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

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 escalated dramatically over the last decade. 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 the lion’s share of the profits; the trade is so lucrative that organised crime syndicates are now actively involved in wildlife trafficking.

Poached elephant, Mozambique. © JABRUSON

Conservation interventions have historically focused on regulation by introducing new and stronger legislation and trade controls. The Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora, or CITES for short, is a voluntary international agreement between governments. Countries that sign up to CITES – and there are currently over 180 – are legally bound to varying degrees of trade regulation for over 35,000 threatened plant and animal species. When well managed, formal licensing of wildlife trade can help to combat over-exploitation and the data collected in the process helps to inform management decisions and policy responses.

But regulation alone cannot combat illicit wildlife trade. A suite of approaches is needed including increasing our understanding of – and managing the demand for – wildlife products, engaging and supporting communities in countries where species targeted for trade are found, and addressing issues underpinning illegal trafficking such as corruption.

Breathtaking biodiversity