Poaching is the act of illegally killing an animal. The very prominent subject of poaching is the rhino, some species of which are now virtually extinct due to extensive illegal hunting. However, many other animals are also poached. For example, elephants are poached for the ivory in their tusks. Tigers are poached as trophy animals or for traditional medicine. Sea turtles and lemurs also suffer a similar fate for similar reasons.
The poaching of these animals has driven their population into corners, where they face imminent extinction. Although rehabilitation efforts are extensive, it is unlikely that the populations of these animals will recover unless the poachers are stopped first.