World Wildlife Day

Posted on 03/03/2020

Wildlife crime is big business – and World Wildlife Day is the perfect opportunity to remember that we can all play a part in helping to stop this illegal trade.

While it’s almost impossible to obtain reliable figures for the value of the illegal wildlife trade, what is known is that international crime networks traffic wildlife and animal parts much like illegal drugs and arms.

They use tactics similar to drug traffickers, with animals worn on the body, sent through the post, and shipped as freight.

Our unique flora and fauna are especially prized overseas. Lizards, reptiles and birds are popular ‘trophies’ – with many destined for the USA, Japan and Europe where collectors will pay big sums.

In fact, Australia’s seven black cockatoo species are highly sought after, with some individual birds fetching up to $30,000.

Illegal wildlife trafficking is incredibly stressful on the animals, which face extremes of temperature, asphyxiation, dehydration, starvation and trauma.

So be on the lookout for illegal animal trafficking – on the internet, in markets, and amongst people you know.

If you have any information about wildlife traffickers or illegal wildlife owners, report it to Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or go online to www.crimestopperssa.com.au

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