Animal poaching is when an animal is killed illegally. It can also be defined as the illegal hunting or capturing of wild animals. These animals are killed for something that holds value. In some cases, it can be an animal’s fur or ivory. Some people believe that the rhino horn is important for medicinal purposes but in reality it has no significant use. 

Animal poaching happens mostly in the country of Zimbabwe. A country in Africa. Kenya comes in second place when it comes to poaching. The pattern that appears here is that most animal poaching happens in Africa because that’s where most of the rare animals are.

There can be many reasons as to why people decide to poach animals. One of the reasons people poach animals is because of their religion. Their religion can sometimes have obligations and/or traditions that involve poaching animals. Another reason can be for necessity or beliefs. Some poach animals and use them for their hides, skins, and the remaining parts are used for things such as clothing, food, or medicine. While some people have beliefs that it’s okay to poach animals.         

The most poached animals are elephants, walruses, rhinos, bears, and white-tailed deer. Elephants and walruses are poached for the ivory in their tusks. Their ivory tusks are often carved into jewelry and ornaments. Rhinos are poached for their horns. Its common use is to have it as a display to symbolize how successful and wealthy a person is if they have it. The American black bear is poached for its body parts that are used for exotic foods, they can also be used as aphrodisiacs. White-tailed deer is poached for its antlers and its meat. 

According to Onegreenplanet.org, there are many ways you can help stop the poaching of animals. One way to help is by signing petitions. There are many petitions that serve different purposes such as enacting wildlife protection or to end wildlife crime. Another way is by donating to foundations and volunteering.