Summary
BBC News found that people are selling parts of endangered animals, like tiger teeth, dried seahorses, and shark fins, illegally on Facebook. These sales break international rules that protect endangered species and are illegal in many countries, including the UK. Facebook's owner, Meta, states that their platform does not allow such sales and claims to remove this content when found.
Key Facts
- Tiger teeth, dried seahorses, and shark fins are being sold on Facebook, according to BBC News.
- It is illegal to sell these endangered species under UK laws and international agreements like CITES.
- A Chinese seller offered tiger body parts online, including a tooth priced at 2,000 yuan (about £213).
- Shark fins were offered by a US-based seller for $50 per kilo (about £37).
- CITES regulates the trade of endangered species, allowing it only if it is both legal and sustainable.
- Meta, which owns Facebook, asserts it removes illegal posts about endangered animal sales.
- The global trade in endangered species is a major illegal activity, valued at around £17 billion annually.
- The UK sees seahorses promoted as medicine, though there's no scientific backing for these claims.
