Wildlife crime is a big business. Run by dangerous international networks, wildlife and animal parts are trafficked much like illegal drugs and arms.
This kind of trade threatens protected animal species and plants. Authorities worldwide enforce their national regulations on this matter primarily at the borders. Examples include ivory, leather and souvenirs etc.
Enforcement is primarily aimed at parties who actively are trading.
Notably under EU & US regulations however, any party associated with supporting illicit wildlife trade, for instance by transporting, can also be subject to enforcement. For this reason, Air France KLM Martinair Cargo is screening shipment data before acceptance for signs of this trade.
Over 180 countries worldwide are party to the
CITES convention aiming to ensure that any trade in animals or plants does not threaten their survival. These countries have embedded the conventions content in national regulations.
Beside regulators, private organizations have gathered to combine their forces in the battle against illicit wildlife:
Reliable & Responsible