Key findings

• During 2015-2021, rhinoceroses and cedars were most impacted animal and plant species respectively.
• Largest numbers of seizures reported during 2015- 2021 involved corals, followed by crocodilians and elephants.
• For seizures of animal species, there is gradual increase from 2015–2019 and then decline in 2020 and 2021.
• For seizures of plant species, there is sharp increase in 2020 and 2021. 

Wildlife crime

• It can be defined as taking, possession, trade or movement, consumption of wild animals and plants or their derivatives in contravention of any international, regional, or national legislation(s). 

Factors driving wildlife crime 

• Demand for medicine, pets, bushmeat, ornamental plants etc.
• Huge profits earned by illegal traders by selling exotic animals, plants, and their parts. Eg. Rhinoceros horn, etc.
• Corruption undermines government restrictions on wildlife harvest, trade and use, thus enabling wildlife crime.

Impact of Wildlife Crime

• Environmental: Overexploitation and reduced populations of wildlife species; Increasing invasive alien species etc.
  • Out of all seized fauna, 40% were either threatened or near-threatened on red list.
• Economical: Money-laundering and illegal cross-border financial flows. 
• Social: Risks of disease transmission to people from live animals, plants, wildlife meat; Degradation of services like food, medicines, energy, etc.