Current situation.

What is the current situation in animal trafficking?

 Animal trafficking has transformed itself into one of the largest transnational organised criminal activities alongside drug trafficking, weapons and human trafficking. It has developed into a multi-billion dollars. Every year, over 20,000 elephants are killed for their ivory. In 2015, more than 1,200 rhinos were poached in Africa, up from just 60 in 2006.

Many other species such as turtles, large cats, cycads, marine fish, orchids and timber are also subject to alarming levels of illegal trade, underlining the need for concerted action to tackle this trade. 

In February 2016, an ambitious plan to trackle wildlife trafficking was lanunched by the European Commission, supporting a variety of initiatives. All EU Member States are signatories of the (CITES), which works to ensure that international trade in wild animals and plants does not threaten their survival.

Part by: Alonso and Elisa.