(Related Information)
Southeast Asia
Southeast
Asia is the center of the illegal animal trade. It is a
multibillion–dollar business, and Bangkok, Thailand, appears
to be at the hub of the black market. One trafficker there
says profits are huge, at least double what he invests.
Some animals are sold alive; some are killed and the parts
are sold. Tourists and locals can buy exotic birds and other
animals openly in markets. Police have netted some criminals
but often fail because criminals at the markets are alerted
to impending raids. And officers are prevented by law from
entering locked-up shops.
In Myanmar, pelts from endangered leopards can sell for as
much as a few thousand dollars.
Activists are doing what they can to protect endangered
species. At a rescue center in Cambodia, workers help care
for elephants and tigers saved from poachers.
Conservationists are also trying to salvage wildlife
habitats and are reintroducing some animals to the areas of
the wild where they should be safe.
