Wildlife Trafficking Research Articles

Android and IoT Integrated Smart Wildlife Surveillance using Night Vision

Animal are important part of our ecosystem. Animal are very critical to our ecosystem. Due to increase in animal trafficking many wild animal are becoming endanger and also there population is decreasing. Because of this humans have created zoo, national park and sanctuaries which can work as safe heavens for these animal to avoid extinction. There can be scenario where animal are ill or poor health condition which can be a also cause of the death. Many people visit national park and sanctuaries where they are not able to see all animal. This project will be implement in python and will implement YOLO V7 algorithm to detect animals. Once animal is detected it will send name and GPS co-ordinates of the animal. These GPS co-ordinates will display on mobile and farmer can find animal at given location. This project can also be placed in farm land where human and animal conflict are common. If animal is detected it can send alert or sound can be generated to distract it. This project will help detection on wild animal using camera and deep learning technology. Android app will be used to locate the animal on google map..

Detection and Tracing of Wild Animals using Machine Learning

Animals are important part of our ecosystem. Animals are very critical to our ecosystem. Due to increase in animal trafficking many wild animals are becoming endanger and also their population is decreasing. Because of this human have created zoo, national park and sanctuaries which can work as safe heaven for this animal to avoid extinction. There can be scenario where animals are ill or poor health condition which can be an also cause of the death. Many people visit national park and sanctuaries where they are not able to see all animal. This project will be implemented in python and will implement RCNN algorithm to detect animals. Once animal is detected it will send name and GPS co- ordinates of the animal. These GPS co- ordinates will display on mobile and tourist can find animal at given location. This project can also be placed in farm land where human and animal conflict are common. If animal is detected it can send alert or sound can be generated to distract it. This project will help detection on wild animal using camera and deep learning technology. Android app will be used to locate the animal on google map.

Animal family discrimination from hair using ATR-FTIR and machine learning methods for applications in illegal wildlife trafficking.

Wildlife forensics plays a pivotal role in the combating illegal trafficking, supporting biodiversity conservation, and aiding in the identification of animals in wildlife. Animal hair, often found in trafficking crimes, serves as vital biological evidence that can provide significant information for animal identification. This study proposes a novel method integrating machine learning classifiers with Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy in attenuated total reflectance (ATR) mode to enhance the effectiveness of animal identification in wildlife forensic casework. Additionally, compound microscopy has also been utilized as a preliminary tool to perform morphological analysis of hair samples from four animal families, including Bovidae, Cervidae, Elephantidae, and Felidae. Further, chemical profiling through spectral data revealed significant overlapping peaks between family Bovidae and Cervidae. The classification experiment provides the random forest (RF) classifier as the most effective for family discrimination model. This research offers valuable insights for wildlife forensics by improving the identification accuracy of unknown hair samples, thus enhancing the overall effectiveness in forensic investigations.

Illegal Wildlife Trade in Bangladesh and India: A Study of Comparative Laws

Poaching of wildlife and misuse of plant habitats were considered one of the local, small-scale activities carried out by opportunists or miscreants for the purpose of illegal trade or smuggling of certain species. However, the irony is that over the past few decades. It has progressively become a major contributor to illegal trade with a hotspot for serious crimes" including those involving wild animals. Wildlife trafficking has become a serious threat to ecosystem conservation, putting species at risk of extinction and causing loss of biodiversity. The main objective of this work is to ensure that Bangladesh's legal framework is compatible with international regimes, particularly in preventing wildlife trafficking. Additionally, the study undertook systematic research to assess Bangladesh's commitments, performance, and limitations and compare them with the situation in India. Bangladesh is classified as a riparian country under IUCN Red List criteria IV and V. The study reviewed books, journals, research articles, supplements, news, and analysis on both substantive and ancillary national laws, beyond the Wildlife Crime Convention, providing a comprehensive set of legal rules and principles governing interactions between traffickers and species.

Comparative Legal Responses to Illicit Wildlife Trade in Bangladesh and India: Indigenous vs. Extraneous Approaches

This research examined the legal responses to illicit wildlife trade in Bangladesh and India, focusing on how these countries harmonized their domestic laws with international obligations under the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species (CITES). It assessed the effectiveness of Bangladesh's legal framework against wildlife trafficking and compared it to India’s advancements, particularly the Indian Wildlife Protection Amendment Act of 2022. Utilizing qualitative and doctrinal methods, the research reviewed primary and secondary sources, including statutes and international agreements. While Bangladesh faced significant challenges in enforcement and effectiveness, India strengthened its wildlife protection through stricter penalties and enhanced compliance with CITES. The research advocated for Bangladesh to adopt similar legislative reforms and improve enforcement mechanisms to better protect biodiversity and fulfill international obligations.

Applications of Primate Genetics for Conservation and Management

Conservation genetics is the use of genetics to understand and mitigate the threats caused by anthropogenic activities, including habitat loss and fragmentation, wildlife trafficking, and emerging diseases. In this review, we discuss the role of primate conservation genetics in the development of effective conservation strategies, emphasizing the importance of maintaining genetic diversity to enhance adaptive potential and prevent extinction. First, we discuss studies of various primate species that exemplify how genetic data have been instrumental in accurately assessing threat levels, identifying trafficked animals and tracing their geographic origin, and studying how habitat loss affects primate populations. Subsequently, we describe the various molecular tools and analytical approaches employed in these studies. Lastly, we provide a bibliographic review of research in conservation genetics over the last 20 years. We conclude with a brief discussion of the limitations and challenges in this field in developing countries and recommendations for future research.

Welfare of pet primates for sale in the United States

Welfare of pet primates for sale in the United States Dr. Melissa Seaboch, Professor and Department Chair at Salt Lake Community College, charts the welfare of pet primates for sale in the United States. Despite their unsuitability as pets, there are thousands, if not tens of thousands, of pet primates in the United States (1), and the U.S. ranks third out of 171 countries in the ease of purchasing a pet primate online. (2) Though the pet primate trade is robust, there are few federal regulations addressing the care of companion animals or pets. The Animal Welfare Act (AWA), often considered the minimum acceptable standard for animal care and use, governs the care of animals in multiple settings, including research labs, zoos, and commercial breeding facilities. PACT (Preventing Animal Cruelty and Torture) prevents the most egregious forms of animal cruelty, and the Lacey Act addresses interstate transportation and illegal wildlife trafficking. (3) None of these regulations address the care or welfare of pet primates.

Trends in admission to the Wildlife Screening Center in Espírito Santo State, Brazil, from 2011 to 2021

Background and Aim: The Wild Animal Screening Center in Espírito Santo State (CETAS-ES), Brazil, treats wildlife from trafficking and illegal trade, accidents, captivity, and rescue from out of their habitat. The present study described the trends in wildlife admission to the CETAS-ES over the past 10 years and discussed the impact of animal exploitation. Materials and Methods: This descriptive study used a database provided by the CETAS-ES with data on animals admitted between 2011 and 2021, including admission year, origin, place of captivity, taxonomic category, sex, life stage, and health status. Results: Over 10 years, 23,176 animals were admitted, with an annual average of 2,106 admissions. Seizing was the most common origin (60.39%), followed by rescues/collections (22.60%) and voluntary delivery (11.7%), whereas 5.3% had unidentified origins. Birds were the most frequently admitted animals (80.6%) and were predominant among those seized (97.5%), rescued/collected (46.7%), and voluntarily delivered (73.2%). Mammals represented 45.0% of rescues/collections and reptiles represented 19.0% of voluntary deliveries. Conclusion: The admissions reveal a vulnerable scenario for wildlife in the Brazilian Atlantic Rainforest of Espírito Santo State, mainly affecting birds. Seizing was a common occurrence over the decade, reinforcing the necessity of actions to prevent wildlife trafficking and illegal trade. Keywords: Atlantic Rainforest, biodiversity, fauna, wildlife trade.

ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACTS OF ILLEGAL TRADE IN ENDANGERED SPECIES: BANGLADESH’S COMPLIANCE WITH INTERNATIONAL STANDARDS

Bangladesh is one of the world's most environmentally vulnerable countries. As a result, a diverse array of environmental crimes and harms can be identified in Bangladesh. Wildlife trafficking has grown significantly in Bangladesh during the last few years. The impacts of illegal trade on the environment can be wide-ranging. Despite the fact that wildlife trafficking is a significant and geographically widespread problem in Bangladesh, it may not be given much priority or not seen as an urgent or important issue, or even if acknowledged, it may not be taken into consideration. In Bangladesh, the government also takes initiatives to meet the challenges towards the protection of wildlife. Additionally, Bangladesh's national legislation and the role of law enforcement agencies in combating wildlife trafficking are insufficient to prevent this crime. In particular, this proposed thesis aims to addresses the challenges for combatting this crime and the adverse effects of the trade and trafficking on the environment. This research focuses on the relevant laws prevailing in Bangladesh in case of the protection of wildlife and how effective they are. The study is qualitative in its nature, and the study is based on various kinds of primary and secondary sources of data. This paper recommended as where the Act should be amended, protection of wildlife and controlling wildlife trafficking has been highlighted based on the research findings. Finally, emphasis has been made for the immediate requirements of Act to ensure complete protection of wildlife in Bangladesh.

Population structure and demographic history of two highly-trafficked species of pangolin in the Congo Basin.

African pangolins are hunted for their meat and for use in local traditional medicine, as well as for their scales, which are trafficked internationally, especially to growing Asian markets. Pangolin's population genetic structure can be used to trace the geographic origins of trafficked scales, but substantial sampling gaps across pangolins' ranges hinder these efforts. In this study, we documented population structure and dynamics in the two species of African pangolin, the white-bellied pangolin (Phataginus tricuspis) and the giant pangolin (Smutsia gigantea) in the underexplored Republic of Congo. Using the mitochondrial control region and two nuclear markers (beta-fibrinogen and titin), we identified high genetic diversity in both species. We document a distinct mitochondrial lineage of the white-bellied pangolin, which was most likely shaped by river barriers together with dynamics of forest refugia related to the climatic shifts during the Pleistocene. We detected population growth in the white-bellied pangolin coinciding with a dry period during the Pleistocene, suggesting some ability for this typically forest-dwelling species to persist under diverse environmental conditions. Using landscape genetics, we found all but one of the pangolins we sampled at bush meat markets originated locally. A single individual appeared to have been imported to Congo from Cameroon. These findings significantly contribute to our understanding of pangolin population biology and local trade dynamics. In addition, our data from a previously unstudied part of pangolins' ranges will help us to better understand international wildlife trafficking patterns and to target conservation and protection strategies for these highly vulnerable species.

Presença de salmonella em cloaca de Jabuti-piranga (Chelonoidis carbonaria)

The objective of this study was to evaluate the presence of Salmonella in tortoises (Chelonoidis carbonaria) in relation to their breeding environment, since there is human-animal proximity, which can lead to an amphixenosis. The interaction between humans and animals is a determining factor in the increased susceptibility to transmission of certain zoonoses, since some of these animals, often unconventional pets, may be of illegal origin. Animal trafficking becomes evident as it is a major contributor to the spread of pathogens, due to several factors. Our research extended from November 2023 to March 2024, seeking to demonstrate the presence of Salmonella spp in tortoises. The present study was carried out through swabs that were gently rubbed onto the cloaca of the animals. Soon after, the bacterial culture process was started in a petri dish with the following culture media: SS Agar and EMB Agar. The research showed a high frequency of Salmonella and, in disagreement with the other research, a small frequency of Escherichia coli was found. It was possible to conclude that the evaluated samples had a high frequency of positive samples for salmonella.

WILDLIFE TRAFFICKING IN NORTH AND SOUTHEAST OF BRAZIL: 5 YEARS OF STUDY

Trafficking of wild animals has been identified as an exceptionally lucrative activity. Mammals, along with birds and reptiles, are among the most traded animals nationally and internationally. The aim of this paper was to characterize and quantify the species of birds, reptiles and mammals trafficked in the North and Southeast of Brazil. Overall, from 2015 to 2020, approximately 2775 animals were seized, accounting for 1853 specimens of birds, 803 reptiles and 119 mammals. Concerning the conservation status of the species, most belong to the Least Concern category, however, there are threatened species contemplating all the IUCN categories. Trafficking in exotic wildlife raises issues that still need attention and it may result in abandoned animals or invasion of species in balanced environments. In view of this, the profile of trafficked wildlife is necessary in Brazil and other countries, making it possible to combat trafficking as well as implement conservation measures.

TRÁFICO ILICITO DE ANIMAIS SILVESTRES

Animal trafficking has been gaining momentum in Brazil and, as a result of this crime, it has become one of the main causes of threats to animals, endangered species and biodiversity. The illegal trade in these animals is the third largest trafficking, behind only arms and drug trafficking, with exorbitant numbers of animals exploited, with approximately 38 million animals being removed from Brazil each year. It is estimated that for every 10 animals stolen from their natural habitat, 9 do not survive due to the precarious conditions they are subjected to during transportation, which is one of the main reasons for the threat to biodiversity. Since this is a crime that produces several negative effects and occurs mostly to satisfy human desires, stricter laws need to be regulated to reduce this crime, considering that in addition to the low routine imposed, sometimes the penalty is not properly applied, leaving the crime unpunished so that the act continues and more animals become victims of this situation. The topic of animal trafficking involves several fields, going beyond the possible loss of biodiversity, such as violation of animal welfare, ecology, law, biology, public health, mistreatment, ethics, among others, thus offering a possible opportunity for comprehensive and multidisciplinary research, enriching academic knowledge and bringing more visibility to the subject. The study of this topic contributes to the understanding and awareness about environmental protection, in addition to affecting not only ecosystems, but also social, economic and public health consequences. In view of the facts mentioned, investigating this problem can help identify solutions to mitigate its negative impacts on society.

Towards a Comprehensive Definition of Pandemics and Strategies for Prevention: A Historical Review and Future Perspectives.

The lack of a universally accepted definition of a pandemic hinders a comprehensive understanding of and effective response to these global health crises. Current definitions often lack quantitative criteria, rendering them vague and limiting their utility. Here, we propose a refined definition that considers the likelihood of susceptible individuals contracting an infectious disease that culminates in widespread global transmission, increased morbidity and mortality, and profound societal, economic, and political consequences. Applying this definition retrospectively, we identify 22 pandemics that occurred between 165 and 2024 AD and were caused by a variety of diseases, including smallpox (Antonine and American), plague (Justinian, Black Death, and Third Plague), cholera (seven pandemics), influenza (two Russian, Spanish, Asian, Hong Kong, and swine), AIDS, and coronaviruses (SARS, MERS, and COVID-19). This work presents a comprehensive analysis of past pandemics caused by both emerging and re-emerging pathogens, along with their epidemiological characteristics, societal impact, and evolution of public health responses. We also highlight the need for proactive measures to reduce the risk of future pandemics. These strategies include prioritizing surveillance of emerging zoonotic pathogens, conserving biodiversity to counter wildlife trafficking, and minimizing the potential for zoonotic spillover events. In addition, interventions such as promoting alternative protein sources, enforcing the closure of live animal markets in biodiversity-rich regions, and fostering global collaboration among diverse stakeholders are critical to preventing future pandemics. Crucially, improving wildlife surveillance systems will require the concerted efforts of local, national and international entities, including laboratories, field researchers, wildlife conservationists, government agencies and other stakeholders. By fostering collaborative networks and establishing robust biorepositories, we can strengthen our collective capacity to detect, monitor, and mitigate the emergence and transmission of zoonotic pathogens.

Synergistic Threats to Wild Fauna in Ecuador: Using a Novel Data Source to Estimate the Impacts of Trafficking and Human–Wildlife Conflict

Wildlife trafficking and human–wildlife conflict are major causes of species decline. The illegal nature of wildlife trafficking makes it hard, and sometimes dangerous, to study. ‘Mansión Mascota’ is a veterinary clinic in Guayaquil, Ecuador, which, through agreement with the Ecuadorian Ministry of the Environment, receives confiscated wildlife for treatment. Mansión Mascota also receives injured and abandoned wildlife brought in by the authorities and the public. Between January 2018 and September 2022, the clinic received 3212 wild animals from ≥171 taxa, including mammals, birds, reptiles, and amphibians. Through the classification of records based on reported use, native distribution, and evidence of capture/pet keeping, we were able to classify 1127 animals of 68 species as subject to wildlife trafficking. Turtles were the most abundant group (69%). The majority of turtles (91%) and primates (80%) were of Amazonian origin, whereas 90% of psittacines and 97% of carnivores had potential coastal origins. Threatened and conservation-dependent species were common in the traffic. Furthermore, ≥955 animals of 106 species were brought to the clinic due to anthropogenic wildlife conflict. Trafficking, combined with the high number of injured animals, highlights the synergistic threats facing wildlife in Ecuador.

Role of local markets in illegal wildlife trade and conservation efforts for trafficked species

In recent years, there has been a noticeable increase in wildlife crime worldwide. In Benin, hunting activities are prevalent near protected areas, facilitating networks engaged in the illicit trade of wildlife products. Consequently, there is an urgent need to investigate the specific role of local markets in wildlife trafficking to support conservation efforts. This study examined 24 markets selling carcasses of animals and conducted interviews with forestry officers to compile a list of ex-situ wildlife management centres and the species they protect. A total of 161 wildlife species were identified, including 39 mammal species, 33 reptile species, and 89 bird species, whose products are traded in these markets. A substantial portion of these species is classified as endangered on the IUCN Red List and the appendices of the CITES convention. These products originate from both domestic and international sources, including Nigeria, Ghana, Burkina Faso, Niger, Cameroon, and Senegal. The beneficiaries of these trafficked products span populations in Benin, Nigeria, China, Burkina Faso, India, Ghana, Niger, and Togo. Interestingly, the proximity of markets to protected areas did not significantly impact species richness within the markets, although traded species reflected those found in protected areas. Furthermore, our investigation revealed 20 ex-situ wildlife management centres in Benin, demonstrating a strong correlation between species managed ex-situ and those traded. This study highlights the substantial pressure exerted by illegal wildlife trade on conservation efforts in Benin.

Wild animal trafficking in Brazil: challenges for fauna protection

Wild animal trafficking in Brazil: challenges for fauna protection

Forensic species identification: practical guide for animal and plant DNA analysis

The importance of non-human DNA in the forensic field has increased greatly in recent years, together with the type of applications. The molecular species identification of animal and botanical material may be crucial both for wildlife trafficking and crime scene investigation. However, especially for forensic botany, several challenges slow down the implementation of the discipline in the routine.Although the importance of molecular analysis of animal origin samples is widely recognized and the same value is acknowledged to the botanical counterpart, the latter does not find the same degree of application.The availability of molecular methods, especially useful in cases where the material is fragmented, scarce or spoiled preventing the morphological identification, is not well known. This work is intended to reaffirm the relevance of non-human forensic genetics (NHFG), highlighting differences, benefits and pitfalls of the current most common molecular analysis workflow for animal and botanical samples, giving a practical guide. A flowchart describing the analysis paths, divided in three major working areas (inspection and sampling, molecular analysis, data processing and interpretation), is provided. More real casework examples of the utility of non-human evidence in forensic investigations should be shared by the scientific community, especially for plants. Moreover, concrete efforts to encourage initiatives in order to promote quality and standardization in the NHFG field are also needed.

Illegal Activities for Survival: Understanding the Influence of Household Livelihood Security on Biodiversity Conservation in Tanzania

Illegal access of resources within protected areas to meet basic needs plays a significant role in the interaction between individuals, protected areas, and neighboring communities in Africa. However, our understanding of how household livelihoods are linked to this type of illegal access at a household level is limited. Additionally, research on poaching tends to focus on commercial poaching and wildlife trafficking. This study addresses this gap by examining the complex relationship between three types of livelihood security (i.e., food security, financial security, and educational security) and the likelihood of participating in illegal activities in communities surrounding Tanzania’s Mkomazi National Park. To gather data, we surveyed 267 heads of household in 8 villages that were randomly selected out of the 22 villages that border Mkomazi National Park. Structural modeling analysis was used to analyze the data. Our findings indicate that food security is the primary driver of engagement in illegal activities within the park; education security and financial security have limited influence on the likelihood of subsistence poaching when accounting for food security. Interestingly, we observed a correlation between financial security and increased illegal grazing, which can be attributed to individuals with greater financial means purchasing more cattle and thereby increasing the demand for fodder. Addressing food security should be prioritized in efforts to mitigate subsistence poaching within protected areas. Our research highlights the importance of developing sustainable alternatives to ensure food security and meet other essential needs in communities adjacent to Mkomazi National Park. By striking a balance between improving livelihoods and fostering conservation efforts, conservation and development organizations can work towards a sustainable future for both protected areas and people.

WILDLIFE CONSERVATION: AN ANALYSIS OF MALAYSIA’S LEGAL FRAMEWORK FOR COMBATING ILLEGAL WILDLIFE TRADE AND ENFORCING CITES COMPLIANCE TOWARDS A SUSTAINABLE FUTURE

Wildlife conservation represents a significant global challenge, particularly in nations abundant with biodiversity like Malaysia, where illegal wildlife trafficking jeopardises ecosystems and threatens endangered species. This paper analyses Malaysia's legal framework concerning wildlife conservation and its harmonisation with international agreements, notably the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES). Through an extensive examination of statutes and policies, this study elucidates Malaysia's endeavours to combat illegal wildlife trade and uphold adherence to CITES regulations. A central aspect of this analysis involves exploring Malaysia's strategy in reconciling conservation priorities with socio-economic considerations amidst the complexities of sustainable development. By critically assessing Malaysia's conservation landscape, this paper seeks to inform policymakers, engage stakeholders, and catalyse collective efforts towards fostering a more sustainable coexistence between wildlife and humanity.