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Conservationists are trying to bring attention to a group of primates in Africa that are at risk of going extinct. The Red Colobus monkeys, in all of their subspecies and varieties, face extinction if drastic measures aren't taken to protect them. Should this species go extinct, this would be the first primate to go extinct in over a century. That's why conservation groups are coming together to bring attention to this matter and find solutions.
The Red Colobus species includes 19 varieties of primates, each unique in their own way and all of which contribute to a healthy ecosystem. These primates face extinction due to hunting, habitat loss, and alteration due to development and agricultural expansion. Currently, there are 3 species of the Red Colobus monkeys that are thought to already be extinct, although there is no concrete evidence of that as of yet. These primates contribute to their ecosystem through a variety of activities. They are seed dispersers, keeping the forest healthy and abundant, and are also the main prey of chimps. Without these primates, the ecosystem they are a part of would surely suffer. These conservation groups are hoping to bring attention to the plight of the Red Colobus species through activism. They're action plan is essentially to have the red colobus primates better protected and more attention brought to their struggles. Whatever the case, the time for action is now! To think that all 19 varieties of this primate are at risk of going extinct, it really rattles my cage. Especially when hunting is one of the reasons. Africa seems to have a major problem with hunting and poaching and unfortunately, there are several varieties of species that are at major risk of being wiped off the planet. These are facts, it's essential that these animals are better protected before it's too late. Want to know more? Head to the original story through the link at the top of this post! HAPPY VEG
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Colombia could become the very first South American country to ban cosmetics animal testing and would join almost 40 countries that have already enacted similar bans. Their main reasoning is animal welfare but also gaining access to European markets that were among the first to ban cosmetics involved with animal testing. There's quite a large market in Europe that is being missed out on because of animal testing and Colombia would be smart to ban it entirely.
Animal testing is abhorrent and completely unnecessary. Animals are subjected to repeated tests that involve testing for internal and external reactions to products. Animals suffer painful skin lesions and blistering, irritation, and immense emotional stress as they are subjected to these ridiculous tests all in the name of cosmetics. Could humans be any less deserving of animals? I don't think so. Whatever the reasoning, I truly hope to see Colombia ban cosmetics testing. Being a leader in animal rights in South America might start a bit of a domino effect with other countries following suit. I mean, I've reported on at least 3 other stories involving countries / states looking to ban cosmetics testing so it is very possible these countries / states are following the current trends and educating themselves on the cruelty involved with animal testing. I'll keep y'all posted if I hear / read anything else about Colombia in regards to this story. Check out the original story from World Animal News through the link at the top of the page! HAPPY VEG Unfortunately, after two years of protecting Leopards, South Africa has reinstated a hunting allowance as the male leopard population has reportedly stabilized. This allowance will see 7 male leopards across the region slaughtered by trophy hunters. There are conflicting reports about the leopard population as the World Animal News group reported that the leopard population is in no way, shape, or form, stabilized. Leopard populations in South Africa currently sit at approximately 4500 with the population declining roughly 66% in the last 7 and a half years. This doesn't reflect any kind of stabilization in my opinion. When you consider how many people live in South Africa and compare that to the amount of leopards left in the wild, it's pretty clear that there is hardly enough leopards left in the wild. I can't understand how the South African government can even suggest that leopard numbers are in any way stable.
Very sad news for Leopards and even worse news for all of the animals on this planet that humans have exerted their power over. Humans will be the last mammals on this planet because of our insatiable need for more. We are destroying the environment, the oceans, and most of the living creatures amongst us.
On a positive note, vegan and vegetarian lifestyles are on the rise. The more people who turn away from meat and demonstrate compassion, the better. I just hope we don't come to our senses when it's far too late. Check out the original story at the top of the page! HAPPY VEG Illinois Governor Bruce Rauner has signed a bill that will ban the sale of ivory from elephants and rhinos in the state making it the seventh U.S. state to enact similar bills. The Governor made it quite clear that it's more important than ever to enact these bills as President Trump works to undo protections for animals across the board. The illegal wildlife trade is one of the largest money making illegal industries on the planet. What's especially saddening about this is that the animals that suffer for their tusks are elephants and rhinos, both of which are endangered and risk extinction without more protections. Although efforts to protect these animals are happening, the fact is that they are still being illegally slaughtered. I've reported already that Kenya is enacting a death sentence for convicted poachers, despite this, they are still being targeted by trained poachers who are looking to sell their ivory for large sums of money on the black market. These poachers have absolutely no regard for the fact that they could be responsible for destroying an entire species because they're motivated by financial gain. I find myself wondering what happens if the entire species of rhinos or elephants are eliminated. What do these poachers do now that there are no elephants or rhinos left? How do they continue to make this money when there is no "product" left? It's interesting to me that they have absolutely no concept of the damage they are causing nor that they could be left without animals to hunt if they continue to poach. Being motivated by money can often be the worst thing because these people will stop at nothing, literally risking their lives every day for ivory. Although I disagree with the death sentence, in this case it ALMOST seems warranted.
Sticking to their goal of being a world leader in the world of animal rights, the United Kingdom has increased its maximum sentence for serious animal crimes. Increasing from 6 months to a possible 5 year sentence, the U.K. is sending a strong message that animal cruelty and crimes against animals are not tolerated.
When you consider the severity of some of these crimes against animals, 6 months hardly seems like an appropriate sentence. 6 months is more in line with where the sentencing should start for minor offences against animals, certainly not the worst of the worst. What is considered the worst? Although the article isn't specific, I would imagine things like torturing animals, prolonged physical abuse, sexual abuse of an animal, and sever exploitation would all warrant the maximum penalty. I strongly support this increase in penalty because punishments MUST work as deterrents. With a paltry 6 month maximum sentence, those who intend to commit these heinous crimes against animals would never think twice about committing them. With a stronger punishment associated with animal cruelty, I believe the U.K. will see a drop in cruelty charges. Just the thought of 5 years behind bars should be enough to deter those considering hurting an animal. The fact of the matter is, the world needs the governments support in fighting animal cruelty. Without appropriate punishments for convictions, we will continue to see awful things happening to animals. Without a government that puts their foot down when it comes to animal cruelty, what's stopping these people from doing what they do? Our government will always be our biggest hurdle. I mean, consider Canada and the seal hunt. Without the government recognizing that the seal hunt is absolutely unnecessary and cruel, it will continue to happen. So a big congratulations goes out to the U.K for their dedication to animal welfare. No one is perfect, but these sorts of steps in the right direction NEED to be recognized and celebrated! Check out the original story from World Animal News by clicking the link at the top of the page! HAPPY VEG Another story of poaching in an African nation and it's all starting to become very clear, Africa has a serious problem with poachers. It seems like every other day through my research online I'm coming across another story involving poaching / poachers. Whether it's an arrest of suspected poachers, or the slaughter of endangered species. Poaching is a monumental issue that will inevitably lead to the extinction of elephants, rhinos, and several big cat varieties. Rhinos were in serious trouble back in the 90's in Kenya. Dropping from nearly 20, 000 rhinos in the 70's to approximately 400 by the 90's, it was evident that drastic measures had to be taken to save this entire species. Flash forward to 2017 after years of severe cracking down on poaching, and we're looking at approximately 1250 rhinos remaining. Although this is a step in the right direction, we're talking about an 800 rhino increase in what could be over twenty years. That's a great deal of effort and time for such a small increase, and I believe that to be because of continuous illegal poaching.  Poaching is a very frightening topic for me. Frightening because I can't fathom how anyone could slaughter an animal that risks complete extinction, and frightening that money will push someone to the point that they risk their own lives and the lives of an entire species. It's just despicable behaviour that completely disregards life and attempts to capitalize on murder. There's nothing more evil than profiting of of death in my opinion.
Now, I recently discussed a story about Kenya and their impending sentences of capital punishment for the conviction of poaching. They said that despite life sentences helping to deter, poaching was still a serious problem. They apparently see the death sentence as their last ditch effort to completely end poaching altogether. Although I completely disagree with killing anything or anyone really, I find myself torn on this topic. The reality is, we're protecting an entire species from going extinct. Seeing as the numbers are so very low, when do drastic measures take precedence over decency? The lines are kind of blurred to me. I would never ever want to see someone put to death, but have they not earned severe punishment given the severity of the situation? This is why I'm torn, I feel like if you're willing to jeopardize your future, put yourself and others in harm's way, and attempt to slaughter an animal that could be wiped off of the face of the planet, you obviously don't have any regard for anything other than greed. So if life imprisonment is not enough of a deterrence, tha what is going to work? What do you guys think? Do you think capital punishment is the answer when we talk about the abolishment of a species? I want your opinions! HAPPY VEG |
Stay educated and remain involved in animal welfare. Together, we can all make a difference!
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