Despite two decades of concerted action, wildlife trafficking persists worldwide with more than 4,000 species affected, says new UNODC World Wildlife Crime Report.

Environment

The UN Office on Drugs and Crime’s (UNODC) new World Wildlife Crime Report finds that – despite positive signs in reducing trafficking impacts for some iconic species like elephants and rhinoceros – wildlife trafficking overall has not been substantially reduced over two decades. More consistent enforcement to tackle both supply and demand, effective implementation of legislation, including anti-corruption laws, and stronger monitoring and research are needed.The global scope and scale of wildlife crime remain substantial, the report finds, with seizures during 2015–2021 indicating an illegal trade in 162 countries and territories affecting around 4,000 plant and animal species. Approximately 3,250 of these species are listed in the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES). However, some of the species worse affected – like rare orchids, succulents, reptiles, fish, birds and mammals – receive little public attention, though wildlife trafficking appears to have played a major role in their local or global extinctions.


      UNODC's World Wildlife Crime Report shows limited progress in curbing wildlife trafficking over two decades.

      More enforcement, anti-corruption measures, and research are needed to address the global wildlife trade.

      Wildlife trafficking affects over 4,000 species across 162 countries, including lesser-known species leading to local or global extinctions.

 

     


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