Why is wildlife poaching and extinction linked to the Pandemic

- Written by Marta Faus Cortes, Spanish veterinary surgeon specialized in wildlife conservation and sustainable development. After working in Cameroon, Bolivia and Spain, she is currently living and working at the Laos Conservation Trust for Wildlife. Marta also has a degree in NGO management and loves working for conservation to improve both wildlife and human lives

In the last few months we've been facing a worldwide disaster that most people don't really understand. I think it's very important to make everyone aware of the true reasons behind it. Usually, whoever knows me think that I just rescue animals, but working as a conservation veterinarian means much more.

Impact of wildlife trade, poaching and deforestation

In times of globalization, wildlife trade has been growing despite all the efforts for conservation animal NGOs are doing. Trying to educate populations and making people understand why it's so wrong to be a part of it can be a tough job. Wildlife poaching has a terrible impact on biodiversity worldwide: several species are displaced, and others multiply unnaturally, along with viruses and several other infectious agents.

On the other hand, deforestation pushes several species to settle in habitats in which they wouldn't go naturally, altering biodiversity even more. It's a chain of events, where viruses get the chance to mutate constantly and find new host species. And together with all these changes, wildlife markets host some of these animals with the infections they carry. The obvious lack of hygiene in any of these markets makes it even easier for the spread of all kinds of infections to continue. And that is when viruses infect humans. As some scientists have been affirming, a pandemic like this was about to happen sooner or later. It was just a matter of time.

What role do wildlife rescue center play?

Rescue centers play an essential role in the whole world, especially in developing countries. We find most of these illegal markets create a big impact on the economy of several rural areas, where it means for some their main money income.

Since about a year I started working for Lao Conservation Trust for Wildlife. We are a small NGO that is transforming the old zoo of Lao into the first registered wildlife rescue center of the country.

In general, rescue centers don't just rescue, rehabilitate and release animals. We do much more.

We are constantly building partnerships with other local and international organizations that share our values, because we realize only together will we fight illegal trade and help conservation. These projects such as breeding programs of critical endangered species and working hand on hand with local authorities are what is needed now.

We also invest a lot of time on conservation education, both for children and adults. This is because education is the key to opening minds and face the tragic truth behind poaching.

Last but not least, all the projects I’ve worked for abroad mean a long-term source of sustainability and development in the area, as zoo keepers are usually local people. Some projects even transform some poachers into wildlife rangers!

Volunteer for wildlife whenever you can !

So, to all my vet colleagues, volunteer whenever you have the chance! When I was a vet student, volunteering with wildlife meant a life changing experience to me, not just as a vet but as a person. You see with your own eyes the sad truth behind poaching and you get the chance to change so many lives. And remember, you will always meet people that share your values, and they will motivate you to keep on fighting for a better world.

Stay positive - and work for our planet from home

Stay positive, because there's thousand things you can do daily from home. You might not know it but you can play an essential role for conservation. It is very important that we take our responsabilities on how we consume as citizens. Small steps like reading all labels of food, avoiding products with palm oil, buying less soy products, etc. can make a massive impact. Try to consume seasonal fruits and veggies and consume local products.

It's also essential to not support wildlife illegal trade at home. Wildlife are not pets and won't ever be. Don't buy wildlife. Report any case you suspect to the authorities. Don't visit circuses with animals; visit only centers that make a good impact on wildlife conservation.

And if you have any questions, feel always free to contact me.

Instagram : @thetropicalvet and @lctwildlife