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Feds seek to raise awareness of wildlife trafficking

This July, 2012, photo provided by the Georgia Department of Natural Resources, Molly Martin of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service sees her first sea turtle hatchling on Blackbeard Island, Ga.
This July, 2012, photo provided by the Georgia Department of Natural Resources, Molly Martin of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service sees her first sea turtle hatchling on Blackbeard Island, Ga. This July, 2012, photo provided by the Georgia Department of Natural Resources, Molly Martin of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service sees her first sea turtle hatchling on Blackbeard Island, Ga.

By Associated Press 3 min read

ATLANTA – Federal wildlife officials are teaming up with a conservation nonprofit to raise awareness about wildlife trafficking in an attempt to decrease demand for endangered species and related products in the United States.

An awareness campaign kicks off Wednesday and aims to educate American travelers about the negative effects of wildlife trafficking, the extent of the United States’ role in this illegal trade and how some travelers may be unwitting participants.

“The idea here is to make a concerted effort to reach consumers and get them to understand the impact that their behavior has on wildlife,” U.S. Fish and Wildlife Services spokesman Gavin Shire said.

The U.S. is one of the biggest markets for illegal wildlife tracking in the world because it has the largest economy but also because of its diverse and wealthy population, said Peter Knights, executive director of WildAid, a nonprofit devoted to reducing the demand for wildlife products.

“When people think about wildlife trafficking, they think about China, they think about Africa,” Knights said. “They don’t think about the United States, and I think a lot of people are just not aware of the role that we play, whether it’s buying something that has a little piece of ivory in it or a turtle shell.”