Community action helping protect SA wildlife

Posted on 16/07/2026

Wildlife trafficking is often hidden from view – but we know that it’s happening right here in South Australia.

Our Call It Out campaign was launched to shine a light on this issue, raise awareness of the red flags of illegal wildlife trade and empower people to report suspicious activity safely and anonymously. Delivered in partnership with the Department for Environment and Water and the Wildlife Crime Research Hub, the campaign combined digital advertising, social media, stakeholder engagement and on-ground community outreach to reach South Australians where they live, work and explore.

Strong community reach and engagement

The campaign generated strong interest and interaction across digital channels, demonstrating that the message resonated with the community:

• More than 8,000 visits to the campaign webpage
• Nearly 7,000 active users, making it the most visited subpage during the campaign period
• Over 150,000 people reached through targeted social media advertising
• More than 9,000 clicks through to learn more and access reporting pathways

This level of engagement reflects growing awareness of wildlife trafficking as a local issue—and a willingness to take action.

From awareness to action

Importantly, the campaign helped translate awareness into real-world outcomes. Information provided by the community contributed to a number of operational responses, supporting enforcement agencies to take action and investigate potential wildlife crime.

Examples included:

• The seizure of ten illegally imported blue-tongue skinks, with enforcement action taken for unlawful importation and animal welfare breaches
• A wombat safely removed from an unlawful domestic setting following a joint operation with police
• Inspections of properties suspected of keeping protected species, resulting in compliance action and education

Not every report results in charges – but every report helps build an intelligence picture, prevent harm and support ongoing investigations.

Community reporting in action

The campaign reinforced a simple but powerful message: you don’t need proof to report suspicious activity.

By highlighting real-world examples and ‘red flag; behaviours, Call It Out helped shift community attitudes – from uncertainty to confidence in taking action.

Reports made through the dedicated Crime Stoppers environmental portal are anonymous and securely shared with enforcement agencies, ensuring that people can speak up without fear or risk.

Taking the message into the community

In addition to digital engagement, the campaign was supported by community activations at locations including Adelaide Zoo, Monarto Safari Park and Cleland Wildlife Sanctuary.

These activations provided opportunities to connect directly with the public, raise awareness of wildlife trafficking and reinforce how and when to report suspicious activity.

A shared responsibility

Wildlife trafficking is a complex and often hidden crime – but it can’t thrive without silence.

The Call It Out campaign has shown that when the community is informed and empowered, it can play a critical role in protecting South Australia’s wildlife.

Every report matters. Every tip can make a difference.

See it. Say it. Call it out.

If you see or suspect illegal wildlife activity, you can report it anonymously via Crime Stoppers at: https://dew.crimestopperssa.com.au/

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