Among the major factors contributing to social destabilization and environmental damage in various Central African nations is the proliferation of poaching and the resulting black market industry. Every year, poachers kill thousands of exotic animals such as elephants and rhinos to meet international demand for animal products. Despite the current global ban on any products derived from poached animals, the current illegal poaching market affects millions of human and animal lives. Through the use of stricter international legislation, increased awareness through educational services and increased funding for African national park rangers, poaching in Central Africa could decrease to the benefit of both African society and the global ecosystem . Today's modern poaching business resonates with the influence of former European control over regions of Africa where exotic animals are prevalent. Many European colonies organized in Africa during the mid-nineteenth century age of imperialism were created solely for the exploitation of land, resources, and cheap labor for the benefit of Europe alone. Notably, Belgium, under the leadership of King Leopold II, established ivory trading posts in the Congo from which the lucrative ivory trade gained legitimacy. One colony in particular, Ivory Coast, was named after its French founders for its reputation as an ivory-harvesting province. Demand for ivory, rhino horn, and other exotic animal products increased during the mid-nineteenth century as industrialization increased the economic prowess of European and American citizens. The Encyclopedia Britannica states that “rapid prosperity in both Europe and North America led to increased demand for ivory to make… half the paper… Dying in an epic frenzy as ivory fuels wars and profits.” The New York Times 4 September 2012: A1. Print.Kabukuru, Wanjohi. “Poaching: The Hidden Threat to African Economies.” African Business 399 (2013): 70-72. Web. 11 March 2014. Wasser, Samuel K., et al. "Combating the Illegal Trade in African Elephant Ivory with Forensic Biology" 22.4 (2008): 1065 -1071. Web 27 March 2014. "Encyclopædia Britannica". 2014. Web. 27 March 2014Alessi, Michael De. "Allowing limited ivory trade will help protect elephants in Africa." Opposing points of view in context. March 31. 2014.