Wildlife Crime and Anti-Poaching Welfare

Wildlife crime including poaching, trafficking, and illegal trade affects millions of animals annually, causing acute welfare suffering and threatening population-level collapse of multiple species across the globe.

Key Facts

Wildlife crime is estimated as one of the largest illegal global trades, worth billions of dollars annually
Poaching causes acute welfare suffering through snare injuries, gunshot wounds, and trauma before death
Animals trafficked live in the illegal pet and traditional medicine trades suffer significant welfare harm in transit
Anti-poaching efforts including ranger patrols and GPS monitoring have reduced poaching in some key populations
Rangers protecting wildlife face significant personal safety risks in conflict with armed poachers

Welfare Considerations

Wildlife crime causes welfare harm at multiple stages from initial capture through transport and sale. Snare injuries from poorly maintained traps cause prolonged suffering over days as animals struggle to free themselves, often dying from dehydration, starvation, or infection. Live animal trafficking involves overcrowded and inappropriate conditions during transport causing significant mortality and suffering. Even animals that survive trafficking face welfare harm in destination markets or captive conditions. The welfare and conservation case against wildlife crime is overwhelming, making support for anti-poaching efforts a high-impact use of conservation resources.

What You Can Do

Never purchase wildlife products including ivory, rhino horn, exotic skins, or live wild animals
Support anti-poaching organizations including rangers on the ground in wildlife-rich regions
Report suspected wildlife crime to TRAFFIC, WWF, or relevant national authorities
Choose wildlife tourism operators who demonstrably contribute to anti-poaching efforts
Advocate for stronger international enforcement of CITES trade controls