Currently viral videos of otters on social media platforms have gained immense popularity worldwide. In particular, platforms like TikTok, Instagram, and YouTube are praising the otters’ videos for their ridiculous and sweet behavior. Such videos are usually attracted to people’s attention through the naughtiness of the OT, playing in their water, or playing with their little kids. However, many do not know about these videos or that they are a part of larger and secret illegal activities. The popularity of these videos is creating a misconception about otters among humans. As a result, they are being illegally hunted and trafficked.
There is a serious problem in the worldwide wildlife trafficking. It is creating a threat to the environment on the one hand, and on the other hand, the existence of animals is in crisis. Cute and adorable animals like otters belong in their natural environment, but people are becoming interested in keeping them as pets. This has led to a thriving black market for illegal wildlife trafficking. Otter’s children are being collected for hobbies, and then they are being used to promote online platforms. But as a result of all these tasks, the species of the otter is endangered, and the environment is losing balance. Now you can understand why otter videos are linked to wildlife trafficking.
Introduction to the Social Media Platform related to otters’ trafficking:
Social media has become one of the main means of entertainment among the people today. Through these platforms, photos and other videos are shared simultaneously worldwide. Sharing videos through social media is growing a lot, and as a result, it is spreading widely among the people. The scene of the sweet and ridiculous behavior of the otter in the videos gives people joy on the one hand; on the other hand, it enhances the interest in keeping the otter as a pet. Social media is now becoming a powerful platform for illegal wildlife trafficking. In particular, when there are such illegal activities behind the videos. Many people then become interested in such posts and share. In some videos, the younger kids of the auto are shown to be very cute and pleasant. This is how social media is playing a major role in illegal hunting.
However, these otter videos do not only serve as a means of entertainment. Rather, it also creates a new available market for animal trafficking. Videos are creating a misconception about the species of the otter. It is mainly increasing the demand for wildlife trafficking. As a result, smugglers are illegally collecting and smuggling them to the children of the auto. This process is dangerous not only for otters but also for other wildlife. This cycle of trafficking is increasing steadily. Criminals involved are usually opening this illegal trade and making much more profit than they are earning.
What action can be taken to prevent trafficking of the otter?
Strict laws should be made against the trafficking of the auto, and in this case, international cooperation is essential. However, government and environmental organizations from different countries have taken some steps. Yet no sufficient action has been taken against it. The first thing to do is to raise awareness among the people. For example, people need to be informed about the dangers of these videos aired on social media. If people understand that these otter videos are actually a technique of wildlife trafficking, then they may stay away from it. In addition, action should be taken against the criminals by enacting administratively strict laws. Effective strict punishment should be taken against the smugglers of the wildlife, and they have to break all the hunting, transport, or sales cycles.
In addition, environmental organizations need to promote awareness on social media platforms. These are a very important step for the animal and the environment. If environmental organizations educate the people more effectively on social media, they will at least stop sharing such videos on social media or refrain from buying it. The social responsibility that will create such awareness will create a major obstacle against illegal wildlife trafficking.
Our responsibility is our responsibility to prevent trafficking:
As a joy of gaining popularity from the video of the otter going viral, we have a great responsibility because of the illegal activities behind it. Animals have the right to coordinate with nature. So it is not human to occupy them as a pet. Such otter videos are becoming proof for their victims and trafficking. It is harmful to our environment, animals, and humanity. Therefore, we should raise awareness of such videos and develop a strict attitude against wildlife trafficking.
Conclusion:
In this way, illegal wildlife trafficking cycles that are being developed by going viral on social media are not only dangerous for our environment and animals, but they can also be dangerous for humans.