Wildlife and Forest Crime
The Insidious Threat of Wildlife and Forest Crime
NAME: Oni Ogooluwa David
Matric No: 21/32TA094
Course Code: VTP 301
Veterinary Medicine, University of Ilorin.
INTRODUCTION TO WILDLIFE AND FOREST
CRIME
Wildlife and forests face daily threats from overlooked crimes with far-reaching
repercussions. The heartbreaking reality of poaching, where animals are killed for their ivory,
fur, or bones and the destruction of forests driven by illegal logging is viewed as more than an
ecological issue; it is a crisis that touches our planet's very heart. Greed and an insatiable demand
for rare goods fuel these crimes, which silently steal away the natural wonders that sustain life.
The survival of countless species is at stake and this dramatically jeopardizes the delicate balance
of our ecosystems, the future of our planet's climate and the large well-being of many
communities whose livelihoods depend entirely on these forests and their wildlife.
Between 2009 and 2017, Nigeria was linked to almost 30 metric tons of seized ivory. In
2019, at least 51 metric tons of seized pangolin scales originated in Nigeria.
In 2021, the Nigeria Customs Service intercepted 18.7 metric tons of elephant tusks,
rhino horns, pangolin scales and claws at various exit points across the country. In February this
year, it seized 145 kilograms (320 pounds) of elephant tusks and 840 kg (1,852 lbs) of pangolin
scales at a notorious market in the affluent Lekki district of Lagos.
Wildlife and forest crime harms the environment and its wildlife. Profit motives typically
drive these crimes, including a wide array of offenses such as poaching, illegal logging, illegal
trade in wildlife as well as forest products, habitat destruction, in addition to illegal fishing.
What is Wildlife and Forest Crime?
Wildlife and forest crime refers to illegal activities that harm the environment, wildlife,
and ecosystems. These crimes are typically driven by profit motives and include a wide range of
offenses such as: poaching, illegal logging, illegal trade in wildlife and forest products, habitat
destruction, illegal fishing.
Wildlife and forest crime is a serious global issue with significant ecological, economic,
and social consequences. The escalating global crisis of wildlife and forest crime poses a
significant threat to biodiversity, ecosystem stability, and human well-being. Efforts to combat
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such crimes include strengthening law enforcement, increasing penalties, and supporting
international collaboration.
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This article explains wildlife and forest crime, its causes and possible solutions.
Historical Background of Wildlife and Forest Crime
The roots of wildlife and forest crime extend deep into history, with origins dating back
centuries. This complex issue has evolved over time, influenced by various factors including
colonialism, economic pressures, and changing societal values.
During the colonial period, which lasted from the early 16th to the 20th century,
indigenous peoples and local communities faced significant displacement and
disenfranchisement related to wildlife and forest conservation efforts. As European powers
expanded their empires, they often reserved large tracts of land for wildlife sanctuaries and
hunting grounds, excluding native populations from these areas. This practice, known as "fortress
conservation," led to the eviction of millions of people from their ancestral lands.
According to estimates, approximately 14 million people were forcibly removed from
their land in Africa alone during the colonial era. This displacement not only affected people's
livelihoods but also severed their connections to their cultural heritage and traditional ways of
life. The loss of access to ancestral lands, hunting rights, and cultural sites had profound impacts
on indigenous communities.
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Understanding this historical context is crucial for developing effective strategies to
combat wildlife and forest crime. It highlights the need for inclusive conservation approaches
that recognize the rights and interests of local communities, rather than treating them as obstacles
to be overcome. Additionally, it underscores the importance of addressing the root causes of
these crimes, including poverty, inequality, and the ongoing legacies of colonialism.
Examples of endangered species affected by wildlife and forest crime
1. Elephants: Between 15,000-20,000 elephants are killed for their ivory each year.
2. Rhinoceroses: Over the past decade, approximately 10,000 African rhinos have been poached
for their horns.
3. Pangolins: Around 200,000 pangolins are poached annually.
4. Sharks: Up to 73 million sharks are killed annually to support the global shark fin market.
5. Tigers: Dozens of tiger body parts were seized during Operation Thunder 2023.
6. Big cats: Several dozen big cat body parts were confiscated during the operation.
7. Primates: 53 live primates were rescued during Operation Thunder 2023.
8. Birds: Over 1,370 live birds, including CITES-listed psittacines, were seized during the
operation.
9. Trees: 2,624 cubic meters of timber were confiscated, including tropical hardwoods.
These examples illustrate the wide range of species affected by wildlife and forest crime,
from iconic megafauna like elephants and rhinos to smaller creatures like pangolins and
primates. The diversity of species impacted demonstrates the broad reach of these crimes across
different ecosystems and taxonomic groups. Citations:
[1] https://www.worldwildlife.org/threats/illegal-wildlife-trade
[2]
https://www.weforum.org/stories/2024/06/how-organized-crime-is-endangering-wildlife-an d-
damaging-ecosystems/
[3]
https://www.interpol.int/en/News-and-Events/News/2023/2-114-seizures-of-endangered-an imals-and-
timber-in-major-international-law-enforcement-operation
[4] https://www.ice.gov/features/wildlife
[5]
https://sherloc.unodc.org/cld/en/education/tertiary/wildlife-crime/module-1/key-issues/imp lications-
of-wildlife-trafficking.html
[6] https://www.traffic.org/about-us/illegal-wildlife-trade/
[7] https://www.interpol.int/en/Crimes/Environmental-crime/Wildlife-crime
[8]
https://www.unodc.org/documents/data-and-analysis/wildlife/2024/Wildlife2024_Final.pdf [9]
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https://www.europol.europa.eu/crime-areas/environmental-crime/illicit-trafficking-in-enda ngered-
animal-species
GLOBAL STATISTICS
According to the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC), wildlife and
forest crime is a multi-billion dollar industry. The illegal wildlife trade is the fourth largest
transnational crime after drugs, arms, and human trafficking. The illegal logging industry is
estimated to be worth billions of dollars annually.
According to the World Wildlife Fund (WWF), approximately 30% of all species
assessed are threatened with extinction due to human activity, primarily driven by habitat
destruction and hunting (WWF, 2020). This alarming statistic underscores the urgent need for
action to combat wildlife and forest crime.
Only about 30,000 individual rhinos remain today. Up to 73 million sharks are killed
annually to support the global shark fin market. Around 200,000 pangolins are poached annually.
Between 15,000-20,000 elephants are killed for their ivory each year.
Forms of Wildlife and Forest Crime
There are various forms of wildlife and forest crime, including:
1. Poaching and wildlife trafficking: The illegal hunting and trading of endangered species.
2. Deforestation and illegal logging: The clearance of forests without permission and the
harvesting of timber illegally.
3. Wildlife cybercrime: The use of digital platforms to facilitate illegal wildlife trade.
4. Corruption in conservation efforts: Collusion between officials and criminal organizations to
enable wildlife crime.
5. Environmental crime: Activities that harm the environment, such as pollution and habitat
destruction.
6. Illegal fishing: Overfishing and destructive fishing practices that violate regulations.
7. Timber trafficking: The smuggling of illegally harvested timber across borders.
8. Wildlife forgery: Creating fake documents or products related to endangered species.
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9. Ecotourism-related crimes: Exploitation of protected areas for tourism purposes without
proper regulation.
10. Forest fires: Intentionally setting fires in forests, often for land clearing or other illegal
purposes. Citations:
[1]
https://sherloc.unodc.org/cld/en/education/tertiary/wildlife-crime/module-1/key-issues/ref
erences.html
[2] https://www.unodc.org/e4j/en/wildlife-crime/module-3/key-issues/references.html
[3] https://davenport.libguides.com/apa/references-online
[4] https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC8582875/
[5] https://www.endangered.org/assets/uploads/2021/09/Final-Bibliography-for-APA-Citations. pdf
[6]
https://cites.org/sites/default/files/common/resources/pub/ICCWC_Toolkit_v2_english.pdf
[7] https://guides.umd.umich.edu/c.php?g=847279&p=9371796
[8] https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC10025790/
[9] https://library.nd.edu.au/instruction/referencing/apa7/other
[10] https://library.dwu.edu/wildlife_management/citations
Devastating Consequences of Wildlife and Forest Crime on
Biodiversity
Wildlife crime has huge consequences for global environmental changes to animals,
plants, and entire ecosystems. It causes destruction of wildlife resources and ecosystems,
desertification, environmental degradation, and the risk of species extinction. The illegal trade in
wildlife generates up to $19 billion annually, with an estimated $12 billion in government
revenue lost annually due to wildlife crime.
Over the past two decades, approximately 6,000 different species have been seized by
authorities, with no single species accounting for more than 5% of incidents. Wildlife crime
pushes threatened species to the brink of extinction and causes irreversible consequences on
ecosystems around the world.
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It contributes to biodiversity loss, with approximately 30% of all species assessed being
threatened with extinction due to human activity.The illegal trade in pangolins, for example, has
led to a rapid decline in their population, critically endangering the species today.
Pangolin consumption saves nearly 40 acres of land from devastation, highlighting the ecosystem
disruption caused by their poaching.
Shark finning, which involves killing up to 73 million sharks annually, threatens many imperiled
shark species with extinction.
The high value and persistent demand for elephant ivory has led to a poaching epidemic that
threatens the very survival of elephant populations. Citations:
[1]
https://www.unodc.org/documents/data-and-analysis/wildlife/2024/Wildlife2024_Final.pdf
[2] https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC8582875/
[3] https://earth.org/how-does-wildlife-crime-threaten-global-ecosystems-and-biodiversity/
[4] https://www.endangered.org/assets/uploads/2021/09/Final-Bibliography-for-APA-Citations. pdf
[5]
https://www.weforum.org/stories/2024/06/how-organized-crime-is-endangering-wildlife-an d-
damaging-ecosystems/
[6] https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC10025790/
[7] https://www.britannica.com/topic/poaching-law
[8] https://nepis.epa.gov/Exe/ZyPURL.cgi?Dockey=940071PA.TXT
[9] https://crsreports.congress.gov/product/pdf/R/R46677
[10]
https://sherloc.unodc.org/cld/en/education/tertiary/wildlife-crime/module-1/key-issues/de mand-and-
consumption.html
Drivers of Wildlife and Forest Crime
One of the primary drivers of wildlife and forest crime is economic necessity. Many individuals
engage in these activities out of desperation, seeking alternative income sources in areas where
legal employment opportunities may be limited (Barbarossa et al., 2020). This highlights the
importance of addressing poverty and inequality alongside efforts to combat wildlife and forest
crime.
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Technological advancements have also contributed to the rise of wildlife and forest crime. The
ease of international trade facilitated by digital platforms has made it increasingly challenging to
track and monitor illicit goods, including endangered species and timber products (Beck et al.,
2011).
Law enforcement efforts have been hampered by corruption within government agencies
responsible for protecting natural resources. In some cases, officials may collude with criminal
organizations, further exacerbating the problem (Tobias, 2020b). This underscores the need for
increased transparency and accountability measures within conservation agencies.
1. Economic necessity: Many individuals engage in wildlife and forest crime out of desperation,
seeking alternative income sources in areas where legal employment opportunities may be
limited.
2. Poverty and inequality: Addressing poverty and inequality is crucial alongside efforts to
combat wildlife and forest crime.
3. Corruption: Corruption within government agencies responsible for protecting natural
resources enables wildlife crime.
4. Technological advancements: The ease of international trade facilitated by digital platforms
has made it increasingly challenging to track and monitor illicit goods.
5. Consumer demand: High demand for products derived from endangered species drives illegal
trade.
6. Lack of effective governance: Weak institutions and inadequate law enforcement capacity
contribute to wildlife crime.
7. Cultural factors: In some cases, cultural beliefs and traditions drive the demand for certain
animal parts.
8. Political instability: Conflict zones often become hotspots for wildlife crime.
9. Climate change: Altering habitats and ecosystems makes some species more vulnerable to
poaching.
10. Urbanization: As cities expand, pressure on surrounding natural resources increases.
Citations:
[1] https://www.unodc.org/documents/data-and-analysis/wildlife/2024/Wildlife2024_Final.pdf
9
[2] https://www.endangered.org/assets/uploads/2021/09/Final-Bibliography-for-APA-
Citations.pdf
[3] https://library.dwu.edu/wildlife_management/citations
[4] https://cites.org/sites/default/files/common/resources/pub/ICCWC_Toolkit_v2_english.pdf
[5] https://guides.umd.umich.edu/c.php?g=847279&p=9371796
[6] https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC5006885/
[7] https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/full/10.1080/09644016.2022.2156173
[8] https://www.mdpi.com/2071-1050/14/18/11204
[9] https://sherloc.unodc.org/cld/en/education/tertiary/wildlife-crime/module-1/key-
issues/demand-a nd-consumption.html
[10] https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/conservation-
science/articles/10.3389/fcosc.2021.698666/ful
l
Proposed Solutions to Wildlife and Forest Crime
1. Strengthening law enforcement and anti-corruption efforts:
- Enhance cooperation between national and international law enforcement agencies to
combat transnational wildlife crime.
- Implement robust anti-corruption measures within government agencies responsible for
conservation.
2. Promoting sustainable livelihoods:
- Support community-based conservation programs that provide economic benefits to local
communities.
- Develop and promote eco-tourism initiatives that benefit local communities while
protecting wildlife.
3. Improving governance and policy frameworks:
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- Strengthen institutional capacity and governance structures for effective wildlife and
forest management.
- Reform laws and policies to ensure alignment with international conservation standards.
4. Raising awareness and education:
- Conduct public awareness campaigns to reduce consumer demand for products derived
from endangered species.
- Implement educational programs in schools and communities about the importance of
conservation.
5. Technology and innovation:
- Utilize advanced technologies such as AI and blockchain to enhance monitoring and
tracking of wildlife and forest resources.
- Develop and promote digital platforms that facilitate legal trade in sustainably sourced
forest products.
6. Addressing root causes:
- Implement poverty alleviation programs in high-risk areas to reduce economic incentives
for wildlife crime.
- Support conflict resolution and peacebuilding efforts in regions prone to wildlife crime.
7. International cooperation:
- Strengthen international agreements and protocols related to wildlife and forest
conservation.
- Enhance collaboration between governments, NGOs, and private sector entities in
combating wildlife crime.
8. Protecting and restoring habitats:
- Establish and maintain protected areas for endangered species.
- Implement reforestation and restoration programs to recover degraded habitats.
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9. Monitoring and reporting:
- Improve data collection and analysis systems to track wildlife and forest crime trends.
- Enhance reporting mechanisms for wildlife crime incidents and suspicious activities.
10. Supporting research and science:
- Fund and conduct scientific research on wildlife populations and ecosystems to inform
conservation efforts.
- Promote the use of scientific data in policy-making and decision-making processes
related to wildlife and forest management.
Citations:
[1] https://www.endangered.org/assets/uploads/2021/09/Final-Bibliography-for-APA-
Citation s.pdf
[2] https://library.nd.edu.au/instruction/referencing/apa7/other
[3] https://guides.library.cornell.edu/citing_us_gov_docs/agencies
[4] https://www.unodc.org/documents/data-and-
analysis/wildlife/2024/Wildlife2024_Final.pdf
[5] https://crimesciencejournal.biomedcentral.com/articles/10.1186/s40163-017-0066-0
[6] https://guides.umd.umich.edu/c.php?g=847279&p=9371796
[7] https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/conservation-
science/articles/10.3389/fcosc.2021.69 8666/full
[8] https://citation.crosscite.org/
[9] https://library.dwu.edu/wildlife_management/citations
[10] https://www.unodc.org/e4j/en/wildlife-crime/module-3/key-issues/references.html
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Conclusion
Wildlife and forest crime pose significant threats to global biodiversity and ecosystems.
The devastating consequences include widespread species extinction, habitat destruction, and
economic losses. Key findings include the alarming rates of poaching, deforestation, and wildlife
trafficking, as well as the complex interplay of economic, social, and political factors driving
these crimes.
We urge policymakers, international organizations, and concerned citizens to take
immediate action to address wildlife and forest crime. This includes strengthening law
enforcement efforts, promoting sustainable livelihoods for local communities, improving
governance and policy frameworks, and raising awareness about the critical nature of this issue.
As we move forward, it is imperative that we envision a future where wildlife thrives in
pristine ecosystems, and forests stand tall as vital components of our planet's biodiversity. By
working together, we can protect these precious resources for future generations and preserve the
delicate balance of our natural world.
Citations:
[1] https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Pq0mykHNTic
[2]
https://owl.purdue.edu/owl/general_writing/common_writing_assignments/argumen
t_papers/conclusions.html
[3] https://guides.umd.umich.edu/c.php?g=847279&p=9371796
[4]
https://www.quora.com/Should-my-conclusion-be-on-a-separate-page-in-a-research
-paper-in-the-APA-format
[5] https://haywood.libguides.com/c.php?g=146410&p=3430227
[6]
https://cdn.dal.ca/content/dam/dalhousie/pdf/library/Style_Guides/apa_style7.pdf [7]
https://guides.library.oregonstate.edu/c.php?g=286038&p=3844481
[8]
https://www.unodc.org/documents/data-and-analysis/wildlife/2024/Wildlife2024_Fin al.pdf [9]
https://www.tarleton.edu/library/wp-content/uploads/sites/219/2022/08/writing-apa -
style.pdf
[10] https://library.delval.edu/citing-your-sources/apa
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