MOSCOW, August 21 (RAPSI) – The Russian Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment suggests to block access to websites promoting poaching and offer a reward for information about illegal hunting or capture of rare animals, RIA Novosti reported Thursday.

“Widespread poaching and illegal trade still have an extremely negative impact on the survival of rare and endangered species,” the agency quoted Minister of Natural Resources and Environment Sergei Donskoi as having said at the government meeting on Thursday.

“Fifty thousand violations, or just 10% of their total number, are annually exposed,” Donskoi said.

According to Donskoi, the international market of rare animals and their derivatives, including animal skin, stuffed animals and jewelry, is estimated at over 17 billion euros. Russia incurs minimal annual loss of over 19 billion rubles ($525 million) caused by illegal hunting.

“To change the situation, it is suggested that awards be offered for information exposing illegal hunting, capture or sales of rare animals,” the Minister added.

“It is also necessary to block websites that regularly post advertisements on the sale of rare animals,” Donskoi said.

He also reminded about presidential order on appointing at least three inspectors and game wardens in every administrative district of the Russian Federation. This will require an additional 1.3 billion rubles’ worth ($36 million) of public funds.