[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 161 (2015), Part 4]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page 5181]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]


BRINGING ATTENTION TO ILLEGAL POACHING AND TRAFFICKING OF AFRICAN RHINO 
                        HORNS AND ELEPHANT IVORY

                                 ______
                                 

                            HON. STEVE COHEN

                              of tennessee

                    in the house of representatives

                        Thursday, April 16, 2015

  Mr. COHEN. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to bring attention to the issue 
of poaching and illegal trafficking of African rhino horn and elephant 
ivory. The barbaric slaughter of tens of thousands of these animals 
appears to be growing worse, currently occurring at its highest level 
in 25 years. More than $19 billion move through illicit wildlife crime 
syndicates, and ivory's value on the street is sometimes greater than 
gold or cocaine.
  Around the world, rhino horns can cost as much as $60,000 per pound. 
To meet this demand, roughly three rhinos are killed on a daily basis. 
At the same time, more than 20,000 elephants were killed in 2013. If 
this killing trend continues, the extinction of the African Elephant 
will occur in our lifetimes. In addition to its profitability, many 
criminals choose to engage in poaching because it is viewed as a low-
risk endeavor compared to other illegal activities, despite the 
attempts of African nations to crack down on animal trafficking.
  Park rangers face tremendous challenges in their efforts to protect 
these animals, including injury, torture and death as they confront 
poachers and illegal traders. It is reported that at least two rangers 
die worldwide each week while fighting to protect wildlife from 
poachers. Although park rangers have a heavy burden of responsibility, 
they are too often given little to no support or pay. In contrast, 
poachers are armed with weaponry such as heat-seeking telescopes, 
automatic weapons, GPS satellite receivers, and even helicopters. The 
lack of adequate funding and equipment for park rangers is evident in 
the brutal massacres of both humans and animals left in the wake of 
night-time raids, silent ambushes, and communities in poaching areas 
that are often paid-off or threatened with destruction by poachers.
  The illegal trade of animal parts is fueling conflict throughout 
Africa, providing cash and support for international criminal 
organizations and terrorist groups. Following the drug and weapons 
trade, animal poaching is the 3rd most prominent and lucrative source 
of funding for conflict around the world. With the presence and spread 
of terrorist groups like Boko Haram in many African nations, the 
urgency to prevent any contributions to these violent organizations is 
clear. Ending poaching and illegal trafficking of African rhino horns 
and elephant ivory is in the interest of our national security, peace 
in poaching regions and preservation of these majestic animals.

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