Many Asian animals are in danger of extinction

According to experts' warnings, many Asian animals may become extinct in 10 years due to excessive consumption of humans.

On October 24, Ocean Park Conservation Foundation, Hong Kong (OPCFHK) has alarmed 79 species of freshwater turtles, or 80% of the total number of turtles in Asia, are available. have ability to be extinct. Besides turtles, pangolins are also animals with the same fate.

According to Suzanne Gendron, director of the organization, although Asian countries have enacted animal conservation laws and regulations, it is the excessive consumption of people that has caused serious threats. for many animals.

Asian water turtles, one of the animals are in danger of extinction due to excessive consumption of people.(Photo: Asianturtle.org)

Currently, many freshwater turtles are being hunted for slaughter - the meat is thought to be both delicious and therapeutic.

According to data from the Hong Kong Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation, from the beginning of the year there have been 46,670 freshwater turtles illegally traded in the territory, while last year, this number was only is 652 only. For pangolins, 939 children were illegally traded in 2004, and only 2 years later this number increased to 6,478. The ministry also said that during Easter this year, 1,100 snakes were confiscated at Hong Kong airport. This snake is imported from Thailand.

Gendron said: 'Increased consumer demand has boosted the hunting and trading of these animals. The mistake is that we don't have sustainable consumption, so we need to create a balance. In the next decade, if there is no action to intervene, these animals will no longer exist. '

According to Gendron, just enforcing the law is not enough to solve the problem. An effective solution is to find other food sources that have medicinal value to replace endangered animals. At the same time, the campaign to educate people about wildlife conservation should be promoted.

She stressed: ' We need to protect the environment and educate communities that love these animals , thereby lowering demand. These measures will create positive changes in animal conservation. '

OPCFHK will invest HK $ 5.63 million for 50 conservation projects during 2007-2008. One of these projects, in collaboration with South China University of Technology, will study the number and distribution of Asian freshwater turtles, as well as assess the impact of real business. legal for wildlife life.

Other projects will include the conservation of marine mammals, reptiles, pandas, birds, corals and walruses.

Minh Quang