Which of the following is a common sign of poaching activities?

The identification of illegal traps and carcasses without permits as a common sign of poaching activities is critical in wildlife conservation efforts. This answer is correct because poaching often involves the use of illegal means to capture or kill wildlife, bypassing regulations put in place to protect animal populations and their habitats. The presence of traps that are not authorized can indicate ongoing illegal hunting or trapping activities targeting specific species.

Traps can lead to serious consequences for wildlife, contributing to population declines, especially for vulnerable or endangered species. Similarly, discovering carcasses without accompanying permits suggests that animals were killed unlawfully, further demonstrating violations of wildlife protection laws. Such evidence can trigger investigations by wildlife officers and may help in the prosecution of individuals involved in poaching.

The other options represent circumstances that are less directly indicative of poaching activities. For instance, while illegal signage could be associated with various forms of poaching by marking territories or indicating restricted areas, it does not provide direct evidence of animal capture or illegal killing. Unmarked trails in protected areas could indicate human movement, but without direct evidence of illegal hunting or trapping, they do not conclusively point to poaching. Lastly, increased wildlife tourism typically reflects strengthening conservation practices rather than poaching, although it might have indirect consequences on