Impact of Wildlife Crime
Despite two decades of efforts worldwide, more than 4,000 precious wildlife species still fall prey to trafficking every year. The UNODC report highlights the devastating consequences of wildlife crime on nature, livelihoods, public health, governance, and the planet’s ability to combat climate change.
Scope and Harm
Wildlife crime has a profound global impact, affecting around 4,000 plant and animal species, with approximately 3,250 listed under CITES. Law enforcement agencies have seized 13 million items totaling more than 16,000 tonnes from 2015 to 2021 across 162 countries and territories.
- Positive signs in combating poaching for iconic species like elephants and rhinoceroses
- Challenges persist for thousands of protected plants and animals
Environmental and Climate Impact
Illicit trafficking in wildlife species not only drives the extinction of rare species but also disrupts ecosystems, undermining their ability to mitigate climate change. The recent extinction of succulent plant species in South Africa and depletion of rare orchids are examples of the harm caused by wildlife trafficking.
Health Risks and Concerns
Experts have raised concerns about disease risks associated with wildlife trade, including direct transmission to humans and broader threats to wildlife populations, ecosystems, and food production systems.
Role of Organized Crime
An analysis of wildlife species trafficking seizures reveals the involvement of powerful organized crime groups exploiting fragile ecosystems worldwide. Transnational criminal networks engage in various stages of the trade chain, continuously adapting their methods to evade detection and prosecution.
Solutions and Hope
Efforts to combat wildlife crime require strong interventions at both the demand and supply sides of the trafficking chain. A comprehensive strategy addressing both demand and supply has shown positive results in reducing poaching, seizures, and market prices for species like elephants and rhinoceroses.
By addressing corruption, strengthening enforcement, and investing in data and monitoring capacities, there is hope to combat wildlife crime and protect endangered species.