After decades of trying to crack down on illegal poaching, governments and conservation groups are now turning their attention to the huge demand for wildlife products that drives the crime in the first place. At a conference in Botswana last month, delegations from 32 countries called for a better understanding of the market forces that drive the illegal wildlife trade. “China is clearly the biggest player in terms of exploitation of wild animals,” says Adam M. Roberts, CEO of Born Free USA and Born Free Foundation. “China is the biggest consumer of elephant ivory in the world.” Roberts continues, “Fundamentally, it’s about luxury items and greed.”
Link: New Scientist