Wildlife Trafficking Welfare and Conservation Impact

Wildlife trafficking is one of the most significant global threats to both animal welfare and species conservation, causing immense suffering across millions of animals.

Key Facts

Wildlife trafficking is estimated to be worth USD 23 billion annually and is the fourth largest illegal trade
Mortality rates during capture and transit can reach 80% for some species
Parrots, reptiles, primates and big cats are among the most heavily trafficked live animals
Trafficking drives wild population collapse for targeted species and spreads zoonotic disease
Consumer demand for exotic pets, traditional medicine and trophy products drives the trade

Welfare Considerations

Wildlife trafficking causes suffering at an enormous scale. Animals captured for the live pet trade experience acute panic during capture, inhumane transport conditions causing injury and starvation, and mortality rates that mean most animals die before reaching their destination. Survivors often live in severely inadequate conditions. Species targeted for parts — ivory, rhino horn, pangolin scales — are killed brutally, often illegally. The welfare and conservation arguments against wildlife trafficking are completely aligned. Consumer demand reduction, stronger law enforcement and international cooperation are all necessary components of effective response.

What You Can Do

Never purchase wild-caught animals as pets or traditional medicine products containing wildlife parts
Report suspected wildlife trafficking to the relevant national authority or TRAFFIC
Donate to organisations working on wildlife trafficking law enforcement and demand reduction
Support certification schemes ensuring pets and wildlife products are legally and humanely sourced