Tiger populations have risen in some countries, such as Bhutan, Nepal and India, but the global population of the big cat species remains critically endangered, says Debbie Banks, campaign lead for tigers and wildlife crime at the Environmental Investigation Agency. The global tiger population was recorded at roughly 5,574 in 2022, with the species having […]
Tag: wildlife crime
Idaho Fish and Game bust ‘network’ of poachers who illegally killed 35 animals
Seventeen men were convicted of poaching crimes in Idaho and two more are at large after a two-year investigation into a “network” of people illegally killing dozens of animals. Idaho Department of Fish and Game conservation officers led the investigation after discovering a group of hunters they suspected of illegally taking game animals in the […]
Massive turtle bust in Mexico reveals ‘Wild West’ of wildlife trafficking
In undercover raids carried out in late September, Mexican authorities discovered 2,339 wild-caught turtles crammed into bins in five locations in Jalisco and Baja California states. Along with the live reptiles, they found a massive stash of other illegal wildlife products that are coveted as delicacies in East Asia: 1,569 kilograms (3,459 pounds) of sea […]
Wildlife crime cases can be solved with genetic forensics
Wildlife crime scenes rarely feature fingerprints or cameras. Instead, investigators are turning to bits of tissue, feathers, and soil-stained knives that hide genetic clues linking poachers, poisoned bait, and endangered animals. A study from the Hebrew University of Jerusalem detailed a toolkit that pulls those clues together and makes them stick in court. Dr. Gila […]
New Global Wildlife Crime Report Finds 4,000 Species Being Targeted in 162 Countries
A new report from the United Nations’ Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) has found that more than 4,000 wildlife species are targeted worldwide for illegal trade, and about 162 countries have active illegal wildlife trading. According to the latest edition of the UNODC’s World Wildlife Crime Report, the third of its kind, more than […]
Scottish grouse moors to be licensed in attempt to protect birds of prey
Grouse moors across Scotland will be required to hold licences and could face shooting bans as part of radical measures to combat bird of prey persecution passed by MSPs on Thursday. The Scottish parliament voted for the controls amid intense pressure from conservation scientists and campaigners after decades of illegal attacks on birds of prey […]
Organized Crime in Cyprus Kills Over 400,000 Songbirds
A recent report has revealed a grim reality: over 400,000 songbirds were trapped and slaughtered in Cyprus during the autumn of 2023, marking a distressing surge in wildlife crime. The findings, compiled by BirdLife Cyprus with Support from the RSPB and the Committee Against Birds Slaughter (Cabs), shed light on an ongoing issue that threatens […]
Where do illegal lion parts come from? A new tool offers answers
Over the past 50 years, lion numbers have decreased by three-quarters. Only 20,000 to 40,000 of these majestic big cats survive in the wild today. A third of lion deaths are a result of poaching, and even where lions are killed in retaliation over livestock predation, in many cases their body parts are harvested for […]