Wildlife trade

Illegal and unsustainable wildlife trade is one of the most serious threats to biodiversity. And to all those who depend on nature, which is ultimately every last one of us.

The trade in wildlife and other products sourced from nature can be perfectly legal. For example, live animals, ornamental plants, aquarium fish, leather goods and skins, and high-value timber that has been harvested sustainably.

Trade becomes illegal when it contravenes environmental regulations such as government legislation and international agreements put in place to prevent over-exploitation. But even legal trade can easily become unsustainable, so regulations are regularly changed to protect wildlife endangered by a sudden spike in demand.

Unsustainable exploitation

Industrial-scale plundering of the planet’s resources – whether it is hoovering every last shark from the world’s oceans to satisfy demand for their fins and meat, or trafficking endangered parrots and pangolins by the truckload – is clearly unsustainable. African elephant numbers have been decimated by the seemingly insatiable appetite for ivory, and rhino species worldwide have been brought to the brink by people prepared to pay a king’s ransom for rhino horn. Thriving markets for tiger bones and pelts, exotic reptile pets and luxury hardwood furniture are also taking a heavy toll.

Despite concerted efforts, illegal wildlife trade has continued to escalate in recent decades. Human population growth, increasing wealth and access to wildlife, and improved global transport links have all played a part. In parts of Asia where the tradition of wildlife consumption is culturally embedded, demand for particular high-value species has soared. At the other end of the supply chain, rural poverty in the countries that harbour these species is driving desperate people to plunder their own natural resources for scant reward. It is the intermediaries who pocket most of the profits; the trade is so lucrative that organised crime syndicates are now actively involved in wildlife trafficking.