Welfare Science

Wildlife Trade and Animal Welfare

The legal and illegal wildlife trade causes profound welfare harm through capture, transport, and captive conditions for millions of animals annually.

Key Facts

The illegal wildlife trade is estimated to be worth 23 billion dollars annually
Capture mortality rates for some species exceed 50% before reaching the market
Transport conditions for live animals frequently cause severe stress and high mortality
Demand reduction is more effective than enforcement alone for protecting welfare
CITES regulates international trade in threatened species but compliance is inconsistent

Welfare Considerations

Wildlife trade imposes welfare costs at every stage from capture through transport to captivity, often causing extreme suffering for individual animals. Reducing demand for wildlife products and strengthening enforcement of international trade regulations are essential interventions for wildlife welfare.

What You Can Do

Never purchase wildlife products that may drive demand for illegal trade
Report suspected wildlife trafficking to police or Border Force
Support demand reduction campaigns in major consumer countries for wildlife products