World Wildlife Day with Wildlife Crime Experts

As part of UN World Wildlife Day, on Monday, March 3rd, John E. Scanlon AO, an international environmental leader, and Professor Phill Cassey, head of the Wildlife Crime Research Hub, presented a discussion on the scale, nature, and impact of wildlife crime on global biodiversity, as well as the efforts being made to prevent and combat these crimes.

Illegal wildlife trade and trafficking is a $200 billion per year global industry, affecting all aspects of flora and fauna, disrupting ecosystems, and threatening human security. John and Phill highlighted how the removal of species affects entire communities and disrupts their ability to function. The impact is particularly severe on Indigenous communities, as highlighted in regional reports from UNODC. Wildlife trafficking disproportionately harms these communities, with outsiders exploiting resources and leaving local populations impoverished.

While international agreements exist to combat wildlife crime, and awareness and political support are growing, a significant shift is still needed. The speakers emphasised the gap between policy and real-world action, stressing the importance of developing stronger legal frameworks and enhancing cross-border collaboration to effectively enforce laws and dismantle wildlife trafficking networks.

They also discussed Operation Thunder, an initiative reflecting the scale of this global crisis. Conducted by Interpol, this four-week operation took place in November and December across 162 countries. It resulted in the seizure of 20,000 live animals, focusing solely on CITES-listed species—a small fraction of the 40,000 species covered under CITES and the estimated 8 million total species worldwide.

Wildlife crime is more than just an environmental issue—it is a global crisis affecting biodiversity, security, and economies. The event reinforced the urgent need to strengthen conservation laws, enhance enforcement, and increase global awareness.

As we recognise UN World Wildlife Day, the message is clear: protecting biodiversity requires collective action across nations, sectors, and communities. The time to act is now.