

545: Rachel Nuwer | Inside the Dark World of Wildlife Trafficking
Aug 10, 2021
Rachel Nuwer, an award-winning journalist and author of "Poached," dives into the harrowing world of wildlife trafficking. She discusses the dark motivations behind poaching and the demand for endangered species like pangolins. Nuwer highlights the intricate links between wildlife crime and organized syndicates, emphasizing the urgent need for systemic change in conservation. She also examines exotic pet ownership and its consequences, and critiques the effectiveness of current policies in combating this pressing issue. Her insights spark a call to action for listeners to advocate for wildlife preservation.
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Pangolin Availability
- Rachel Nuwer's friend easily found restaurants in Vietnam openly offering pangolin.
- These restaurants were not hidden but typical establishments, frequented by families and couples.
Cobra Consumption
- Jordan Harbinger recounts a disturbing experience in Vietnam involving eating a cobra.
- The experience included consuming the snake's still-beating heart in vodka.
TCM and Rarity
- Traditional Chinese medicine values rarity, increasing demand for endangered species.
- Scientific evidence for many claimed benefits is lacking, with some ingredients synthesizable.