ICF President Rich Beilfuss writes today about something I guess I’d been aware of at the periphery of my attention, without according it much importance. All 15 Crane species have, at least in the past and also undoubtedly in the present, been hit by black market wildlife traders. Apparently order for up to 500 cranes are placed in that market. Beilfuss stresses the excellent work done by ICF to battle Crane capture and sale. He also ponders if this current pandemic might stimulate greater global focus on wildlife markets, origins of many new diseases. I’m guessing we’ll never snuff out this horrendous activity completely but maybe increased penalties, etc. will ruin thieves’ profit margins.
(Photo by Jim Harris from the article)