Wildlife trade

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Wildlife trade refers to the commerce of products that are derived from non-domesticated animals or plants, usually extracted from their natural environment or raised under controlled conditions. This trade can involve live animals and plants or a diverse range of products needed or prized by humans, including skins, medicinal ingredients, food, pets, and souvenirs.

Types of Wildlife Trade

Wildlife trade can be categorized into legal and illegal trade.

Legal Wildlife Trade

Legal wildlife trade is regulated by international agreements and national laws. The most significant international agreement is the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES), which aims to ensure that international trade in specimens of wild animals and plants does not threaten their survival.

Illegal Wildlife Trade

Illegal wildlife trade is a major threat to biodiversity, involving the illicit procurement and sale of wildlife in contravention of national and international laws. This trade is often driven by high demand for exotic pets, traditional medicine, and luxury goods.

Impact on Biodiversity

The wildlife trade has significant impacts on biodiversity, contributing to the decline of species populations and the degradation of ecosystems. Overexploitation for trade is one of the primary drivers of species extinction, alongside habitat loss, climate change, and pollution.

Conservation Efforts

Efforts to combat illegal wildlife trade and promote sustainable use of wildlife resources include:

• Strengthening international cooperation through agreements like CITES.
• Enhancing law enforcement and penalties for wildlife crimes.
• Promoting community-based conservation programs.
• Raising public awareness about the impacts of wildlife trade.

Related Pages

• Biodiversity
• Conservation biology
• Endangered species
• Habitat destruction
• Poaching
• Sustainable development

See Also

• Convention on Biological Diversity
• Wildlife conservation
• Wildlife management