Showing 81 to 85 of 106 blog articles.
The Shooting Trap Part 2 - That’s Debateable






The Negative, which is positive
Key animals are targeted for qualities 
Often in their breeding prime
No head shots, can’t damage the goods
Commodities worth tens of thousands
That’s what animals are, but absolutely are not
It is outside of the ‘Arc of the moral universe’ MLK
Ethics have been excised, morals allowed to decay
Here’s where the real debate lies
Is hunting for conservation moral and ethical?
You can’t ask that, it’s not transactional
You can’t bank on it, can’t raise an invoice
Can’t raise $50,000 for a Lion’s life
Matching dollars for its stuffed head
If you can get it home, get it mounted
If you ask if this is right, the answer can’t be wrong!
Governments, and organisations and locals
Can’t afford that question, or the money will dry up
Coffers as dry as a waterhole in an African drought
No life-giving waters for living creatures
And creatures trying to make a living, by killing
Allowing killing, auctioning killing - highest bidding
Any animal you like, endangered or no
Just ask the 11 Critically Endangered Black Rhinos
South Africa is about to make a killing from their killing
And the money goes to…conservation - of Black Rhinos?!
Too late to ask the the two Tuskers of only 24 - now 22 to bring down
Moral bankruptcy will not stave off fiscal
First argument: it’s morally bankrupt 
Secondary: it’s not transactional in an ethical vacuum 
(like so much business as usual)
Second argument: Is it sanguine to indulge blood-lust?
The Joy of Killing - ‘Recreational Hunting’
Admittedly, sounds better than ‘Trophy’ says Nordic philosophy
Seeking a great white hope, inflowing currency 
Facilitating murderous intent, kill an animal
For reasons most can’t comprehend
Pose for a smiling pic, latest conquest
Even hold up a giraffe’s now not beating heart
Desperately seeking to kill, to show off a trophy
A head, a heart, an elephant’s foot ash tray
To adorn a grotesque mausoleum AKA living room 
All of this transactional, they showed you the money
To take it makes one complicit, in league 
Blood money maker, blood money taker
One needs the other to stain hands
Blood money drip-feeds down, to the ground
But hardly any, for the local enablers
Circles back to the search for a remedy
A way to pay locals for animals conserved
On the ground sentinels and Rangers 
Used to be called conservation, proper usage of language
Last argument: use the right words
Next…

  3 years ago
Elephantine Problem

A response to the imminent cull of a herd of Elephants…







  1 year ago
Killing Contests! Do you support?

The Unspoken Horror of Wildlife Killing Contests in the United States



1. The Unspoken Horror of Wildlife Killing Contests in the United States


1. Wildlife killing contests are an annual event in many parts of the United States.
2. The animals killed in these contests are often subject to horrible cruelty and suffering.
3. The contests are often held in secret, with little public knowledge or oversight.
4. They are often sponsored by businesses or organizations with a financial interest in the outcome.
5. The participants in these contests often receive prizes or trophies for their kills.

Wildlife killing contests are a brutal and horrifying practice that happens in many parts of the United States. These contests often attract participants from all walks of life, and the animals killed are often subject to horrible cruelty and suffering. The contests are often held in secret, with little public knowledge or oversight. They are often sponsored by businesses or organizations with a financial interest in the outcome. The participants in these contests often receive prizes or trophies for their kills.

These contests are a blight on our country, and we must do everything in our power to stop them.

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2. These so-called “contests” are nothing more than opportunities for people to engage in wanton slaughter of innocent animals


These so-called “contests” are nothing more than opportunities for people to engage in wanton slaughter of innocent animals. It is a cruel and callous disregard for nature, and it is wrong. The people who participate in these contests are motivated by greed and often act with complete disregard for the law. They are motivated by the potential prizes, trophies, and recognition they could earn by killing off already-endangered species.

In addition to the sheer brutality of wildlife killing contests, they are also dangerous because they act as a gateway to other forms of poaching and wildlife exploitation. The participants of these contests often go on to become more involved in the killing of innocent animals. It is critical that we end these contests and put an end to the cycle of violence and exploitation of wildlife.

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3. native wildlife species are being decimated by these killing contests


Native wildlife species are being decimated by these killing contests. The native species are suffering, especially due to the influx of non-native species that are often brought in for these contests.

These killing contests are leading to the degradation of vital habitats that boast of unique flora and fauna giving rise to a wide array of biodiversity. As these species become extinct, the balance of the entire ecosystem is disrupted and struggling populations are further threatened.

The mass killing of birds, mammals and reptiles takes away from an animal’s ability to fulfill its role in the food chain and generates unmeasurable suffering for the creatures involved. It's time for a change, and these killing contests should be banned and outlawed. Only then can native wildlife species have a chance to thrive and flourish in peace.

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4. These contests are often held in secret, with little to no public oversight


These killing contests are often held in secret, with little to no public oversight. This means that many events are only known by those who organize them and made possible by those who participate in them. This means that wildlife activists and community advocates may not even be aware that they are occurring within their communities.

This lack of transparency also contributes to the perpetuation of wildlife exploitation and unrestricted killing. In addition, the secrecy available to these events also clouds public understanding of their implications and effects on populations. It also keeps the public from taking meaningful actions in the wake of these contests and in the future.

The secrecy of these events is a major contributing factor to their ability to go largely unnoticed and unreported. Without more public attention and oversight, these damaging and cruel contests will continue to exist with impunity.

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5. The participants in these contests typically take home grisly trophies of their kills, and bragging rights


Participants in these contests typically take home gruesome trophies of their kills, often as a way to show off their prowess. In addition, bragging rights are up for grabs as part of these contests. It is a vicious cycle, with the potential reward of a “trophy kill” continuing to spur participation.

It is partly because of this phenomenon that the hunting of animals, both native and non-native, has become increasingly common and accepted in the United States. Because of the wild animal populations' dwindling numbers, wildlife killing contests have become an accepted form of entertainment. This disrespect for wildlife is unacceptable and needs to be addressed.

The anti-wildlife killing contest movement is growing and people are beginning to call for these cruel contests to end. Animal welfare activists, hunters, and other community members need to come together and demand an end to these grotesque actions. We must continue to raise awareness of these events to put an end to the unspeakable horror of wildlife killing contests in the United States.

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6. These contests have a negative impact on ecosystems and local economies


The impact of wildlife killing contests on ecosystems and local economies is devastating and far-reaching. With a decreasing number of animals, other species that depend on the species killed in the contest become more vulnerable and their biological diversity, habitats, and populations decrease. This in turn has a direct effect on local economies as the tourists who come to visit the indigenous wildlife and ecosystems often spend money in the area.

In addition, the waste generated from these contests can damage local ecosystems. The skinned animals left behind in the contests often create toxins that poison the environment. This can lead to decreased air and water quality, exacerbating the damage to the local ecosystems.

The effect on local economies, ecosystems, and wildlife is not only negative, but also long-term. The population of some of these species will never have a chance to recover, as many of these animals are difficult to capture or study to begin with. It is essential that these contests be stopped before they damage the environment and local economies beyond repair.

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7. It’s time for these contests to be outlawed


It is time for wildlife killing contests in the United States to become illegal. It is no longer acceptable to allow such destructive competitions to continue unchecked. The U.S. government understands the negative impacts these contests have and is trying to put an end to them.

At the federal level, a bill has been proposed to make it illegal for any person or organization to host or organize a wildlife killing contest. It also outlaws any encouragement or promotion of wildlife killing contests.

At the state level, numerous states are passing laws to prohibit wildlife killing contests. These laws make it illegal for individuals or organizations to sponsor, organize, or participate in organized contests. In addition, local cities and counties are passing their own ordinances to prohibit these contests in their respective jurisdiction.

It is essential that the laws against wildlife killing contests are enforced and that violators are prosecuted in order to ensure that participants will not be able to act with impunity. The penalties for violations of these laws should also be severe enough to deter potential violators from participating.

The time to put an end to these cruel and destructive contests is now. It is time for these contests to be outlawed and for the individuals involved to be held accountable for their actions.







  2 years ago
Top 10 arrests in wildlife crime and corruption

As of my last update in September 2021, I can provide information on some of the significant wildlife crime and corruption arrests that had taken place up until that time. Please note that the rankings and details might have changed since then. Here are ten notable cases:

  1. Boonchai Bach: In January 2018, Thai national Boonchai Bach was arrested in Thailand for running an extensive illegal wildlife trafficking network that operated in several countries. He was a major player in the smuggling of ivory, rhino horns, and other endangered species.
  2. Vixay Keosavang: In 2013, Lao wildlife kingpin Vixay Keosavang, also known as the "Pablo Escobar of wildlife trafficking," was arrested in Laos. His network was responsible for the illegal trade of ivory, rhino horns, and other wildlife products across Southeast Asia.
  3. Nabhan Mashur: Nabhan Mashur, a notorious Kenyan ivory trafficker, was arrested in Tanzania in October 2015. He was linked to various elephant poaching incidents in East Africa.
  4. Gilbert Houngbo: In 2013, the former Togolese Prime Minister, Gilbert Houngbo, was arrested for his involvement in a major ivory smuggling ring.
  5. Buddha Maitreya: In Nepal, wildlife smuggler Buddha Maitreya was arrested in 2016 for trafficking rhino horns and other animal parts.
  6. Pasang Lama: Nepalese wildlife trader Pasang Lama was arrested in 2016 and was linked to the illegal trade of snow leopard skins and other endangered species.
  7. Hajji Bakari: Tanzanian ivory smuggler Hajji Bakari was arrested in 2015 after being on the run for several years. His network was responsible for the poaching and trafficking of elephant tusks.
  8. Yang Feng Glan: In 2015, Tanzanian authorities arrested Yang Feng Glan, also known as the "Ivory Queen," who was a prominent Chinese ivory smuggler and played a significant role in the illegal ivory trade in Africa.
  9. Feisal Mohamed Ali: In 2017, Kenyan authorities arrested Feisal Mohamed Ali, a notorious ivory smuggler connected to various international wildlife trafficking networks.
  10. Ying Kai: In 2017, Thai national Ying Kai was arrested in Kenya for her involvement in the illegal ivory trade.

Please note that wildlife crime and corruption are ongoing problems, and many more arrests have likely occurred since my last update. The fight against wildlife trafficking and corruption requires ongoing efforts and collaboration from governments, law enforcement agencies, and conservation organizations worldwide.

Who are the ringleaders?

It's important to note that wildlife crime operates as a highly organized and lucrative black market, involving not only local poachers but also international syndicates. Some of the main players in wildlife crime may include:

  1. Poaching Gang Leaders: These are individuals who lead groups of poachers and coordinate illegal hunting activities to kill and capture wildlife, often targeting endangered species for their valuable body parts, such as ivory, rhino horns, tiger bones, etc.
  2. Smugglers and Traffickers: These criminals are responsible for transporting illegally acquired wildlife and their products across borders and into black markets in other countries. They may also use sophisticated smuggling networks involving bribery and corruption.
  3. Corrupt Officials: In some cases, corrupt government officials play a significant role in enabling wildlife crime by turning a blind eye to illegal activities or actively participating in them, facilitating the movement of illegal wildlife products.
  4. International Cartels: Large-scale wildlife crime is often linked to international criminal organizations and cartels that exploit weak law enforcement and porous borders to smuggle wildlife products to destinations where they have high demand and fetch high prices.
  5. Illegal Wildlife Trade Kingpins: These individuals or organizations act as intermediaries between poachers and buyers, handling the logistics of trafficking and supplying the illicit wildlife products to markets, both online and offline.
  6. Online Wildlife Traffickers: With the rise of the internet, illegal wildlife trade has expanded into the digital realm. Some individuals or groups specialize in selling wildlife products through online platforms, making it challenging for law enforcement to trace and shut down their operations.

It's worth mentioning that efforts to combat wildlife crime involve not only local law enforcement agencies but also international collaborations and organizations dedicated to wildlife conservation and law enforcement. These criminal networks are persistent and adaptive, making it crucial to address the issue through a combination of law enforcement actions, public awareness, and international cooperation. Join our fight - by learning more at https://www.mojostreaming.com/index.php

Sign up: https://www.mojostreaming.com/signup

Thank you for your interest!

Cami Ciotta VP of Development and Producer

  2 years ago
Leptailurus serval.

The elusive Serval Cat! These wonderful small cats are often found out in the open grasslands. They are very successful hunters and mostly eat rodents, birds, reptiles, frogs and insects. They very rarely will scavenge for their food due to their efficient hunting! 

It often makes my day when we come across a Serval, we mostly find them when they are hunting which is a wonderful behavior to observe. They will locate their prey, ready themselves, then with a sudden jump/pounce they fly through the air and land on the unsuspecting prey!

seeing and encountering them is easy just one click away www.interiorsafarisea.com 

  2 years ago