Indonesian officials torched a pyre of wildlife contraband, confiscated from illegal trade, which included elephant tusks and tiger trophies. Such highly prized possessions are often seen as status symbols. Paul’s image highlights Indonesia as a global hub for the lucrative trade in wildlife, dead or alive.
This international industry makes more than $20 billion a year. Indonesia’s Sumatran tiger – the smallest of all tigers – is critically endangered: fewer than 400 remain. The country’s other two types of tiger have already been hunted to extinction. Tiger poaching continues, even in protected areas, supplying domestic and international demand for products like skins, teeth, taxidermies, bones and tiger bone wine.
UK/Australia
Paul is a photojournalist and wildlife trade consultant who focuses on global environmental and conservation issues. He endeavours to bring about urgent change in how we treat our surroundings. Widely published in leading international media, he is a Fellow of the International League of Conservation Photographers and has received many awards for his conservation photography.
Help us harness the power of photography to advance scientific knowledge, spread awareness of important issues and nurture a global love for nature.
