The Illegal Wildlife Trade: Inside the World of Poachers, Smugglers and Traders

This work examines the illegal wildlife trade from multiple perspectives: the historical context, impact on the environment, the scope of the problem internationally, sociocultural demand for illegal products, legal efforts to combat it, and several case studies from inside the trade.

Illegal poaching of animals is a worldwide problem that can cause species extinction and effect the stability of local communities. Beyond the environmental impact, financial profits from the illegal wildlife trade often fund organized crime groups, terrorist organizations and violent gangs that threaten public safety and security in myriad ways.

This innovative volume provides insights into several key questions about the wildlife trade: why is there a demand for illegal products (for example: luxury fashion trends and medicinal uses), which actors are involved in the trade, how is the business ordered, and what are the harmful consequences.

The author performed fieldwork in three key markets: Russia, Morocco, and China, and was able to construct a detailed picture of how the wildlife trade operates in these areas. The insights from this volume will provide key answers for researchers and well as policymakers interested in understanding the illegal wildlife trade and opportunities for detection and prevention of these crimes.