'Avoid wild meat this X'mas' call
Published on: Friday, December 12, 2014
KOTA KINABALU: WWF-Malaysia Head of Conservation in Sabah, Bernard Tai, said over-hunting, illegal wildlife hunting and trade in wildlife meat and parts have contributed to the decreasing numbers of wild animals in Sabah's forests. He said thousands, if not more, of them are slaughtered by illegal hunters every year for their own reckless consumption, for illegal wildlife trade and even sport hunting. "Traps laid by poachers are completely illegal and not only cause long and excruciatingly painful deaths, but sometimes other wild animals not targeted by these poachers also get trapped by mistake…in some cases, these heartless hunters even use explosives to kill our wildlife," he said. ADVERTISEMENT According to Tai, a survey conducted by WWF-Malaysia in Sabah last year showed that 56 per cent of the people interviewed consumed wild meat while 14 per cent admitted that they buy wildlife products. "Wild animals that were most widely reported as eaten by the interviewees were turtle eggs, bearded pig and sambar deer…elephant, pangolin, snake, crocodile, monitor lizard, monkey, civet and barking deer were also consumed by them," he said. This was despite the fact that turtles and elephants are totally protected species and no killing, consumption or sale is allowed in Sabah, he added.Stay up-to-date by following Daily Express’s Telegram channel.
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"This Christmas, let us all be good stewards of God's creation. Let us spread the message against poaching and other cruel acts committed against animals. ADVERTISEMENT "If you would like to do more, drop by WWF-Malaysia's booth (Lot 152, near Agrobank) at Gaya Street Christmas Celebration on Friday (Dec 12) from 7pm to 10pm," he said.