What is Involved in the Illegal Wildlife Trade?

Wildlife trade involves the distribution of live animals or products made from live animals. Although most wildlife trade is legal, many countries have restrictions on the types of animals that may be traded. Often, the sale of endangered or threatened animals and the products made from these animals is strictly forbidden. Illegal wildlife trade happens when criminals ignore these laws, and it usually involves transactions on the black market.

One common product in the black market wildlife trade is bushmeat. In its purest form, the word "bushmeat" refers to any local animal hunted for food. In the context of illegal wildlife trade, the term "bushmeat trade" is often used to describe the illegal hunting and sale of endangered animals for food.

In some parts of the world, some endangered animals, mainly primates, are considered delicacies. Poachers primarily target gorillas and chimpanzees for illegal bushmeat. This poaching has resulted in a drastic decline in the number of primates in the wild. In 2000, illegal hunting was listed as a direct cause of the possible extinction of the Miss Waldron's Red Colobus monkey.

Poachers also hunt and trap live animals for illegal trade. Primates, exotic birds and wild cats are all animals that are at risk because of illegal wildlife trade. Exotic birds, in particular yellow-naped Amazon parrots and scarlet macaws, are highly sought for use as pets.

Large cats such as tigers and cheetahs, and primates such as chimpanzees and orangutans, are in high demand for display in private zoos and use in animal entertainment acts. There are legitimate ways of obtaining these animals, but the process generally is lengthy and expensive. As a result, black market trading of these endangered animals has become a lucrative source of income to hunters who choose to engage in illegal wildlife trade.

Many traditional remedies also contain ingredients from endangered animals. Bile from the gall bladder of the Asiatic black bear, rhinoceros horns and almost all parts of the tiger are used in traditional Chinese medicine. The sale of medicines containing these endangered animals is frequently prohibited by local and regional governments.

Luxury goods represent a significant portion of illegal wildlife trade. Ivory from the trunk of African and Asian elephants is used in decorative carvings and jewelry that frequently find their way to the black market. Belts and shoes made from crocodile skin remain popular, even though many crocodile species are now listed as threatened or endangered. Bracelets and hair accessories made from the shell of the endangered hawksbill turtle are also common items in illegal trading.

Penalties for illegal wildlife trading vary from country to country but are often quite stiff. Fines in excess of $100,000 US Dollars and prison terms of 20 or more years have been reported. Illegal traders who operate internationally are often subject to prosecution in more than one country.

The illegal wildlife trade is the unlawful buying, selling, or exchange of wild animals or plants against international or domestic laws. This trade threatens biodiversity, with the World Wildlife Fund reporting that it ranks behind habitat destruction as a threat to species. It includes live animals, timber, marine life, and derivatives like ivory or rhino horn.

The illegal wildlife trade is a major conservation concern because it leads to the decline of endangered species, disrupts ecosystems, and can result in the extinction of animals and plants. It also poses a risk to human health by potentially spreading zoonotic diseases, as seen with the COVID-19 pandemic, which has links to wildlife markets.

Some of the most trafficked species include elephants, rhinos, tigers, and pangolins. Elephants are poached for ivory, rhinos for their horns, and tigers for their skins and body parts. Pangolins are the most trafficked mammals, with their scales highly valued in traditional medicine, according to Traffic, the wildlife trade monitoring network.

The illegal wildlife trade operates through complex international networks that exploit legal trade routes and corrupt systems. Smugglers use falsified permits and mislabel shipments to move contraband. The trade is driven by demand in black markets, often in Asia and the United States, where consumers are willing to pay high prices for wildlife products.

Local communities suffer from the illegal wildlife trade as it can deplete resources they depend on for livelihoods and cultural practices. It can also undermine local conservation efforts and lead to conflicts. However, some communities are coerced or incentivized into participating due to poverty and lack of alternative economic opportunities.

Governments, international organizations, and NGOs are combating the illegal wildlife trade through stricter laws, improved enforcement, and international agreements like CITES. Public awareness campaigns aim to reduce demand, while conservation groups work on the ground to protect species. Technology, such as DNA analysis and online surveillance, is increasingly used to track and prosecute illegal activities.