Wildlife Crime Trafficking Welfare Impacts

Wildlife trafficking is among the world's most serious crimes, causing immense individual animal suffering alongside devastating population impacts and extinction risk.

Key Facts

Wildlife trafficking is estimated to be worth $23 billion annually, the fourth-largest criminal trade
Live animal trafficking causes extreme stress, high mortality and severe welfare deprivation in transit
Wild-caught animals may be confined for months before reaching buyers, with high mortality rates
Primates, reptiles, birds and large cats are among the most trafficked live species
Seizure and rehabilitation of trafficked animals presents significant welfare and biosecurity challenges

Welfare Considerations

Trafficked animals experience some of the worst welfare conditions imaginable - prolonged confinement, starvation, dehydration and transport stress. Prevention and enforcement protect millions of individuals.

What You Can Do

Report suspected wildlife trafficking to the relevant authorities or TRAFFIC
Avoid purchasing wild-caught exotic animals, plants or products
Support organisations working on anti-poaching and wildlife trafficking enforcement