Orion Cruz, our International Associate, breaks down what wildlife trafficking is, the threats it poses to biodiversity, and what Defenders is doing to be part of the solution. Learn more: [ Ссылка ]

Video Transcript:

Why should you care about wildlife trafficking?

Wildlife trafficking includes the poaching and other taking of wildlife in contravention of the law, and the illegal trade in wildlife and the related parts or products.

It's highly profitable and estimated to be the fourth largest type of illegal trade after drugs, weapons and human trafficking.

Think rare lizards, snakes and birds for pets. Jaguar fangs for jewelry, shark fins for soup and furs for fashion and trophies.

So why does wildlife trafficking occur?

Well, it all comes down to consumer demand. Since poaching to satisfy consumer demand can lead a species to become endangered, and because rare species tend to sell for more, traffickers are usually targeting the species that are most in need of protection.

As a result of this pressure, many species are being pushed to the brink of extinction, making demand for wildlife a primary driver of the biodiversity crisis.

The trafficking of live animals is just as horrific.

Animals are often shipped inhumanely, crammed into tiny containers with limited food, water and air.

In one study, researchers found that roughly 75 percent of parrots illegally shipped from Mexico died in transit.

Wildlife trafficking poses a serious threat to global biodiversity.

By increasing the chances that new diseases will spread from animals to humans, it also threatens human health.

Unfortunately, data from seizures indicates the problem is only getting worse.

To end wildlife trafficking, we must reduce the supply of and demand for wildlife, work with transit countries to eliminate trade channels and prioritize the conservation of wildlife globally.

As part of the solution, Defenders of Wildlife is engaging in public education campaigns in trafficking hotspots like Mexico, partnering with countries around the world to strengthen wildlife trafficking laws and improve the implementation of international obligations and advocating for the protection of imperiled species and human health at forums like the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species, also known as CITES, and the Convention on Biological Diversity.

You can learn more about fighting wildlife trafficking by clicking the link in the description.

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