It’s important to remember that the earth really belongs to animals, and we’re just cohabitating it with them. However, sometimes people forget that, and start to act out of turn. Some of these people include poachers, who feel that it is okay to take and slaughter animals from their natural habitats because they are looking to make money. The sad reality is that poaching still occurs, even today, and it’s a massive trade that really needs to end. However, without effort from all people getting involved, it’s unlikely that it will. That’s why we need everyone to give 110% in the fight against poaching. It’s the only way to help ensure that no more animals senselessly lose their lives as a result of poachers.

If you are looking to learn more about the five animals that are poached the most often, you are in the right place. While some of these animals won’t surprise you (after all, we’ve been taught that elephants are poached since we were children), others may. The sad reality is that all of these animals have a target on their back, and a target that human beings put on their backs. Now, it’s our job to be responsible citizens and help these animals that are at risk by stopping poaching once and for all.

Most people know that poaching is really, really bad for animals and the planet, but a lot of people are not exactly sure what qualifies as poaching, or why it is so detrimental. We are here to help enlighten you on why poaching is so bad, and the five most commonly poached animals. The more you know about poaching, the better it is because you will then have the resources to share more with people. The more people that understand the threat that poaching poses, the better chance there is that our society puts an end to it, once and for all.

Ready to learn more? Continue reading to get the inside scoop on five of the world’s most frequently poached animals. As a warning, a lot of the information you will learn is distressing.

What Is Poaching?
So, what even is poaching in the first place? A lot of people have a vague understanding of what poaching is but lack a formal definition, and that’s okay! What matters is that you are educating yourself on poaching, and that you are going to continue to learn more. With that in mind, continue reading to get a definition for poaching.

The first thing that you should remember about poaching is that it is technically considered to be a criminal offense. Even though a lot of people still unfortunately poach animals, you should remember that it is an offense because there are local, state, federal, and international laws that stop people from doing so. However, some poachers still proceed with harming animals, despite these laws.

The next thing that you should keep in mind is that both endangered and non-endangered animals can be poached. Whether or not an animal is poached depends on the activity itself, not necessarily what type of animal it is. With this in mind, here is your definition for poaching.

Poachers illegally take wildlife. This violates several laws, but poachers engage in this activity despite this. There are also some activities that are described as poaching. For instance, tresspassing and killing an animal is poaching, as well as exceeding their bag limit, and murdering an animal that falls under a protected species. In addition, if you kill an animal without a license, use a prohitibted weapon, kill an animal when they’re out of season, or murder them in a method that is not allowed, you are poaching.

What Are Five Of The Most Commonly Poached Animals?
Sadly, there are a myriad of animals that are poached both for their beauty and also for what they can provide humans. Poachers are often selfish individuals who simply want to sell what they kill and make money off of it. That’s why a lot of the animals on this list are known for their beauty. Here are five animals that are poached the most frequently.

#1: The Pangolin
Because Pangolins are so unique, they are frequently poached. They’re also considered to be useful, which is another reason. This animal has meat that is in high demand, and its scales are used in medicine. The result is that this is the most highly trafficked animal on the entire planet.

#2: The African Rhino
Sadly, African Rhinos are the second most poached animals in the world. Unfortunately, the number of rhinos being poached has actually increased within the last decade, which makes it obvious that this animal really needs our help. These animals are often hunted because their horns are considered to be helpful.

#3: The African Elephant
Elephants have garnered a reputation for being some of the most commonly poached animals on the planet—a sad reality. Their tusks are extremely coveted, and despite the fact that trafficking these massive animals is illegal, that hasn’t stopped poachers. About 30,000 a year die because of poachers, which means elephants are definitely in a vulnerable position if this continues to occur.

#4: The Tiger
Unfortunately, the tiger trade is alive and well. As a result, these are some of the most trafficked and poached animals on the planet, too. It is estimated that there are under 4,000 tigers remaining out in the wild. This is a sad fact.

#5: The Hawksbill Turtle
Last but not least the Hawksbill Turtle is one of the most poached animals in the world. This animal has yellow and brown carapace plates, which make it a hot commodity for those looking to turn the shell into ornaments and jewelry.