Reflection - TRENDS & ISSUES IN TOURISM - Research Paper Example

Poaching Summary Elephant tusks, Rhino horns and Tiger pelts and bones are the most sought after organs. This has led tothe up rise of cartels that hunt down these endangered species, extract the organs then sell them in black markets. Once sold, they end up in eastern states as raw materials for the manufacture of medicine and jewelries. This significantly affects states’ economies because cartels to acquire these endangered species’ organs ought to kill animals, hence disrupting tourism sector.

Presently, there are five species of rhinoceros worldwide. Man’s appetite for these distinctive horns has led to the rapid reduction of rhinos to the extent in some regions have become extinct (“Rhino horn use: Fact vs.Fiction”). Although importation of rhino horns was banned in Yemen, they are still used by Muslims as handles for their curved daggers commonly referred as “Jambiya”. Many Asian countries such as Malaysia and china also manufacture their medicine from rhino horns, hence contributing to heightened termination of these species (“Rhino horn use: Fact vs.

Fiction”). Africa is the home to the largest population of elephants commonly known as “Jumbos” (Joyce). Currently, a pound of ivory goes for$1,000 (Joyce). The sudden rise in the value of elephant tusks has led to an increase in the level of poaching throughout the continent (“BBC News World”). Recently, Kenya port officials managed to confiscate a large consignment of elephant tusks at their Mombasa port from Uganda destined for Malaysia (“BBC News Africa”). Tourism education can help curb poaching.

Most of those who take part in poaching are normally citizens of that specific country. They should be made aware of how lack of tourists will greatly affect their economy, hence no income for citizens who own businesses such as lodges and restaurants (Craig).Critique Based on the information presented in these articles, authors have explicitly elaborated the issue of poaching whose statistics are high in the developing states. This is by giving exact figures worth of recent consignments already captured by respective states’ wildlife authorities destined to the eastern states.

Meaning These articles’ core theme encompasses predicament evident in developing states especially in Africa where poachers and cartels are exterminating “jumbos”, rhinos to get their tusks and horns respectively. However, they do not highlight measures which respective states have ensured to curb poaching except education. Reflection These materials have been of much benefit to me. This is because apart from obtaining knowledge on how poaching has negatively affected various states especially developing countries in Africa; I have also learned reasons why poachers target animals such as the elephant, tiger and rhinoceros.

I really enjoyed reading these materials because they were not only well researched but also easy to understand. What I find extremely surprising was respective states’ little efforts in curbing poaching. For example, since it is evident that Asian states like China are the main importers of these organs, why are the masterminds behind the importation not prosecuted? Work CitedCraig, Ian. How tourism can help tackle poaching.Telegrapgh.27th April 2012.Web.20th February 2014. Joyce Christopher.

“Radiocarbon Clues Help Track Down Poached Elephant Ivory.NPR. 2nd July 2013.web.20thFebruary 2014 Kenya seizes ivory going from Uganda to Malaysia.BBC News Africa. 3rd July 2013.web.20th February 2014. Rhino horn use: Fact vs. Fiction. n.d. Web. 20Th February 2014. The illegal ivory trade threatening Africas elephants. BBC News World. 12Th April 2012. Web. 20Th February 2014. http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-17675816