Wildlife

Wildlife Crime and Welfare: Poaching and Trafficking Impacts

Overview of wildlife crime welfare impacts and conservation welfare connections.

Key Facts

Wildlife trafficking is estimated to be worth billions of dollars annually
Poaching causes immediate welfare harm through injury and death
Captive conditions in wildlife trafficking chains cause severe welfare compromise
Wildlife crime drives population declines that create large-scale welfare effects
Anti-poaching measures and law enforcement have welfare as well as conservation benefits

Welfare Considerations

Wildlife crime causes welfare harm at two levels: direct harm to individual animals through poaching, capture, and trafficking, and indirect harm through population declines that affect ecosystem function. The welfare of trafficked animals in transit and captivity is severe and largely invisible. Anti-poaching and anti-trafficking measures have both conservation and welfare benefits. Consumer demand reduction for wildlife products is a critical long-term intervention.

What You Can Do

Never purchase wildlife products that may be from illegal trafficking
Support anti-poaching and wildlife crime enforcement organisations
Advocate for stronger wildlife trade regulations and enforcement