Wildlife Conservation Society’s Post

Can conservation messages influence people's attitudes and actions related to the exotic pet trade? Our new study in Conservation Science and Practice reveals that while messaging can shift attitudes and reduce demand for wildlife entertainment, different approaches are needed for more effortful actions such as civic engagement and discouraging exotic pet ownership. 🦎🐅 Read more from the this link: https://lnkd.in/ggw4v5Zv "Combating the exotic pet trade: Effects of conservation messaging on attitudes, demands, and civic intentions" by Rumi Naito, Kai Chan, and Jiaying Zhao #Conservation #ExoticPetTrade #WildlifeTrade

Check out this interesting paper on how messaging is not enough to promote civic engagement actions among people. #wildlifeconservation #socialsciences

You know business risk management and regulation systems are completely broken when commercialisation of a species is used to overcome the problems created by the commercialisation of the same species. No example highlights this more than the Burmese python in the Florida everglades. The poor regulation of the commercial, legal trade in exotic pets, both internationally and domestically, means there is a conservatively estimated 150,000 unwanted pythons in the everglades. To overcome problem of invasive pythons an invasive pythons skin leather industry has been created: https://lnkd.in/gcvPhV_7 Worse still is the annual python killing competition https://lnkd.in/gyR-yuzM with a prize for the most prolific hunter. While commercialisation and hunting competitions have been enabled nothing has been done to fix the problems associated with the international regulator of this trade, CITES: https://lnkd.in/gSdJY6y The risk management and regulation systems for the exotic pet trade are either absent or of pitiful quality. And while the businesses who make all the profits don’t have to cover the costs to clean up the problems they have created, they have no incentive to change their behaviour: https://lnkd.in/gz_BTKEv    #Biodiversity #Collapse #Regulation

Exotic animals (frogs, snakes, iguanas, scorpions, caimans, etc.) should be left in their native habitats. They are not good pets because the do not much care for people, more than half die during transport, ecosystems are negatively affected by their removal, and many exotic species have been pushed to extinction in their wild environments. In addition, if the pet becomes unmanageable, many are released into environments where the become invasive, often damaging native environments. It’s better for humans, the animal, and the environment if we limit our pets to those bred for human contact. Attached is an article to learn more about the pet trade. #winthrop #winthropuniversity #noexoticpets #keepanimalswild

Shadowy exotic pet trade thrives in Pacific island nation The Pacific’s Solomon Islands has become a key player in the global live animal trade, with foreign collectors sourcing exotic species including some subject to trade bans, an AFP investigation has found. Conservationist testimony, official documents and UN data show native Solomon Islands lizards being shipped to the United States, wild birds plucked from verdant rainforests and sent to the Middle East, and dolphins destined for Chinese aquariums. Some wild animals can be captured and sold legally, but the trade in vulnerable species is governed by strict rules or even bans. That has not stopped traders keen to cash in on the lucrative market for exotic pets. They are targeting species that are already considered at risk, and are actively threatening the future of others, said Solomons ecologist Patrick Pikacha. “There’s no studies. No monitoring. It’s just every man for himself,” Pikacha told AFP. Solomon Islands has stunning ecological diversity, and is teeming with vibrantly coloured parrots, tree-dwelling lizards, swooping mega bats and more. But it is the only Pacific Island that participates in the legal wildlife trade, and its most unusual species are increasingly popular pets. Full story➡https://t.ly/6FzH5 #exoticanimals #pacificislands #solomonislands #wildlifetrade

Exotic pets turned invasive: A cautionary tale of unintended consequences. As captivating as they may seem, exotic pets like pythons, iguanas, and parrots can wreak havoc on ecosystems when released into the wild. Let’s raise awareness about responsible pet ownership and the risks of invasive species. #InvasiveSpecies #ExoticPets #ResponsibleOwnership

#rightsofnature ..."At least 30 countries have rights of nature laws, including Ecuador, the first nation to recognize nature’s rights in its constitution in 2008. Since then, the country’s top court has used the law to block a proposed copper and gold mining project in a protected cloud forest and halt a road construction project that was polluting a river. In 2020, Veelenturf proposed a national rights of nature law to Panamanian lawmakers. She spent the next two years helping draft the law, which went into effect earlier this year. During that time, Panama’s Ministry of the Environment asked Veelenturf to provide expertise on new sea turtle protections and help draft a second law that grants the animals specific rights tailored to the threats they face. “The rights of sea turtles are going to be much different than the rights of a coral reef or the rights of a whale or the rights of an eagle or a river,” she said. Under the new law, individuals, organizations or companies found guilty of violating the turtles’ rights to live in a pollution-free environment and remain unharmed by fishing activity, coastal development and climate change may be fined or have their businesses shut down. The law also requires the creation of a committee of officials, scientists and advocates to oversee its implementation. “They’re all now sitting at the table supervising what’s going on, and they can more easily report violations,” said Panamanian Congressman Gabriel Silva, a top backer of the law. But the law is not meant to only be punitive, says Constanza Prieto, an expert at Earth Law Center, a U.S.-based nonprofit that also helped draft Panama’s rights of nature law. Much of its strength lies in its mandate to prevent further harm and restore populations through community partnerships. “That’s the most important part,” she said."...

Did you know that whale meat is still used in pet food around the world? Learn more about whale conservation in our newest installment of our conservation crew blog! Visit https://lnkd.in/eNSMhhnb to read our weekly blog posts! Have a topic of interest? Let us know in the comment section below!

These hatchlings have legal rights in Panama. A law passed by the country’s National Assembly earlier this year guarantees sea turtles the right to thrive in a healthy #environment, a protection until now typically reserved for humans. Panama is part of a growing list of countries and communities around the world latching on to the Rights of #Nature movement, which seeks to grant #wildlife a similar legal status to that of individuals and companies. While the strategy has so far been mostly used to protect whole #ecosystems, … At least 30 countries have rights of #nature rights in its #constitution in 2008. Since then, the country’s top court has used the law to block a proposed copper and #gold mining project in a protected cloud forest and halt a road construction project that was #polluting a river. Back to #eden #naturerestoration #naturerevival #biodiversity #ecosystemservices #ecosystemrestoration #animalrights

In light of the sensational article, 'Snake-killer fined $700 over shock video', I feel compelled to address the implications of our interactions with wildlife as well as the ethical use of social media. The incident, as detailed at https://lnkd.in/gBGxGnPS, highlights the disquieting consequences of irresponsible human behaviour towards the natural world. While it is essential for individuals to be aware of their surroundings, particularly when encountering potentially dangerous creatures, it is equally crucial to promote an attitude of respect and empathy towards wildlife. The man's actions in this incident reflect a blatant disregard for the life of the snake, an important contributor to maintaining ecological balance. Furthermore, publicly sharing the distressing video not only sensationalizes animal cruelty but also generates an unhealthy discourse on social media. Let this event serve as a timely reminder of the necessity to educate ourselves on the significance of coexisting harmoniously with the creatures that share our environment. Emerging technologies and the seemingly limitless reach of social media should be employed for the greater good – inspiring positive change, raising necessary awareness, and cultivating compassion towards all living beings. #WildlifeProtection #EthicalSocialMediaUse #Coexistence #ResponsibleBehaviour