Part III Other Relevant International Regimes and Issues, 13 Transnational Organised Crime and the Illegal Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora

Abstract

The involvement of international crime syndicates in the illegal trade in wild fauna and flora has taken on alarming proportions and presents a major law enforcement challenge for the international community. The message is that the states of the world are confronted with an increasing, complex, and difficult situation in successfully combating wildlife crime in many regions of the world, more so since transnational criminal operations pose a serious threat to the security, political stability, and economy of many countries, especially in the developing world. This chapter highlights the scope of the problem and investigates the enforcement potential and related issues associated with the implementation of the 1973 Convention on Illegal Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES). In addition other relevant international and regional agreements for the combating of wildlife crime are dealt with.