In more than 50 years of conservation, we have never seen wildlife crime on such a scale. Wildlife crime is now the most urgent threat to three of the world's best-loved species—elephants, rhinos and tigers.
Illegal wildlife trade has exploded to meet increasing demand for elephant ivory, rhino horns, and tiger products, particularly in Asia. Controlled by dangerous crime syndicates, wildlife is trafficked much like drugs or weapons. Wildlife criminals often operate with impunity, making the trade a low-risk/high-profit business. Today, it is the fifth most profitable illicit trade in the world, estimated at up to $10 billion annually.
WWF is leading a global campaign to stop wildlife crime.
We are applying the strength of our worldwide network, our influence with partners and governments, and the passion of our supporters to a crisis that is threatening to undo years of conservation progress. The past year has already yielded some big wins like Thailand’s ban on their ivory trade and support from champions. Join our campaign and help us:
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Push governments to protect threatened animal populations by increasing law enforcement, imposing strict deterrents, reducing demand for endangered species products and honoring international commitments made under CITES.
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Speak up on behalf of those on the frontlines being threatened by armed poachers so they are properly equipped, trained and compensated.
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Reduce demand for illegal wildlife parts and products by encouraging others to ask questions and get the facts before buying any wildlife or plant product.
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I am not a rug
Every part of the tiger—from whisker to tail—is traded in illegal wildlife markets. Poaching is the most immediate threat to wild tigers. In relentless demand, their parts are used for traditional medicine, folk remedies, and increasingly as a status symbol in some Asian cultures.
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I am not a trinket
Tens of thousands of elephants are killed every year for their ivory tusks. In 1989, the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES) banned the international trade in ivory. However, there are still some thriving but unregulated domestic ivory markets in a number of countries, which fuel an illegal international trade.
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I am not medicine
At least two rhinos are killed every day due to the mistaken belief that rhino horn can cure diseases. The main market is now in Vietnam where there is a newly emerged belief that rhino horn cures cancer. Rhino horn is also used in other traditional Asian medicine to treat a variety of ailments including fever and various blood disorders and even as a treatment for hangovers.
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On the frontlines
Rangers and local communities are often caught in the crossfire of wildlife crime. Rangers like Mba Ndong Marious in Gabon have to face dangerous gangs of armed poachers to save their elephants.
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Worth more alive than dead
Charismatic species like tigers are a huge tourist draw and are an important source of revenue in many countries.
Latest News
New US ivory regulations mark victory in fight to save elephants
Setting an example for the world in the fight to save elephants, the United States finalized new regulations that will help shut down commercial ivory trade within its borders and stop wildlife crime overseas.
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