Why discourage trade in endangered species?

Question

Here in NZ we've got several species of flightless bird which are endangered in the wild, like kiwis, takahe and kakapo. I'd have thought that the more breeding pairs there were in different locations throughout the world, the better their chances of survival. The high prices they command guarantee that they'll be well looked after. Why don't we encourage an export trade in them?

Answer 1

It is possible to send them to a zoo that specializes in breeding endangered species. The San Diego Zoo in California, USA is one such place and they have excellent results with pandas, clouded leopards and many other endangered species. Sending them just anywhere to live their lives in peace is not promoting breeding. The whole environment must be made to accommodate the breeding pair.

Answer 2

So I can make a "Killing" on the black market!

Answer 3

I don't think so, when Animals are sold, they are sold as pets, or for display in zoos, and considerations of the welfare and breeding are secondary.

It is possible, of course, to establish breeding stations for endangered species, but that requires some preliminary research on how to provide the animals with optimal breeding conditions, special foods, etc.

Answer 4

Export trade is a good idea in theory, except for the fact that it makes breeding a problem.  For example, they did export trade with the panda from China's Wolong Panda Preservation center to the National Zoo here.  Since there are so few animals left however, they have to be careful how they breed them to be sure that the lineages aren't too close, otherwise there would be a higher probability of having less desired genes.  Since the 2 pandas at the National Zoo in Washington D.C. have too close of a lineage and do not provide the best offspring, they have to import sperm from other places around the world to artificially inseminate the animal.  This is extremely expensive and have very few successful results.  While export trade seems like a good idea it is actually extremely expensive and not always in the best interest of the animals.  We need more breeding pairs in one place rather than more breeding pairs around the world.

Answer 5

Their would have to be very strict guidelines on where they were sent, for what purpose, they'd have to be monitored, their food source may have to be shipped in, and I'm sure much more.

It just makes it much easier to help a species in it's natural habitat.

Plus if trade started then their would even more illegal trade being that more holes would open up for people to get their hands on them. Ones who want them as pets and in a zoo or who knows what.

If specific places in the world were located that were an ideal habitat for them, then that may be something to look into once they started growing in population.

Answer 6

basically because theyr endangered... it's very delicate and dangerous for these wildlife animals (and plants) if they'd be taken away from their natural habitat, they might not thrive in other places... besides, these species should be beyond the commerce of men.