The clouds of extinction are looming large over the wildcats of Afghanistan. The war torn country was once a heaven for the snow leopard species. Unfortunately, today this is not so. These animals due to their elusiveness have some how, managed to survive the country’s turmoil over thirty years.

Today, these big cats face a survival threat from foreigners – those involved in rebuilding Afghanistan. The country banned poaching and hunting of snow leopards in 2002. But, the system being ineffective, a lot of snow leopard skins and furs can be found for sale in the tourist bazaars. Foreigners including tourists and those at international military base camps can be found purchasing these skins and furs at the local markets. Shopkeepers at the Chicken Street (Kabul’s main tourist bazaar) sell pelts and fur coats made from many of Afghanistan’s animal species. Prices may be anywhere between $300-$ 1500. Ask the shopkeepers and they reveal that, it is not difficult for them to illegally trade these skins across international borders as they have provisions to hide these skins and send them across, inside blankets.

The Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species (CITES) has enlisted many animals in Afghanistan including snow leopards, as ‘endangered’. It levies a heavy fine on those found guilty of transporting a fur across an international border. The fine in the U.S. amounts to $100,000 and one year term in jail.

Despite these  strict measures, the illegal trade of fur and pelt sale is flourishing in the valleys of Afghanistan. To meet the demand poachers are always on the look out for a big cat and thus, this demand-supply chain is pushing the snow leopards further towards extinction.

No body knows the exact number of snow leopards in the wild but it is estimated, 3500-7000 of these animals may be living around world (as per the International Snow Leopard Trust). Scenario is even worse for the Afghani snow leopards, only 100-200 of which survive in their natural habitat today. Only imposing a ban on their hunting is not enough. Those at the receiving end acting as customers of fur trade must be cracked down before it’s too late.

Via Reuters

Dog poo is the greatest bane of dog lovers. You love keeping a pet at home and, nothing like keeping man’s best friend doggie dearest. Tending and feeding him is huge delight. Honestly, one doesn’t even mind the tantrums or say the bit about training the pooch. But when it comes to potty troubles, you want to run in the opposite direction from your dog’s poo that moment.

Cleaning it is the greatest punishment mankind inflicted on itself. Not anymore for there is UGODOG, a very useful product for dog lovers. This strange product will not only help you maintain your domestic bliss and cleanliness but also reduce the dog pee pad expenses. It is actually a fitted grate which keeps newspaper or pee pad away from dogs and prevents their paws from getting wet. UGODOG is the trustably the best in comparison with other similar products. Do look up their homepage to see the comparison chart. In fact, UGODOG can even be purchased from their secure online store. On top of all this, the company also gives a 30day money back guarantee on the purchase of UGODOG. What better than this offer, return the product if you don’t like it! Any takers?

Read

Fiery, furious, ferocious king of the jungle is no more the king!! Can’t believe it? Meet Kevin Richardson, the King of the kings!!

Most brutal of all beasts, whose very sight horrifies us, doesn’t terrify him in the least. Cheetahs, leopards and even unpredictable hyenas hold no threats for him. So friendly is his fellowship with these beasts, that mother hyenas even allow him to hold their newborn cubs without pouncing to the rescue.

But lions are his most beloved beings and his most intimate chums. He cuddles and caresses them as little children, and even communicates with them. Lions to him seem to be the substitutes of pet dogs. Not only his unconditional love, but also his dignity and respect towards these animals leaves us dumbfound.

Richardson, 32, who is based in a wildlife conservation area near Johannesburg in South Africa, says, “I don’t use sticks, whips or chains, just patience. It may be dangerous, but this is a passion for me, not a job.”

Imagine a person’s patience over-powering the wrath of the most petrifying beings! Hats off to you Sir!!

via spluch