(National Geopraphic - By Betsy Mason) As international trade threatens vulnerable species and natural resources, new maps show some unexpected connections.
In a world driven by a globalized economy, the biggest threat to an endangered species is often fueled by consumer demand thousands of miles away. And this makes protection of wildlife and biodiversity an even more daunting task.
Now scientists have traced these economic pressures back to their origins and mapped the spots where major consuming countries are threatening biodiversity around the world. The researchers hope the work can help exporting and importing countries work together on conservation efforts, many of which are still focused on local issues.
.... http://news.nationalgeographic.com/2017/01/maps-reveal-how-global-consumption-hurts-wildlife/