Illicit Wildlife Trade refers to the commerce of products that are derived from non-domesticated animals or plants usually extracted from their natural environment or raised under control conditions.
“lllicit wildlife trafficking” describes any environment-related crime that involves the illegal trade, smuggling, poaching, capture or collection of endangered species, protected wildlife (including animals and plants that are subject to harvest quotas and regulated by permits), derivatives or products thereof.
Poaching has traditionally been defined as the illegal hunting or capturing of wild animals, usually associated with land use rights. And Game cropping is defined as the taking of animals from a wild herd in numbers that will not endanger the viability of the wild population
Most of the trade in wildlife is legal and provides much-needed revenue to range areas or source countries, many of which are located in developing countries or countries with economies in transition. However, according to Zimmerman, “The black market in illegal wildlife is now the second largest in the world—ranking only behind the trade in illegal drugs.” Therefore, the illegal trade, according to Cook et al, not only threatens survival and conservation of endangered species but also offers high rewards and low risks to those involved.
Table of Contents
1.1 INTRODUCTION
1.2 The Extent of the Illegal Trade
1.3 The Activities
1.4 Economic Value of Illegal Wildlife Trade
2.1 Overview of Illicit Trade in Wildlife
2.2 Regional overviews
2.3 Major Illegal Wildlife Products and Markets
2.3.1 Rhino horn
2.3.2 IVORY
3.1 Causes of Illicit Wildlife Trade
3.2 The Contributing Factors
3.3 Implications of Illicit Wildlife Trade
3.3.1 Implications for Natural Wealth, Environment and Biodiversity
3.3.2 Implications for Global Health
3.3.3 Implications for Social and Economic Development
3.3.4 Implications for National and International Security
4.1 Efforts Made To Tackle Illegal Wildlife Trade
4.1.1 Combating the Illegal Trade in African Elephant Ivory with DNA Forensics
4.1.2 Global Efforts to Stop Illicit Wildlife Trade
4.2 Ongoing Efforts to Stop Illicit Wildlife Trade.
4.2.1 Law Enforcement Training On Ivory Seizures in East Africa
4.2.2. Mobile Tiger Patrols in Sumatra, Indonesia
4.3. Way Out Of Illicit Wildlife Trade
4.3.1 Awareness and Education
4.3.2. Enforcement
Research Objectives and Core Themes
This paper aims to provide a comprehensive global overview of the illicit wildlife trade, examining the drivers, economic scale, and multifaceted implications of this environmental crime, while exploring potential strategies for intervention and mitigation.
- Economic analysis and market dynamics of the illegal wildlife trade.
- Geographical distribution and regional trends in wildlife poaching.
- Security, health, and environmental consequences of wildlife trafficking.
- Evaluation of enforcement efforts and the role of forensic technology.
- Strategic approaches to demand reduction through awareness and policy.
Excerpt from the Book
1.2 The Extent of the Illegal Trade
Most of the trade in wildlife is legal and provides much-needed revenue to range areas or source countries, many of which are located in developing countries or countries with economies in transition. However, according to Zimmerman (2003), “The black market in illegal wildlife is now the second largest in the world—ranking only behind the trade in illegal drugs.” Therefore, the illegal trade, according to Cook et al. (2002), not only threatens survival and conservation of endangered species but also offers high rewards and low risks to those involved.
Although is it obvious that no standardized formula exists to calculate the costs of legal or illegal revenues, three additional things are evident. First, loss of wildlife extends well beyond monetary values; for example, the depletion of rainforests is said to contribute to global climate changes in addition to the destruction of natural habitats that sustain plants, animals, and humans. Second, the trade in endangered species, if it is truly second only to that of illegal drugs trafficking, must be extremely lucrative— presenting traders with opportunities to earn vast amounts of money while remaining relatively invisible to authorities. Third, the limitations placed on the legal wildlife markets provide a fertile environment for illegal markets to develop and thrive. Illegal markets, as with any strongly demanded commodity, will bypass legal trade regulations, such as quotas, permits, and documentations required, for example, by CITES signatory countries (Zimmerman 2003). An item included on the World Conservation Union’s (IUCN) Red List of Threatened Species might well increase the desirability of the item among certain collectors. The greater the scarcity of the plant or animal, the greater the desirability as well as the costs in terms of acquisition from the wild, preparation of goods for processing, and subsequently, transportation to final consumer destinations. The amount of effort it takes to obtain the item coupled with the level of protection levied at it will no doubt be reflected in the final price. (Jacqueline 2008)
Summary of Chapters
1.1 INTRODUCTION: Defines the scope of illicit wildlife trafficking, poaching, and game cropping as environmental crimes.
1.2 The Extent of the Illegal Trade: Analyzes the scale of the black market for wildlife, highlighting its status as one of the largest illegal trades globally.
1.3 The Activities: Outlines the distinct illegal activities, including timber, caviar, drugs, skins, and specimen collection, and their trade routes.
1.4 Economic Value of Illegal Wildlife Trade: Discusses the financial incentives driving poachers and the lucrative nature of wildlife crime.
2.1 Overview of Illicit Trade in Wildlife: Provides global valuation data and trends in poaching for elephants and rhinos.
2.2 Regional overviews: Examines specific trafficking dynamics and hotspots across Africa, Asia, and Europe.
2.3 Major Illegal Wildlife Products and Markets: Details the trafficking chains and demand factors for rhino horn and ivory.
3.1 Causes of Illicit Wildlife Trade: Explores the drivers of demand and the systemic gaps in protection that facilitate the trade.
3.2 The Contributing Factors: Focuses on the role of corruption, weak governance, and limited economic opportunities in fueling poaching.
3.3 Implications of Illicit Wildlife Trade: Analyzes the diverse negative impacts of wildlife crime on the environment, public health, economy, and security.
4.1 Efforts Made To Tackle Illegal Wildlife Trade: Reviews international strategic efforts, including the application of DNA forensics and diplomatic policy.
4.2 Ongoing Efforts to Stop Illicit Wildlife Trade.: Highlights specific projects, such as law enforcement training in East Africa and mobile patrols in Indonesia.
4.3. Way Out Of Illicit Wildlife Trade: Proposes solutions focused on public awareness, education, and strengthening legal enforcement.
Keywords
Illicit Wildlife Trade, Poaching, Rhino Horn, Ivory, Trafficking, Biodiversity, Conservation, Corruption, Zoonotic Diseases, Organized Crime, CITES, Environmental Crime, Law Enforcement, Wildlife Management, Sustainability.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the core subject of this paper?
This paper examines the global phenomenon of the illegal wildlife trade, exploring how non-domesticated animals and plants are extracted from their natural environments for illicit commerce.
What are the primary themes discussed in the text?
The main themes include market dynamics, economic drivers, regional trafficking patterns, security threats, environmental impacts, and proposed mitigation strategies.
What is the primary objective of this research?
The research aims to provide an overview of the scale and impact of illegal wildlife trafficking and to emphasize the need for coordinated enforcement and demand reduction.
Which scientific or analytical methods are referenced?
The paper utilizes reports from international organizations and refers to methodologies such as DNA forensics for tracing origin and collaborative law enforcement training initiatives.
What specific topics are covered in the main body?
The main body covers the economic value of illegal products, regional hotspots in Africa and Asia, the link between wildlife crime and insecurity, and ongoing efforts like community awareness and anti-poaching patrol programs.
Which keywords characterize the essence of this work?
Key terms include wildlife trafficking, poaching, ivory, rhino horn, corruption, and conservation efforts.
How does the author connect wildlife poaching to national security?
The author argues that organized criminal syndicates and rebel groups, such as al-Shabaab and the Janjaweed, use the profits from poaching to fund weapon procurement and terrorist activities.
Why is corruption considered a critical factor?
Corruption weakens governance and law enforcement, allowing criminal networks to operate with low risk and high impunity, which is essential for the logistics of the illicit trade.
What role does China play in the ivory trade according to the findings?
The paper identifies China as the world's largest consumer of illicit ivory, driven by rising wealth, consumer demand for medicinal or social purposes, and historical ivory obsession.
What are the 'Mobile Tiger Patrols' mentioned in the text?
These are wildlife conservation initiatives in Sumatra, Indonesia, supported by international funds, involving conflict patrols and investigations to protect endangered tiger populations from poaching.
- Arbeit zitieren
- Babajide Baaniya (Autor:in), 2017, Illicit Wildlife Trade. A Global Review, München, GRIN Verlag, https://www.grin.com/document/412639
