Podcast Summary
Undercover investigations of illegal activities can be dangerous, especially when dealing with those in power: Staying vigilant and adaptable is crucial when conducting undercover investigations, as those in power may pose a significant risk.
Investigating illegal activities, especially those involving endangered species, can put investigators in danger, even if they are in a seemingly safe location. Malaika Vass, a National Geographic Explorer, went undercover to investigate the manta ray black market in East Asia and encountered government officials monitoring her activities. These officials could have been trying to suppress the investigation due to the embarrassment it could cause for the government. The danger faced by investigators often comes from those in positions of power, and it's essential to be aware of the potential risks involved. Malaika's experience highlights the importance of staying vigilant and adaptable when conducting undercover investigations. It also underscores the significance of shedding light on illegal activities, even if it means facing potential danger.
Discovering the Illegal Trade of Manta Rays: Manta rays, cherished for their beauty, are illegally hunted and traded for their gill plates in India despite international regulations. The demand for their gill plates remains unknown.
Manta rays, which Malaika has always cherished for their beauty and playful nature, are being illegally hunted and traded for their gill plates in various parts of the world, including India. This discovery came as a shock to Malaika, who had always thought of manta rays as foreign animals, but later found out that they exist in Eastern Indian waters as well. The sight of 25 dead manta rays in a local seafood market was a sobering experience for her, emphasizing the urgent need to protect these gentle giants. Despite regulations against the trade of manta rays under international treaties, the practice continues due to bribes and falsified permits. The demand for their gill plates, the reason behind their illegal trade, remains unknown. Malaika, moved by this discovery, decided to investigate and uncover the truth behind this devastating trade.
Manta rays illegally transported from India to Myanmar: Despite international law, manta rays are illegally transported from India to Myanmar, disguised as dried fish, potentially funding insurgent groups.
The illegal trade of manta rays extends beyond coastal areas and reaches inland regions, even in remote and conflict-prone areas. Malaika, a filmmaker, discovered this when she learned that manta rays were being transported from India to Myanmar for trade, despite being illegal under international law. The discovery was made when soldiers at the border confiscated a storehouse filled with dead manta rays. The traders were able to transport the animals undetected due to the lack of knowledge about manta rays in the area and the fact that a dead manta ray looks like a piece of dried fish. The trade may be linked to insurgent groups seeking funding for their activities. Despite facing resistance from authorities, Malaika persisted in her investigation and was able to obtain the trader's number, leading to a confrontation with the trader and potentially shedding light on the larger issue.
Going undercover as a seafood trader to expose illegal wildlife trade: Malaika's undercover work as a seafood trader in India and China uncovered potential illegal activities in the wildlife trade, highlighting the importance of investigative journalism in raising awareness and combating this issue.
In order to uncover the truth about illegal wildlife trade, Malaika had to go undercover as a seafood trader and gain extensive knowledge about the trade. She spent time with real seafood traders in India, asking them questions about various marine animals and their prices. Her research was crucial, as she needed to convincingly pass as a legitimate trader. Once ready, she traveled to China, posing as a trader and using hidden cameras to gather information on the demand for manta rays and their potential source in India. Her dedication and commitment to the cause led her to uncover potential illegal activities in the wildlife trade.
Perception and belief shape the value of commodities: Beliefs, even if unfounded, can increase the value of commodities, making extinction a profitable endeavor. Perception and belief play a significant role in shaping markets.
Perception and belief can influence the value placed on certain commodities, even if those beliefs are not grounded in fact. In the text, Malaika discovers that manta rays, which are not traditionally used in Chinese medicine, are being trafficked and sold as valuable medicinal items due to the belief that they have medicinal properties. Malaika's encounter with the traders in Hong Kong and Guangzhou reveals that the value of endangered animals increases as they become rarer and more expensive, making extinction a lucrative and exotic commodity. The traders' claims about the medicinal properties of manta rays were found to be untrue when Malaika consulted a traditional medicine doctor in China, who could not find any mention of manta rays in his extensive book of traditional recipes. This discovery highlights the power of perception and belief in shaping markets and the value of commodities.
Manta Ray Trade Covered by Traditional Medicine Label: Manta ray trade is driven by profit and demand, not traditional practices, as revealed by an encounter with a kingpin.
The traditional medicine label is often used as a cover for the wildlife trade, which is driven by business and profit. Malaika's investigation into the manta ray trade led her to discover that the demand for these animals is fabricated and controlled by a network of traders and kingpins. She was able to meet one of these kingpins in India and learned that they view manta rays as a lucrative business opportunity, with a large market for their gill plates. Despite the potential for extinction, they believe the animals will continue to be available for trade. Malaika's encounter with the kingpin provided her with a deeper understanding of the mindset of those involved in the wildlife trade, revealing that it is not driven by traditional practices, but rather by profit and demand.
Challenges of Undercover Work in Own Country: Undercover work in own country brings unique challenges like trader suspicion, lack of cover details, and potential exposure of informants, highlighting the complexity and danger of investigating illegal activities.
Undercover work is more challenging in one's own country compared to a foreign land. The traders' suspicion was aroused by Malaika's young age and lack of experience, making it difficult for her to maintain her cover as a seafood trader. The kingpin asked tough questions, and they didn't have all the necessary cover details. Malaika's driver was also confronted, and there was a risk he might reveal the truth. Malaika had to come up with an excuse to leave quickly. The traders' livelihood depends on the manta ray trade, and anyone threatening their income could face serious consequences. The incident served as a reminder that the manta ray trade is not just about the fishermen, but also about the powerful figures behind it.
Understanding the Global Issue of Wildlife Trafficking: Collective action from stakeholders and governments, education, and awareness are crucial to combat wildlife trafficking and protect endangered species.
Wildlife trafficking is a global issue that requires collective action from various stakeholders and governments. The people involved in the trade, often at the grassroots level, are motivated by survival and the need to feed their families. However, larger criminal syndicates profit significantly from this illegal trade. Malaika's experience of tracking the trade across different parts of the world, from wildlife markets to oceans, helped her understand the need for international cooperation to combat wildlife trafficking. The human hand is responsible for the exploitation and captivity of animals, such as elephants, which are often taken from the wild or bred in captivity for human entertainment. Education and awareness are essential to prevent further exploitation and promote policy changes. For instance, documentaries and educational campaigns have led to the confiscation of illegal wildlife shipments and the enactment of laws protecting endangered species. Malaika's work with wildlife trafficking organizations demonstrates the importance of long-term commitment and collaboration to tackle this complex issue.
Exploring the Haunting Calls of Dholes: Listeners are taken on an audio journey to experience the unique and haunting calls of dholes, a wild dog species, through the recordings of National Geographic Explorer Vijay Ramesh in India. The sounds help dholes communicate during hunts and leave a lasting impression on those who encounter them.
The world around us is full of unique and fascinating sounds, and sometimes these sounds come from unexpected sources. In this episode of Overheard from National Geographic, we were introduced to the haunting calls of a wild dog species called dholes. Explorer Vijay Ramesh recorded this sound while studying birds in the Western Ghats in India. Dholes are related to other canines like coyotes and jackals, but their distinct whistles and clucks help them communicate during hunts. Vijay was initially intimidated by the pack of dholes he encountered, but their calls left him with a haunting experience. This segment is part of SoundBank, a series that brings listeners the world through the ears of National Geographic Explorers and photographers. To support more content like this, consider rating and reviewing Overheard in your podcast app or subscribing to National Geographic. For more information about the animals featured in this episode, check out the show notes or Nat Geo Wild's video on manta ray social circles.
