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What Is Poaching?

Answer – Poaching is the illegal killing or capturing of wildlife, in violation of local, state, federal, or international law.

Explanation: 

Poaching can be done for sport or commercial profit, both in legal and black markets. Some animal or plant parts are sold as trophies or “folk medicines”; sometimes, they are even sold as pets or houseplants. Poaching is a direct threat to numerous wild organisms worldwide and is a major contributor to biodiversity loss. Several animal species have reached the point of extinction owing to attacks by poachers.

Also, poaching creates an imbalance in the wild ecosystem, especially when keystone species are targeted. This imbalance can lead to the disruption of food chains and food webs, affecting the overall biodiversity and stability of ecosystems.

Serious efforts, in the form of conservation programs, are being put in place to curb poaching worldwide. International agreements such as the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species (CITES) are attempting to prevent poaching by regulating the worldwide commercial trade of animals and plants.

A hunter with a gun accompanied by a dog
Poaching leads to the extinction of certain species, affecting the balance of ecosystems.

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