Source: https://img.purch.com
The Dinosaurs, an extinct race of remarkable beings that once roamed the Earth. Even though all we have left of them are some bones, we are still amazed at the size of these beings. Very few land animals to this date even come close in comparison to the dinosaurs, but the Elephant, a gigantic animal with huge tusks and kind hearts, is a close example. Humans have not been kind to this creature over the centuries. Poaching has poisoned the way these animals behave and think. Reports of elephants attacking humans, even when not provoked, rise. So what are the opportunity costs of animal health if poaching continues?
Hunting is a very strict business that revolves around seasons. Different seasons dictate which animals can and can´t be hunted due to population or other rules. Poaching is the act of hunting animals that are not allowed to be killed by federal laws and regulations. Poaching usually involves killing certain animals that are highly priced on the black market. This includes certain parts of animals, for instance whale bladder and animal tusks. In an article by the University of Washingtion says that from 1979 to 1987, the population of elephants has decreased from 1.3 million to 600,000 because of poaching. Elephants have not had enough time to recover and are getting closer and closer to endangerment levels.
Poaching does not just hurt the population. Poaching adults in front of their children scar these animals for life. Elephants that used to mourn their dead or show curiosity and kindness towards other animals are rapidly disappearing. Without the elders to show the younger generation their customs and ways, younger generations lose this part of their lives and know nothing but violence. It would be as if a murder killed your parents while you were watching and took their bodies from you. It´s not morally right for us, but we can justify doing it to other animals. Can we continue to live knowing that people are killing these animals and destroying their way of life in the process?
