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Wildlife trade and trafficking

The illegal trade of wildlife, worth roughly $19 billion (17 billion euros) each year, is the world's fourth largest illegal international trade - after narcotics, counterfeiting, and human trafficking.

Trade and traffic in animals is many driving species around the world toward extinction. Efforts are being made to stem the trade. Below is an automated compilation of DW content on wildlife trade and trafficking.

A mission to protect southern Africa's threatened pangolins

A mission to protect southern Africa's threatened pangolins 04.04.2022

Pangolins, sought after for their meat and scales, are the world's most trafficked mammals. Meet the organizations in Africa trying to safeguard these endangered scaly animals.

Poaching in Germany: An underestimated problem?

Poaching in Germany: An underestimated problem? 06.02.2022

Only about 1,000 cases of poaching are reported in Germany per year. But as poachers often carry illegal firearms, police takes the issue seriously.
Group rescues snakes from witchcraft rituals in Kenya

Group rescues snakes from witchcraft rituals in Kenya 02.12.2021

Some Kenyans see snakes as cursed, and so poach and capture them for witchcraft rituals. A group has been rescuing the reptiles, helping scientists conduct important biological research.
South Africa flies 30 white rhinos to Rwanda

South Africa flies 30 white rhinos to Rwanda 30.11.2021

It was the largest single transfer of white rhinos ever undertaken. The species is threatened by illegal poaching.
Making traditional Chinese medicine from lab-grown meat

Making traditional Chinese medicine from lab-grown meat 05.10.2021

Could synthetic tiger claw and bear bile counteract the illegal market for animal products and help protect endangered species?

Protecting rare gorillas in Cameroon

Protecting rare gorillas in Cameroon 24.08.2021

Villagers and scientists are working together to protect rare primates in the Ebo rainforest.
South Africa: Rhino killings on the rise after lockdown curbs ease

South Africa: Rhino killings on the rise after lockdown curbs ease 31.07.2021

The Kruger National Park in South Africa is where most of the country's rhino are being slaughtered. Authorities are battling to protect the species from poaching gangs.
How identifying hotspots of zoonotic disease could prevent another pandemic

How identifying hotspots of zoonotic disease could prevent another pandemic 06.07.2021

Researchers have developed a tool to assess wildlife markets for risks of zoonotic outbreaks. It can help governments decide on courses of action, with strict veterinary requirements potentially more effective than bans.
Burkina Faso: Spanish and Irish nationals killed in ambush

Burkina Faso: Spanish and Irish nationals killed in ambush 28.04.2021

Security sources say an anti-poaching patrol accompanied by Western journalists was targeted by armed attackers. Two Spanish and one Irish citizen were confirmed to have been killed.
African elephants face extinction due to poaching, shrinking habitats

African elephants face extinction due to poaching, shrinking habitats 25.03.2021

African elephant populations have decreased dramatically over the past decades, due to the illegal ivory trade and habitat loss, an NGO has said. Conservationists have said only 415,000 elephants remain on the continent.
Coronavirus: A death sentence for China's live animal markets

Coronavirus: A death sentence for China's live animal markets 25.03.2021

The coronavirus pandemic has pushed China to shut down its live animal markets for good. But that doesn't mean that the wildlife trade is over or that the risk of a future outbreak is behind us.

The Colombian frog farm trying to put animal traffickers out of business

The Colombian frog farm trying to put animal traffickers out of business 17.03.2021

In one of the world’s most biodiverse countries, thousands of animals fall victim to poaching each year. Could captive breeding projects help save some from extinction?
DW Business – Europe & America

DW Business – Europe & America 03.03.2021

Google phasing out multi-website ad tracking - Business pins hopes on Coronavirus self-test - South African tourism operators eye recovery

Sign of hope for South Africa's tourism 03.03.2021

The tourism sector in Africa's largest economy has been hit hard by the pandemic. Thousands lost their jobs, many businesses had to close. But one unique lodge recently opened near old railway bridge in Kruger Park.
DW Business Africa

DW Business Africa 03.03.2021

G20 countries boost funds for IMF - South African tourism operators eye recovery - German clothing producers struggle as shops remain closed
ICYMI: Positive stories from around the world 

ICYMI: Positive stories from around the world  05.02.2021

A free taxi service to coronavirus vaccination centers for the elderly and a drop in rhino poaching in South Africa. Read on for some more good stories that you may have missed this week.
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