Wildlife Crime

Wildlife crime involves the illegal trade of protected species that are trafficked as foodstuff, pets, souvenirs, fashion items, trophies, and medicinal ingredients. Popular destinations for this trade include North America, Asia, and Europe. The following discussion outlines the main features of wildlife crime and its impact on endangered species. Links between wildlife crime and organized crime are noted and the response of the international community to tackle it at a transnational level outlined. It is concluded that although work still needs to be done to continue to address wildlife crime, moves to protect endangered species arguably represent one of the greater successes of the international community, in terms of both membership agreement and the measures implemented to govern wildlife trade and protect endangered species.

It is ...