Wildlife Welfare

Wildlife Crime Trafficking Advanced Welfare

Advanced review of wildlife trafficking welfare impacts including transport mortality, captivity stress, and the welfare of confiscated animals.

Key Facts

Wildlife trafficking is the fourth largest illegal trade globally worth an estimated $23bn annually
Transport mortality in wildlife trafficking can exceed 60% for some species
Surviving trafficked animals suffer severe stress, injury, and psychological trauma
Confiscation presents welfare challenges as many species cannot be rehabilitated for release
CITES enforcement has increased but trafficking networks adapt to enforcement pressure

Welfare Considerations

Wildlife trafficking causes individual suffering on a massive scale. Animals captured from the wild, transported in inhumane conditions, and held in inappropriate captivity experience acute and chronic suffering. Even successful law enforcement intervention creates welfare challenges, as confiscated animals often cannot return to the wild and require lifetime specialist care.

What You Can Do

Never purchase wild-caught animals or wildlife products of dubious origin
Support TRAFFIC and other organisations working to end wildlife trade
Report suspected wildlife trafficking to relevant authorities