Nobody will tell you they enjoy killing, they’d be called crazy

Wildlife crime, or the illegal trade in endangered species, is somewhat the Cinderella among other crimes that definitely attract more (at least media) attention.  In reality, however, this type of crime generates huge profits and, unlike other forms of crime, it is not fought as fiercely.  It’s also not just about endangered animals somewhere in Africa; recall the Czech case where tiger slaughterhouses were uncovered in connection with the Berousek circus.

What was covered in the lecture?

• What brilliant weapon poachers almost used to wipe out rhinos and can use again at any time – 11:14
• Very bad news for all men who have at least one child – 27:02
• Which animals lose their lives when you take a photo with them – 30:49
• What item almost all of us have at home but in the forest can even cause life-threatening danger – 50:27

Who is Pavla Říhová?

Pavla Říhová is an inspector of international biodiversity protection. For a full 26 years, she has been fighting against the illegal trade of endangered animal and plant species.  She currently leads the CITES department at the Czech Environmental Inspectorate, and her main adversaries are poachers, smugglers, and dealers worldwide.  The Czech Environmental Inspectorate is far from her only workplace.  She is a member of Interpol’s international Wildlife crime group, a court expert in endangered species, and a co-founder of the Stolen Wilderness project.