Trafficking
How do I report wildlife trafficking?
Report suspected wildlife crime to your national enforcement unit — document online ads with screenshots before contacting authorities.
In brief
Report suspected wildlife crime to your national wildlife enforcement unit or police. In the UK, contact the National Wildlife Crime Unit; internationally, use CITES authority contacts or INTERPOL’s reporting channels where available.
By the WARN Research & Conservation TeamChecked against IUCN Red List & CITES sourcesLast updated
Suspected wildlife trafficking should be reported to national wildlife enforcement or police — in the UK, the National Wildlife Crime Unit. Document online listings selling protected species, ivory, pangolin products or suspicious “captive bred” exotics: screenshots, URLs, seller handles and dates. Do not attempt to buy illegal wildlife to “rescue” it — purchase funds further trafficking. WARN publishes jurisdiction-specific reporting links for UK and US readers.
UK
NWCU — National Wildlife Crime Unit
US
FWS Office of Law Enforcement tip line
180+
CITES member countries with authorities
0
Purchase — never buy to rescue; report instead
Quick facts
| UK reporting | National Wildlife Crime Unit — nwcu.police.uk |
|---|---|
| US reporting | US Fish and Wildlife Service — fws.gov/le |
| Document first | Screenshots, URLs, dates, seller identifiers before listing removal |
| Do not buy | Purchase funds further trafficking — report instead |
| Online ads | Social media wildlife sales — primary modern channel |
| CITES | National CITES Management Authority contacts for international trade |
Key takeaways
- Report to national wildlife crime units — UK NWCU, US FWS.
- Document online ads with screenshots, URLs and dates first.
- Never buy illegal wildlife to rescue — funds further trafficking.
- Appendix I species commercial trade is prohibited under CITES.
- Social media is a primary sales channel — report listings there.
- Confiscated animals enter lawful rescue — purchase is not rescue.
What to report
Report online advertisements selling ivory, rhino horn, pangolin scales or products, tiger parts, live Appendix I species — slow lorises, tiger cubs, African grey parrots — and suspicious “captive bred” claims without permits. Physical markets, shipping offers and dark-web listings qualify. Include location if known, species visible, price and seller contact. UK NWCU accepts reports on domestic and online crime affecting UK residents or platforms. US FWS handles violations of Lacey Act and Endangered Species Act. Even if unsure of legality, specialists assess — public reports initiate investigations.
How to document evidence
Screenshot full listing pages including URL bar, date and seller profile before platforms remove content. Save HTML where technically able; note exact timestamps. Do not engage sellers beyond what is safe — undercover work is for trained officers. Do not transfer money or arrange meetups that risk personal safety. Multiple reports of the same listing from different witnesses strengthen cases. Chain of custody matters for physical evidence — do not mail wildlife products to authorities without instruction; may violate possession laws.
UK and US reporting channels
UK: National Wildlife Crime Unit online reporting form and email — coordinates with police forces and Border Force. Crimestoppers accepts anonymous wildlife crime tips. US: FWS Office of Law Enforcement tip form and phone line; state fish and wildlife agencies for intrastate violations. INTERPOL Wildlife Crime working group coordinates internationally but public reports start nationally. CITES Secretariat lists national Management Authority contacts for trade violations. WARN full reporting guide links these channels with step-by-step instructions for common scenarios — Instagram wildlife sellers, marketplace ivory, suspicious pet shops.
After reporting and what not to do
Investigations take time — lack of immediate action does not mean reports are ignored. Do not publicly harass suspected sellers — may alert them to destroy evidence. Do not buy animals to rescue — creates market demand and may make you liable for possession offences. Support partner rescue through donations after enforcement confiscation, not open-market purchase. WARN trafficking answers link reporting to welfare-first rescue funding for animals seized through official channels — the lawful welfare pathway.