protected by British law.
Ivory items and traditional Asian remedies containing parts of endangered tigers and rhinos were common place.
