The killing of Cecil the lion by an American dentist on a hunting expedition in Zimbabwe sparked outrage after it was revealed that the iconic animal had been lured out of a protected area and into a game reserve. The case fueled a public outcry, bringing attention to the issue of trophy hunting and leading American air carriers to revise policies to prohibit the transport of such animals.
But the large-scale trade of wild animals and plants continues on—with dangerous consequences for biodiversity, economic stability, and the security of entire nations. As armed and organized criminal networks continue to trade these goods, successful solutions require a multifaceted approach and must include empowering local communities to manage and protect their own natural resources.
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