A substantial number of the most recent epidemics, or potential epidemics, have come out of wild areas and generally illegal means of hunting.
Whether legal or illegal this hunting can cause significant problems. Apart from the horrific effects that epidemics like the one we are emerging from, hunting can destroy ecological balance of a wild area, and in many areas this can lead to the complete collapse of the ecosystem. This can have drastic impacts on the climate and is often the significant cause for increased desertification.
While conservationist were pleased about this move by the government, there are a few things that must be noted. Rhino horn elephant tusks and pangolin scales are already illegal and yet are still sold often openly around the country. Therefore this law will only have an impact if it is enforced.
It is also felt that this does not go far enough, as it only bans import of these products, and not the local domestic hunting and sale (likely the cause of several of the recent epidemics around the world).
a number of experts are calling for other countries around Asia to follow China’s example and shutdown the wild meat markets entirely.
It is noted that this law does not go as far as requested. Back in February 14 conservation groups requested that these markets was shut entirely, to protect these vulnerable ecosystems.
It should be noted that with the correct work, these wild areas can provide far more money in the long run by conservation and ecotourism than hunting, though this requires the engaging of former hunters as guides and rangers. Many other areas on the planet have made a success of this and now have a long-term good income for an entire area through ecotourism-of course in the short term this is going to have no impact as it is not safe for tourists to travel the world.
