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IELTS Free Online Writing Practice - Is wildlife trafficking a major threat to biodiversity?

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Task 2 Topic: "Is wildlife trafficking a major threat to biodiversity?"

Model Answer:

Wildlife trafficking is an increasing global problem that poses a significant threat to the world's biodiversity. Over the past few decades, the illegal trade in wild animals and plants has expanded at an alarming rate due to factors such as the growing demand for exotic pets, traditional medicine ingredients, and trophies from hunting expeditions. This essay will argue that wildlife trafficking is a major threat to biodiversity by examining its impact on species extinction, habitat destruction, and the disruption of ecosystems.

Firstly, one of the most significant consequences of wildlife trafficking is the rapid decline in the number of endangered species. As poachers target specific animals for their unique traits or rarity, entire populations may be wiped out. For example, elephants are hunted for their ivory tusks, while rhinoceroses face a similar fate due to demand for their horns in traditional medicine. The loss of these species disrupts the delicate balance within ecosystems, as they play crucial roles in maintaining the health and diversity of their environments.

Secondly, habitat destruction caused by wildlife trafficking is another critical factor contributing to biodiversity loss. As traffickers move through remote areas in search of rare animals, they often destroy vegetation and disrupt habitats essential for countless other species. Additionally, the establishment of "safe houses" or breeding facilities for illegally captured animals frequently necessitates clearing large swaths of land, which can result in further habitat degradation.

Lastly, wildlife trafficking leads to the disruption of ecosystems as it upsets the natural predator-prey relationships. For example, removing apex predators such as lions from an area allows herbivore populations to explode, causing overgrazing and subsequent degradation of plant life. Conversely, the removal of specific prey species can lead to the overpopulation of their natural predators, resulting in an imbalanced ecosystem that struggles to recover without intervention.

In conclusion, wildlife trafficking is a major threat to biodiversity due to its impact on species extinction, habitat destruction, and disruption of ecosystems. As the demand for exotic animals and plants continues to grow, it becomes increasingly crucial for governments, conservation organizations, and international cooperation to implement stricter regulations and monitoring systems in order to combat this insidious trade. Without effective action, we risk losing irreplaceable species and altering delicate ecosystems beyond repair.

Score: 8.5/9

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