Critically endangered sawfish killed for teeth worth up to $8k in illegal trade
Critically endangered sawfish are being illegally hunted for their rostral teeth, which are carved into spurs for use in violent cockfighting matches. Peru has been identified as a significant hub for this illicit trade, which threatens the survival of the species.
Why it matters
The intersection of illegal wildlife trade and animal cruelty highlights the urgent need for international conservation efforts to protect endangered marine life.
Sawfish are some of the ocean’s most unusual animals. With their long, saw-like snouts and ancient-looking bodies, they have fascinated people for centuries, and in some cultures their rostrums were once seen as sacred or even magical. Today, though, that same strange anatomy is part of what makes them a target for poachers.The new concern is not just that sawfish are being hunted. It is what their rostral teeth are being turned into: spurs used in cockfighting, a trade that can be deeply hidden, highly profitable and devastating for one of the world’s most endangered marine species.Why sawfish are so vulnerableSawfish belong to the ray family, but they look unlike almost anything else in the sea. Their flat rostrum, the long “saw” lined with tooth-like projections, is part of their skeleton, not just a surface feature.
Get smarter about the news
Sign up free for a feed built around what you actually care about, Dive Deeper research on any story, and the full text of every article.
Create free accountAlready have an account? Sign in