Poachers sometimes capture animals to sell them locally or for global trade in wildlife. Wildlife trade is a major black market feature that is at an increase in Asia. Here animals are captured and sold as exotic pets. These include birds, primates, and reptiles.
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Some animals are slaughtered due to their commercial value as food. The meat of apes, snakes, duikers, porcupines and other bush animals is considered a delicacy in some parts of Africa. The Appetite for bush meat persists among Africa’s dwellers around the Congo basin. This is prominent in Cameroon, Central African Republic, Democratic Republic of Congo, Gabon, Equatorial Guinea, and Republic of Congo
The great demand for jewelry and décor has led to the slaying of a number of elephants. The ivory tusks for African elephants are carved into trinkets and display pieces. Some are modeled into religious figurines, utensils and jewelry. It is important to understand that these precious items are really not worth the life of an elephant.
Killing for direct profit where poachers target animals to prevent them from destroying their crops or attacking livestock. Due to recent habitat loss, many lions live close to humans and are killed by farmers in retaliation for preying on wildlife. Other poached animals here are usually elephants as well as wolves and other predators.
It is alleged that some animal parts are sources of traditional medicine. A rhino’s horn for instance is believed to treat hangovers, fever, impotence, cancer among others. However, amidst these allegations, there has been no proven cure of the fore mentioned situations.
Zebras on the other hand are hunted for their skins. They are also occasionally used as meat or medicine.
Mountain gorillas on the other hand are usually killed by traps and snares which are intended for other forest animals such as antelopes and others. They are also sought after as pets as well as trophies or even their body parts which are used in medicine as magical charms.