Illegal wildlife trade
The illegal wildlife trade is one of the largest illicit industries in the world. It is also the single biggest direct driver of decline for many of the species WARN supporters care most about — pango
The illegal wildlife trade is the unlawful capture, transport, sale and possession of wild animals or their parts in violation of national or international (CITES) law, repeatedly identified by UNODC as transnational organised crime.
Key Facts
- UNODC consistently ranks wildlife trafficking among the largest illicit industries globally.
- CITES Appendix I lists species that may not be commercially traded internationally.
- Online marketplaces and social media now account for a substantial share of exotic-pet sales.
- Pangolins are the most trafficked mammals in the world by recorded tonnage.
- Effective response requires enforcement, demand reduction and welfare-first rescue capacity.
What counts as illegal wildlife trade
The legal authority is CITES — see our explainer on what CITES is for the framework. In essence: any cross-border movement of a CITES-listed species or part without the correct permits is illegal, and many countries also prohibit domestic trade in particular species (the UK Ivory Act 2018 is one example).
What drives the trade
Profit. Pangolin scales, rhino horn, ivory and tiger bone move at margins that rival those of narcotics. Demand markets are concentrated in East and Southeast Asia and the Gulf states, with source markets in Africa, Southeast Asia and Latin America.
What can be done
Three interventions consistently work: stronger enforcement at chokepoints (international airports, container ports), demand reduction in consumer markets, and welfare-grade rescue capacity for confiscated animals. The third is where WARN is being built to contribute.
