Is this project an undergraduate, graduate, or faculty project?
Undergraduate
Project Type
individual
Campus
Daytona Beach
Authors' Class Standing
Kaitlynn Baker, Senior
Lead Presenter's Name
Kaitlynn Baker
Lead Presenter's College
DB College of Arts and Sciences
Faculty Mentor Name
Aaron Clevenger
Abstract
Illegal wildlife trafficking poses significant threats to health, economies, and ecosystems worldwide. Currently, illegal wildlife trafficking holds a strong occurrence in the East African region. The region's biodiversity is increasingly endangered by poaching and illicit trade for elephant ivory, rhino horns, and other animals. This not only depletes wildlife populations but raises the risk of zoonotic diseases that can spread and hurt human health. This project aims to explore and further understand the horrific implications illegal wildlife trafficking, specifically in East Africa, can have on the United States’ national security by focusing on the areas of health, the economy, and the environment. The research method I have used so far involves a qualitative analysis of existing documents and reports from organizations such as the United Nations and the International Fund for Animal Welfare. In the future, I hope to advance this research into field research with the proper funds to assist. From qualitative research, I have discovered illegal trafficking has led to increased distribution of zoonotic disease, severe economic loss and destabilization, and an extreme loss of critical biodiversity. Additionally, illegal trafficking leads to numerous security issues due to the transnational crime organizations often involved causing larger security issues such as arms and drug trafficking, and terrorism. Addressing the issue of illegal wildlife trafficking requires international cooperation on the policy and law enforcement level to properly mitigate this issue. Failure to do so will host fatal repercussions on human health and public safety.
Did this research project receive funding support (Spark, SURF, Research Abroad, Student Internal Grants, Collaborative, Climbing, or Ignite Grants) from the Office of Undergraduate Research?
No
The Global Consequences of Illegal Trafficking in East Africa
Illegal wildlife trafficking poses significant threats to health, economies, and ecosystems worldwide. Currently, illegal wildlife trafficking holds a strong occurrence in the East African region. The region's biodiversity is increasingly endangered by poaching and illicit trade for elephant ivory, rhino horns, and other animals. This not only depletes wildlife populations but raises the risk of zoonotic diseases that can spread and hurt human health. This project aims to explore and further understand the horrific implications illegal wildlife trafficking, specifically in East Africa, can have on the United States’ national security by focusing on the areas of health, the economy, and the environment. The research method I have used so far involves a qualitative analysis of existing documents and reports from organizations such as the United Nations and the International Fund for Animal Welfare. In the future, I hope to advance this research into field research with the proper funds to assist. From qualitative research, I have discovered illegal trafficking has led to increased distribution of zoonotic disease, severe economic loss and destabilization, and an extreme loss of critical biodiversity. Additionally, illegal trafficking leads to numerous security issues due to the transnational crime organizations often involved causing larger security issues such as arms and drug trafficking, and terrorism. Addressing the issue of illegal wildlife trafficking requires international cooperation on the policy and law enforcement level to properly mitigate this issue. Failure to do so will host fatal repercussions on human health and public safety.