Sawfish Teeth Fuel Deadly Cockfights in Peru

Sawfish, ancient marine creatures known for their distinctive saw-like snouts, are critically endangered. These unique appendages, once revered, are now a target for illegal poaching. Despite laws in place, sawfish are hunted for a surprising and grim purpose: their rostrums are used to create deadly spurs for roosters in cockfighting. This illegal trade is particularly active in Peru and other South American countries where cockfighting persists. Researchers have uncovered that a single sawfish rostrum can be sold for up to $5,600, with poachers potentially netting around $8,000 per rostrum. The most valuable teeth are those from the center of the rostrum due to their hardness. This illicit commerce, often operating under the radar, poses a significant threat to the survival of all five sawfish species. Conservationists are calling for increased attention to this practice, which could drive these vulnerable animals to extinction.