Very little forest not marred by poachers
It's good to hear that Thai authorities are taking some tangible steps to intervene in the marketing of illegal animals and animal parts.
To those of us who care deeply for exotic species, the ideal would be to see those animals thriving in the wild. The sad fact is, there is no real “wild” left in Thailand – the bits of forest that still exist are patrolled by poachers.
The prime destination for endangered species, dead or alive, is China. The primary consumers there are old men who think certain animal parts will enhance their sexual prowess. Ground-up dried tiger penis won’t enhance libido any more than dried dog penis, but most Chinese couldn’t accept that concept.
Neither will the Chinese conduct any double-blind scientific studies in that regard. Even if results proved exotic animal parts are overrated, the majority of Chinese wouldn’t give it any credence. A people so stuck in superstition and myth is not going to be much swayed by science.
Just last year, the last black rhino in West Africa died. Meanwhile, other remaining exotic species get whittled away – to nothing.
What remains for our kids will be photos in picture books and yellow powder in jars on the apothecary shelf.
Ken Albertsen
Chiang Rai
